Synonyms for "describe"

12 kid-friendly synonyms for describe, sorted by grade level (K-2, 3-5, 6-8).

What does "describe" mean?

The word describe is a verb that means: to use words to tell about something.

Example: "Describe your favorite snack."

Grade K–2Easy synonyms for describe

Younger kids can use these in place of "describe":

Grade 3–5Stronger words for describe

For elementary writers ready to add precision and variety to their vocabulary:

Grade 6–8Middle-school vocabulary for describe

Tier 2 academic alternatives — useful for essays, persuasive writing, and standardized tests:

Opposites of describe (antonyms)

Words that mean the opposite of describe:

FAQ — synonyms for describe

What is a good synonym for describe in a kid's writing?
For K-2 writers, try tell. For older students, "explain" reads more naturally in school writing.
How many synonyms does describe have?
We list 12 grade-appropriate synonyms for describe across three reading levels. Adults' thesauruses include dozens more, but most aren't useful for K-8 vocabulary.
Is describe a noun, verb, or adjective?
In this entry, describe is used as a verb.

🦒 Try the live tool

Look up another word in the Synonym Finder.

Open Synonym Finder for describe →

Related tools for describe