Let’s be real. You’re probably overusing the word "highly." We all do it. It’s that easy, reliable crutch we lean on when we want to sound smart or emphasize a point without actually doing the hard work of picking a better adjective. You write "highly effective" or "highly recommended" and call it a day. But honestly? It’s boring. It’s the linguistic equivalent of unseasoned chicken. If you want people to actually read what you’re writing—especially in 2026 where everyone has the attention span of a caffeinated squirrel—you need to vary your vocabulary.
Finding other words for highly isn't just about flipping through a dusty thesaurus to find the longest word possible. It’s about precision. It’s about making sure your reader feels the weight of what you’re saying. When everything is "highly" something, then nothing is.
The Problem With Being Too High
The word "highly" is an intensifier. Its whole job is to take a base quality and crank the volume up to ten. The issue is that it's become a "ghost word." It’s so common that our brains just skip right over it. Think about the last time you read a corporate memo. I bet it was "highly anticipated" or "highly valued." Did you feel the excitement? Probably not. You likely felt like taking a nap.
Word choice matters because it signals expertise. If you're a developer talking about a "highly scalable" system, that’s fine. But if you say it’s an "indefinitely elastic" infrastructure, you’ve suddenly painted a much more vivid picture of how that tech actually functions. See the difference? One is a generic label; the other is a description.
Why context changes everything
You can't just swap "highly" for "extremely" and hope for the best. That’s a lateral move. You have to look at the word it’s modifying. Are you talking about a person’s emotions? A physical property? A level of professional success?
If someone is "highly skilled," they might actually be proficient, adept, or even formidable. If a price is "highly expensive," it’s exorbitant. If a movie is "highly disturbing," it’s visceral or gut-wrenching.
Better Alternatives for Professional Settings
In a business context, "highly" often acts as a shield for lazy thinking. We use it when we want to sound authoritative without being specific. But specificity is what actually builds trust.
Instead of saying a candidate is "highly qualified," try exceptionally. It sounds more curated. If a project is "highly profitable," use lucrative. It carries a certain weight that "highly" just can't match.
Consider these swaps:
- Instead of "highly likely," try all but certain. It adds a sense of inevitability.
- Instead of "highly respected," go with esteemed or venerated. These words suggest a history of excellence, not just a current opinion.
- Instead of "highly critical," use pivotal or imperative.
I once worked with a copywriter who refused to use the word "highly" for an entire month. At first, he struggled. His drafts looked like Swiss cheese. But by week three, his writing had this incredible bite to it. He wasn't just saying things were "highly important"; he was describing them as paramount or essential. The shift changed the entire tone of the brand from "generic service provider" to "industry authority."
The "Extremely" Trap
A lot of people think the best way to avoid "highly" is to use "extremely." Don't do that. It's the same problem. "Extremely" is just "highly" in a cheaper suit. It’s another filler word that adds syllables without adding meaning. If you find yourself reaching for "extremely," stop. Look at the adjective you're modifying. Can you replace the whole phrase with a stronger single word?
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"Extremely fast" becomes breakneck.
"Extremely loud" becomes deafening.
"Extremely sad" becomes heartbreaking.
Breaking Down Technical and Academic Usage
In academic writing, "highly" is often used to denote statistical significance or a high degree of probability. While precision is key here, you can still find other words for highly that don't make your paper read like a manual for a microwave.
Words like substantially, considerably, or notably work well in these environments. They provide a sense of scale that feels grounded in data rather than just an opinion.
If you're writing about a "highly sensitive" sensor in a tech journal, you might want to use exquisitely calibrated. It sounds more professional and describes the nature of the sensitivity—it’s not just "high," it’s precise.
Emotional Intensity and Creative Writing
This is where you can really have some fun. In creative writing or personal essays, "highly" is almost always a mistake. It’s a "telling" word when you should be "showing."
If a character is "highly agitated," don't tell me that. Tell me they are frenetic. Tell me they are unraveling.
"He was highly motivated to win."
That's boring.
"He was driven by a consuming desire to win."
That’s a story.
Real Examples of Better Phrasing
Let’s look at some common phrases and how we can gut them for something better.
"The team is highly motivated."
Basically, this means nothing. Every team says this.
Try: "The team is relentless." or "The team is fiercely committed."
"This is a highly complex issue."
Try: "This is a convoluted mess." (If you want to be honest). Or, "This issue is intricately layered."
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"She is a highly intelligent student."
Try: "She is a brilliant student." or "She possesses a keen intellect."
"The area is highly populated."
Try: "The area is teeming." or "The area is densely packed."
The Nuance of "Greatly" vs. "Highly"
Sometimes people swap "highly" for "greatly." This works in some cases, specifically with verbs. "I highly appreciate it" sounds a bit clunky compared to "I greatly appreciate it."
However, "greatly" has its own pitfalls. It’s old-fashioned. It can sound a bit stiff or formal in a way that feels unnatural in modern digital communication. If you're writing an email to a friend, "greatly" feels weird. If you're writing a formal thank-you note to a donor, it’s perfect. Know your audience.
Why 2026 Readers Crave Authenticity
We are living in an era where AI-generated content is everywhere. You can spot it a mile away because it loves words like "highly," "furthermore," and "tapestry." It’s smooth, it’s perfect, and it’s soul-crushingly dull.
Human readers are starting to develop an allergy to this kind of "perfect" prose. We want grit. We want words that feel like they were chosen by a person who actually has feelings. Using other words for highly isn't just an SEO play; it’s a way to prove you’re human.
When you use a word like blatantly instead of "highly obvious," you're injecting personality. When you say something is starkly different instead of "highly different," you're creating a visual contrast. These choices matter. They keep people on the page.
Avoiding the "Thesaurus Sickness"
A quick warning: don't go overboard. There is a specific kind of writing where someone clearly used a "find and replace" tool to make themselves look smarter, and it’s painful to read.
If you replace "highly" with "magnanimously" in a sentence where it doesn't make sense, you'll look like an idiot. Always prioritize clarity over being fancy. If "highly" really is the best word for the job, use it. Just don't let it be the only word you use.
Actionable Steps to Improve Your Vocabulary
If you want to actually change how you write, you have to be intentional about it. It won't happen overnight. You've spent years building these habits, and it takes time to break them.
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Start by doing a "search and destroy" mission on your next draft. Hit Ctrl+F (or Cmd+F) and search for "highly." See how many times it pops up.
- Check the context: Is it modifying an adjective or a verb?
- Identify the "why": Why are you using it? Are you trying to show scale, intensity, or importance?
- Find the "power word": Look for a single word that captures the essence of the "highly + [adjective]" combo.
- Read it aloud: Does the new word sound natural, or does it sound like you're trying too hard?
Another great trick is to read more poetry or high-end long-form journalism. Writers at places like The Atlantic or The New Yorker are masters of the intensifier. They rarely rely on "highly." They use verbs that do the heavy lifting so the adverbs don't have to.
Final Thoughts on Word Choice
Your writing is your brand. Whether you're writing a blog post, a LinkedIn update, or a novel, the words you choose tell the reader who you are. Relying on "highly" suggests you're playing it safe. It suggests you're okay with being average.
But you aren't average. You have things to say, and those things deserve better than a "highly" modifier.
Next time you're about to type that H-word, stop. Think. Is there a word that’s sharper? Is there a word that’s more "you"?
Find it. Use it. Your readers will thank you for not boring them to tears.
Practical Swaps for Your Next Draft
To make this easy, here is a list of common "highly" phrases and their more muscular counterparts. Use these as a starting point, not a rulebook.
Instead of "Highly Successful":
- Flourishing (suggests growth and health)
- Triumphant (suggests overcoming obstacles)
- Preeminent (suggests being the best in a field)
Instead of "Highly Unlikely":
- Implausible (suggests it’s hard to believe)
- Doubtful (suggests skepticism)
- Remote (suggests a very small chance)
Instead of "Highly Effective":
- Potent (works well for medicine or arguments)
- Compelling (works well for stories or evidence)
- Efficacious (great for technical or medical contexts)
Instead of "Highly Controversial":
- Polarizing (suggests people are split into two camps)
- Inflammatory (suggests it makes people angry)
- Contentious (suggests it causes a lot of arguing)
By focusing on the specific flavor of the intensity you're trying to convey, you'll naturally move away from generic fillers and toward writing that actually sticks.