Have you ever needed to describe something worthy of attention or notice but felt that “remarkable” was too formal or repetitive? You want to capture the specific sense of being extraordinary, noteworthy, or striking, and the word “remarkable” comes to mind. Choosing the right synonym for “remarkable” can transform a basic observation into a precise expression of distinction, impressiveness, or significance. This guide explores the best synonyms of remarkable, explaining exactly which word to use and when.
Quick Answer: “Remarkable” means worthy of attention or notice, extraordinary, or striking. For formal writing, choose noteworthy or exceptional. For casual conversation, use amazing or impressive. For emphasis, use extraordinary or phenomenal. For a milder tone, use notable or striking.
Meaning, Tone, and Context
Understanding the core meaning of “remarkable” is the first step to using it effectively.
Simple Definition: Worthy of attention or notice; extraordinary; striking; unusual in a way that attracts notice.
Part of Speech: Adjective.
Overall Tone: Positive and emphatic. It indicates admiration and distinction.
Formality Level: Neutral to formal. The word is appropriate in most contexts.
Common Uses: Native English speakers use it to describe achievements (“remarkable feat”), people (“remarkable talent”), events (“remarkable coincidence”), and qualities (“remarkable resilience”).
Word Forms: Related words include the adverb remarkably and the noun remarkableness.
When and How to Use “Remarkable”
“Remarkable” is the perfect choice when you want to describe something worthy of notice or admiration. Here are seven realistic examples.
Professional: “The team achieved remarkable results this quarter.”
Academic: “The study revealed remarkable findings about memory.”
Workplace: “Her remarkable dedication inspired the entire department.”
Personal: “He has a remarkable ability to remember names.”
Email: “We received a remarkable response to our campaign.”
Resume: “Delivered remarkable performance in a challenging environment.”
Social Media: “The sunset was truly remarkable.”
Best Synonyms of “Remarkable”
No synonym is identical in every situation. Here is your guide to the best replacement for “remarkable” based on your writing context.
For Formal and Academic Contexts
Most Direct: Noteworthy means worthy of attention. “The noteworthy discovery changed the field.”
Exceptional: Exceptional means unusually excellent. “Her exceptional performance earned her a promotion.”
Notable: Notable means worthy of attention. “The notable achievement was celebrated.”
Distinguished: Distinguished means successful and respected. “The distinguished scientist received the award.”
For Emphasis and Strong Impact
Extraordinary: Extraordinary means beyond ordinary. “The extraordinary effort paid off.”
Phenomenal: Phenomenal means remarkable. “The phenomenal growth surprised investors.”
Outstanding: Outstanding means exceptionally good. “The outstanding service was praised.”
Extraordinary: Extraordinary means very unusual. “The extraordinary coincidence amazed everyone.”
For Casual and Conversational Contexts
Amazing: Amazing means causing wonder. “The view was amazing.”
Impressive: Impressive means evoking admiration. “The impressive display impressed everyone.”
Incredible: Incredible means impossible to believe. “The incredible recovery surprised doctors.”
Awesome: Awesome means inspiring awe. “The awesome power of nature.”
For Specific Qualities
Striking: Striking means attracting attention. “The striking resemblance was uncanny.”
Unusual: Unusual means not common. “The unusual behavior concerned them.”
Singular: Singular means exceptionally unique. “Her singular talent stood out.”
Memorable: Memorable means worth remembering. “The memorable experience stayed with her.”
When Not to Use “Remarkable”
Using “remarkable” can sound wrong or awkward in certain situations.
When You Mean “Good”: “Remarkable” is stronger than “good.”
Better Choice: Good or great. “The meal was good.”
When It Sounds Too Formal: In casual conversation, “remarkable” can sound stiff.
Better Choice: Amazing or cool. “That is amazing.”
When You Mean “Different”: “Remarkable” is positive. “Different” is neutral.
Better Choice: Different or unusual. “The design is different.”
Words Commonly Confused With “Remarkable”
| Word | Difference | When to Use | Example |
|---|---|---|---|
| Exceptional | Unusually excellent | Formal and professional | “Exceptional performance.” |
| Noteworthy | Worthy of attention | Formal and academic | “A noteworthy discovery.” |
| Extraordinary | Beyond ordinary | Emphatic and dramatic | “An extraordinary achievement.” |
| Impressive | Evoking admiration | General and professional | “An impressive result.” |
| Notable | Worthy of attention | Formal and general | “A notable achievement.” |
| Outstanding | Exceptionally good | Professional and academic | “Outstanding performance.” |
Best Synonyms of “Remarkable” by Context
| Context | Best Synonym | Why It Works | Example |
|---|---|---|---|
| Formal writing | Noteworthy | Formal and precise | “The noteworthy discovery was published.” |
| Academic writing | Exceptional | Standard in research | “The exceptional findings were noted.” |
| Professional | Outstanding | Professional and strong | “The outstanding performance was recognized.” |
| Business | Impressive | Business and clear | “The impressive growth continued.” |
| Casual | Amazing | Simple and natural | “The view was amazing.” |
| Emotional | Extraordinary | Evokes wonder | “The extraordinary effort was inspiring.” |
| Descriptive | Striking | Attracts attention | “The striking resemblance was clear.” |
How to Choose the Best Synonym of “Remarkable”
Choosing the right word is a simple decision. Answer these questions.
What type of remarkable am I describing? For formal, use noteworthy or exceptional. And for emphasis, use extraordinary or phenomenal. For casual, use amazing or impressive.
What is my audience? For a formal report, use noteworthy or exceptional. For a friend, use amazing or cool.
What is my purpose? Are you praising, describing, or analyzing? The correct synonym depends entirely on this.
What is the emotional strength? Extraordinary and phenomenal are stronger. Notable is milder. Pick the one that matches your message.
Real Life Examples of “Remarkable”
School: Basic: “The student’s progress is remarkable.” Improved: “The student’s progress is exceptional.”
College: Basic: “The discovery was remarkable.” Improved: “The discovery was noteworthy and significant.”
Workplace: Basic: “Her work is remarkable.” Improved: “Her work is outstanding and consistently exceeds expectations.”
Business: Basic: “The growth is remarkable.” Improved: “The growth is impressive and exceeds projections.”
Email: Basic: “Remarkable news!” Improved: “Extraordinary news!”
Conversation: Basic: “That is remarkable.” Improved: “That is amazing.”
Storytelling: Basic: “The remarkable event changed everything.” Improved: “The extraordinary event changed everything.”
Top 10 Synonyms of “Remarkable”
| Synonym | Simple Meaning | Best Used For | Example Sentence |
|---|---|---|---|
| Noteworthy | Worthy of attention | Formal and academic | “The noteworthy discovery changed the field.” |
| Exceptional | Unusually excellent | Formal and professional | “Her exceptional performance was recognized.” |
| Extraordinary | Beyond ordinary | Emphatic and dramatic | “The extraordinary effort paid off.” |
| Notable | Worthy of attention | Formal and general | “The notable achievement was celebrated.” |
| Outstanding | Exceptionally good | Professional and academic | “The outstanding service was praised.” |
| Phenomenal | Remarkable | Emphatic and positive | “The phenomenal growth surprised investors.” |
| Impressive | Evoking admiration | General and professional | “The impressive display impressed everyone.” |
| Amazing | Causing wonder | Casual and emotional | “The view was amazing.” |
| Striking | Attracting attention | Descriptive and formal | “The striking resemblance was uncanny.” |
| Distinguished | Successful and respected | Formal and professional | “The distinguished scientist received the award.” |
Synonyms of “Remarkable” by Usage
Professional vs. Personal Synonyms
In the workplace, choose outstanding, exceptional, or impressive. With friends, use amazing, incredible, or cool.
Formal vs. Conversational Synonyms
For formal writing, use noteworthy, exceptional, or distinguished. For casual conversations, use amazing, impressive, or awesome.
Academic Synonyms
For research and essays, choose noteworthy for findings, exceptional for results, and significant for implications.
Professional and Business Synonyms
For maximum impact, choose outstanding for performance, impressive for growth, and exceptional for service.
Creative and Literary Synonyms
To add emotion and imagery, choose extraordinary, striking, or memorable. These words create atmosphere.
Slang or Modern Synonyms
In modern American slang, amazing, awesome, epic, or mind-blowing are common. For example, “That was epic.” These are casual and should be avoided in formal writing.
Strongest to Mildest Synonyms
Mild: notable, striking, unusual
Moderate: remarkable, noteworthy, impressive
Strong: exceptional, extraordinary, outstanding
Very Strong: phenomenal, extraordinary, distinguished
Emotional vs. Neutral Synonyms
Emotional Synonyms: Extraordinary, phenomenal, amazing. These words hint at wonder and admiration. Use them when you want to evoke feeling.
Neutral Synonyms: Remarkable, noteworthy, notable. These words communicate factual information.
Antonyms of “Remarkable”
| Antonym | Meaning | Example Sentence |
|---|---|---|
| Ordinary | Normal, not special | “It was an ordinary day.” |
| Common | Occurring frequently | “A common occurrence.” |
| Unremarkable | Not notable | “An unremarkable event.” |
| Average | Middle of the range | “Average performance.” |
| Typical | Representing the usual case | “A typical example.” |
| Mundane | Dull and ordinary | “Mundane tasks.” |
| Forgettable | Not memorable | “The movie was forgettable.” |
| Insignificant | Not important | “The detail was insignificant.” |
| Unimpressive | Not impressive | “The result was unimpressive.” |
| Mediocre | Of only moderate quality | “The food was mediocre.” |
| Commonplace | Ordinary and not unusual | “A commonplace event.” |
| Routine | Regular and habitual | “A routine check.” |
| Standard | The usual or expected | “Standard procedure.” |
| Normal | Conforming to the standard | “Normal behavior.” |
| Everyday | Common and usual | “Everyday life.” |
Comparison: “Remarkable” vs Similar Words
Remarkable vs. Exceptional
Main Difference: “Remarkable” is noteworthy. “Exceptional” is unusually excellent.
Which Is Stronger? “Exceptional” is stronger.
Which Is More Formal? Both are formal.
When to Use Each: Use “exceptional” for excellence. Use “remarkable” for general contexts.
Examples:
Remarkable: “A remarkable achievement.”
Exceptional: “Exceptional performance.”
Remarkable vs. Extraordinary
Main Difference: “Remarkable” is noteworthy. “Extraordinary” is beyond ordinary.
Which Is Stronger? “Extraordinary” is stronger.
Which Is More Formal? Both are formal.
When to Use Each: Use “extraordinary” for emphasis. Use “remarkable” for general contexts.
Examples:
Remarkable: “A remarkable coincidence.”
Extraordinary: “An extraordinary coincidence.”
Remarkable vs. Noteworthy
Main Difference: They are nearly identical. “Noteworthy” is slightly more formal.
Which Is Stronger? They are similar.
Which Is More Formal? “Noteworthy” is more formal.
When to Use Each: Use “noteworthy” in formal writing. Use “remarkable” for general contexts.
Examples:
Remarkable: “A remarkable discovery.”
Noteworthy: “A noteworthy discovery.”
Remarkable vs. Impressive
Main Difference: “Remarkable” is noteworthy. “Impressive” evokes admiration.
Which Is Stronger? “Remarkable” is stronger.
Which Is More Formal? Both are formal.
When to Use Each: Use “impressive” for results. Use “remarkable” for general contexts.
Examples:
Remarkable: “A remarkable achievement.”
Impressive: “An impressive result.”
Remarkable vs. Outstanding
Main Difference: “Remarkable” is noteworthy. “Outstanding” is exceptionally good.
Which Is Stronger? “Outstanding” is stronger for quality.
Which Is More Formal? Both are formal.
When to Use Each: Use “outstanding” for performance. Use “remarkable” for general contexts.
Examples:
Remarkable: “A remarkable effort.”
Outstanding: “Outstanding performance.”
Remarkable vs. Phenomenal
Main Difference: “Remarkable” is noteworthy. “Phenomenal” is extraordinary.
Which Is Stronger? “Phenomenal” is stronger.
Which Is More Formal? Both are formal.
When to Use Each: Use “phenomenal” for growth. Use “remarkable” for general contexts.
Examples:
Remarkable: “A remarkable growth.”
Phenomenal: “Phenomenal growth.”
Common Phrases and Expressions with “Remarkable”
Phrase: Remarkable achievement
Meaning: An impressive accomplishment.
Example Sentence: “Winning the championship was a remarkable achievement.”
Phrase: Remarkable progress
Meaning: Significant improvement.
Example Sentence: “The patient made remarkable progress.”
Phrase: Remarkable resemblance
Meaning: A striking similarity.
Example Sentence: “There is a remarkable resemblance between the two sisters.”
Phrase: Remarkable talent
Meaning: Exceptional ability.
Example Sentence: “She has remarkable talent for music.”
Phrase: Remarkable recovery
Meaning: An impressive return to health.
Example Sentence: “The remarkable recovery surprised the doctors.”
Phrase: Remarkable coincidence
Meaning: An unusual and surprising coincidence.
Example Sentence: “Meeting her there was a remarkable coincidence.”
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Mistake 1: Using “remarkable” when you mean “good”.
Incorrect: “The pizza was remarkable.”
Better: “The pizza was good.”
Why: “Remarkable” is stronger.
Mistake 2: Using “remarkable” in casual conversation.
Incorrect: “That movie was remarkable.”
Better: “That movie was amazing.”
Why: “Amazing” sounds more natural.
Mistake 3: Overusing “remarkable” in writing.
Incorrect: “The remarkable event was remarkable.”
Better: “The extraordinary event was unforgettable.”
Why: Avoid repetition.
Mistake 4: Using “remarkable” when you mean “exceptional”.
Incorrect: “Her remarkable performance was praised.”
Better: “Her exceptional performance was praised.”
Why: “Exceptional” is stronger for performance.
Mistake 5: Using “remarkable” when you mean “noteworthy”.
Incorrect: “The remarkable finding was published.”
Better: “The noteworthy finding was published.”
Why: “Noteworthy” is more formal.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. What are the best synonyms of “remarkable”?
The best synonyms depend on your context. For formal writing, choose noteworthy or exceptional. And for casual conversation, use amazing or impressive. For emphasis, use extraordinary or phenomenal.
2. What are the best formal synonyms of “remarkable”?
The best formal synonyms are noteworthy, exceptional, and distinguished. These words are suitable for academic papers, professional reports, and business communications.
3. What are common informal synonyms of “remarkable”?
For informal settings, use amazing, incredible, or awesome. These alternatives sound more natural in everyday conversation.
4. What is another word for “remarkable” in professional writing?
In professional writing, outstanding is an excellent choice. It conveys excellence. Exceptional is also strong for performance.
5. What is the difference between “remarkable” and “exceptional”?
“Remarkable” is noteworthy. “Exceptional” is unusually excellent. Use “exceptional” for higher praise.
6. What is the opposite of “remarkable”?
The most direct opposites (antonyms) of remarkable are ordinary, common, and unremarkable. These words describe things that are not special.
Conclusion
“Remarkable” is a powerful and positive word for describing things worthy of attention and admiration. The term is neutral and widely accepted in most contexts, yet it can sound too formal for casual conversation or too mild for extraordinary achievements. The best choice among the synonyms of remarkable depends entirely on your audience, tone, and purpose. For a formal, academic effect, use noteworthy or exceptional. For a practical, business context, outstanding or impressive works perfectly. And for emotional emphasis, choose extraordinary or phenomenal. For casual conversation, use amazing or awesome. Remember, no single synonym works perfectly in every situation. Your goal is to choose the word that communicates your message with the most clarity and impact. A practical tip for your vocabulary growth is to pay attention to how writers express admiration and practice using different synonyms in your writing.
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