You're probably saying it right now. Or you just said it thirty seconds ago while describing that weird thing that happened at the grocery store. "Like" has become the duct tape of the English language—it holds our sentences together, fills the awkward silences, and gives us a second to think when our brains stall out. But honestly, using the same filler word every four seconds is kinda exhausting for the listener. Finding another term for like isn't just about sounding "smarter" or more formal; it’s about actually saying what you mean instead of leaning on a linguistic crutch that’s lost its edge.
Language evolves. We know this. Linguists like Alexandra D’Arcy have spent years studying "like" as a discourse marker, noting that it actually serves a purpose in signaling focus or quoting others. It isn't just "lazy" speech. But when you’re writing a cover letter, trying to impress a date, or explaining a complex project to your boss, that one little word starts to feel pretty heavy. We get stuck in a loop. We use it to compare things, to express enjoyment, or just to take up space.
Breaking the habit requires more than a thesaurus. It requires a shift in how you visualize your thoughts. If you’re looking for a different way to express yourself, you have to figure out which "like" you’re trying to replace. Are you comparing two things? Are you saying you enjoy something? Or are you just trying to stop saying "um" and "uh" with a slightly more trendy syllable?
The Comparison Trap: Better Ways to Match Things Up
When we use "like" to compare, we’re often being vague. "It was like a movie." Okay, but what does that actually mean? Was it cinematic? Was it surreal? Was it scripted?
If you want another term for like in a comparative sense, "similar to" is the old reliable, but it’s a bit dry. It feels like a textbook. Instead, try "reminiscent of" if you're talking about a feeling or a memory. It carries more weight. It suggests a deeper connection.
Imagine you're describing a meal. Instead of saying it tasted like your grandma's cooking, you could say it echoed the flavors of your childhood. "Echoed" is a beautiful verb. It implies a lingering quality. Other options include "akin to," which sounds slightly more academic but works wonders in professional writing. Or "parallel to," if you're talking about two situations that are unfolding in the same way.
Then there’s "analogous." Use that one sparingly. It’s a big word. It can make you sound like you’re trying too hard if you drop it into a casual chat about Netflix shows. But in a business strategy meeting? It’s perfect. It shows you understand the structural relationship between two different concepts.
When You Actually Enjoy Something
We use "like" as a catch-all for "I don't hate this." I like this coffee. I like your shoes. I like the way the sun hits the buildings at 5:00 PM. It’s fine, but it’s flavorless. It’s the beige paint of vocabulary.
If you’re searching for another term for like because you want to show genuine enthusiasm, get specific. Do you "fancy" it? (That’s very British, but it works). Are you "fond of" it? That suggests a long-term, gentle affection. If it’s something more intense, you might "relish" the experience or "appreciate" the craftsmanship.
Think about the difference between "I like your ideas" and "I value your perspective." The second one feels like a compliment. The first one feels like a head nod.
In the world of social media, "like" is a literal button. We’ve been conditioned to think in binary: you either like it or you don't. But human emotion is a spectrum. You might be "intrigued by" a new art style or "drawn to" a certain type of music. These aren't just synonyms; they are more accurate descriptions of your internal state. Using "admire" or "savor" gives the person you're talking to a much clearer picture of your vibe.
The Filler Word Problem (And How to Kill It)
This is the hardest part. The "like" that pops up between every three words. "So, I was, like, going to the store, and then, like, I saw this guy..."
This isn't really a vocabulary issue. It's a rhythm issue. Most people use "like" as a "discourse marker." It tells the listener, "Hey, I’m still talking, don't interrupt me yet while I find the next word."
If you want another term for like here, the best replacement is actually silence.
Pausing is terrifying. We think silence makes us look slow. In reality, it makes us look confident. A well-placed pause gives your words more impact. But if you absolutely must use a filler, try words that actually guide the listener. "Specifically," "essentially," or "effectively" can sometimes fill that gap, though you have to be careful not to overdo those either.
Another trick is to use "roughly" or "approximately" when you’re using "like" to mean "around."
- "It was like ten o'clock."
- "It was approximately ten o'clock."
It feels more precise, even if you’re still guessing. It changes the tone from a casual observation to a definitive statement.
Professional Alternatives for the Workplace
In a professional setting, the word "like" can subtly undermine your authority. It makes things sound tentative. When you say, "The results were like what we expected," it sounds like you’re not quite sure what you expected.
Try "consistent with."
"The results were consistent with our projections."
See the difference? It’s the same information, but the second version sounds like it came from someone who knows their data inside and out.
If you're comparing two software platforms, don't say one is "like" the other. Say it "mirrors the functionality" or "shares a common architecture." You’re providing specific technical context. You’re showing that you aren't just looking at the surface; you’re looking at the mechanics.
Here are a few more professional pivots:
- Instead of "It’s like," use "Such as" (for examples).
- Instead of "I’d like," use "I would prefer" or "I am inclined toward."
- Instead of "It’s kind of like," use "It bears a resemblance to."
The Psychological Impact of Word Choice
Why does this matter? Because the words we choose shape how people perceive our competence. A study by the University of Pennsylvania's positive psychology department suggests that the nuances in our language can affect our own mood and the rapport we build with others.
When you use a varied vocabulary, you’re engaging more of the listener’s brain. You’re painting a more vivid picture. "Like" is a smudge; "reminiscent" is a brushstroke.
If you tell a friend their new apartment is "like a sanctuary," it carries a different weight than just saying you "like" it. You are attributing a specific quality—peace, safety, holiness—to the space. You are being a better communicator.
Common Misconceptions About "Like"
There is a big misconception that "like" is only used by "Valley Girls" or teenagers. That’s just not true. Linguists have found that people across all demographics use it. It’s a universal feature of modern English.
Another myth is that you should never use the word "like." That’s also wrong. "Like" is a perfectly good word. The problem isn't the word itself; it’s the over-reliance on it. When a word becomes a default, it loses its meaning. It becomes white noise.
You don't need to purge it from your vocabulary entirely. You just need to have other tools in your belt so you don't have to use a hammer for every single job. Sometimes you need a screwdriver. Sometimes you need a level.
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Actionable Steps to Diversify Your Language
Don't try to change everything overnight. You'll end up sounding like a robot that swallowed a dictionary. Instead, try these specific, small changes to find another term for like in your daily life:
The "Such As" Swap: Next time you are giving an example, catch yourself before you say "like." Force yourself to say "such as." It’s a tiny change, but it immediately makes you sound more organized. "I enjoy outdoor activities such as hiking and kayaking" sounds significantly more structured than "I like outdoor stuff like hiking."
Record Yourself: This is painful. Nobody likes the sound of their own voice. But record a two-minute voice memo of yourself telling a story about your day. Listen back and count the "likes." You’ll probably be shocked. Just being aware of the frequency is usually enough to start a natural correction process.
Identify Your "Category": Determine which version of "like" you over-use. If it's the "quotative like" (e.g., "She was like, 'No way!'"), try replacing it with "said," "replied," or "exclaimed." If it's the filler "like," practice the two-second pause.
Expand Your Adjectives: Often we use "like" because we can't find the right adjective. If you say something is "like, really big," you’re using "like" as a buffer. Try "immense," "vast," or "substantial" instead.
Read More Narrative Non-Fiction: Writers in this genre are masters of comparison without using the word "like." Look at how they use metaphors and similes. They might say a city "sprawled across the valley" rather than "was like a big city in the valley."
The "Prefer" Pivot: In restaurants or meetings, replace "I'd like" with "I'll have" or "I would prefer." It’s more direct. It shows a higher level of certainty.
The goal isn't to be perfect. The goal is to be expressive. The next time you find that word sitting on the tip of your tongue, take a breath. Ask yourself: what am I actually trying to say? Is it similar? Does it remind me of something? Do I enjoy it? Once you answer that, the right word—the better word—will usually show up.
Next Steps for Mastery
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Start small. Tomorrow, pick one specific situation—maybe a meeting or a phone call with a parent—and commit to not using "like" as a filler for that entire duration. Focus on the pause. If you find yourself about to use it for a comparison, reach for "resembles" or "similar to." This intentional practice builds the neural pathways necessary to make these alternatives your new default. You aren't just changing a word; you're sharpening your mind.