I say “good” too much. “I’m good.” “Our trip was good.” “Class was good.” “That was really good.” Sometimes I even say “pretty good” to express measured ambivalence. “Good” is my drip-pan descriptor. As a result, all of its meaning leaks out and I’m left with a hollow verbal shell. Good is no longer good. It’s filler.

The answer, of course, is not to pick some other term to wear out. The answer is to vary my responses.

Here are ten substitutes for the word “good.” Try to throw them into a conversation. That way, when you do use “good,” it will not be a synonym for fluff:

  1. Profitable
  2. Pleasant
  3. Glorious
  4. Delectable
  5. Phenomenal
  6. Prodigious
  7. Gratifying
  8. Mirthful
  9. Worthwhile
  10. Delightful

May you find the exercise to be a prodigious experience of phenomenality.