Synonyms for That

Updated 2026-10-12 · Synonyms List editorial team

Quick answer: Useful alternatives to that include which, who, whom, when, and such. Because that works as a pronoun, a conjunction, a pointing word, and an adverb, no single word replaces it everywhere. The lists below match each substitute to a use, with an example sentence that shows the rewrite in action.

Closest Synonyms for That

which: Use for things in a relative clause. The book which I read was long.
who: Use for people. The teacher who helped me has retired.
whom: Use for a person who receives the action, in careful writing. The friend whom I trusted moved away.
when: Use after a time word. The day when we met was sunny.
why: Use after the word reason. That is the reason why he left.
it: Use to stand in for a pointing subject. It is true that prices rose.
the: Use instead of a pointing word. I like the idea.
such: Use to mean that kind of. I have never seen such rain.
so: Use as an adverb of degree after a negative. The test was not so hard.
in order that: Use to give a purpose. He left early in order that he could rest.
no word at all: Use when that is optional. She said she was ready.

Formal Synonyms for That

the aforementioned: Points back to something already named. The aforementioned clause remains in force.
the aforesaid: A legal way to point back to something. The aforesaid parties shall sign.
the said: A legal, older way to refer back. The said contract expires in May.
whereby: Describes a system or rule. The firm adopted a system whereby staff earn bonuses.
wherein: Means in which. He wrote a report wherein he lists the risks.
inasmuch as: Means because, as in that clause. The plan is wise inasmuch as it saves money.
insofar as: Means to the extent that. The rule applies insofar as the law allows.
to the effect that: Introduces the gist of a statement. He sent a note to the effect that he would be late.

Informal Synonyms for That

the one over there: A spoken way to point. Look at the one over there.
yonder: Regional or old-fashioned for that over there. Walk up to yonder hill.
all that: Use after a negative for degree. It wasn't all that hard.
really: Use after a negative for degree. It wasn't really cold.
very: Use after a negative for degree. It isn't very far.
too: Use after a negative for degree. The movie wasn't too bad.
super: A casual intensifier. The hill wasn't super steep.

Stronger and Weaker Words

the very: Stronger. Use to stress an exact thing. On the very day we arrived, it rained.
the exact: Stronger. Use to point to one precise item. She named the exact place.
the precise: Stronger. Use for pinpoint accuracy. He recalled the precise moment.
the particular: Stronger. Use to single out one item among many. The particular chair he wanted was sold.
a: Weaker. Use when the item is not specific. She wanted a book about birds.
any: Weaker. Use for no particular item. Any seat will do.
some: Weaker. Use for an unspecified item. Some guy called for you.
one: Weaker. Use for a single, unnamed item. One day we will go.

Antonyms for That

this
these
here
this one
nearby

How to Pick the Right Synonym

First identify what the word is doing. As a relative word, replace it with which for things and who or whom for people. After time and reason words, use when or why. As a pointing word, try the, such, or the aforementioned in formal text. As an adverb after a negative, try so, very, or really. Often you can delete it with no loss.

Best Synonym by Situation

In a legal contract: Use whereby for systems. The parties agree to a method whereby disputes are settled.
In a formal letter: Use the aforementioned for earlier items. Please review the aforementioned report.
In an essay: Use which for extra information. The theory, which was new, drew attention.
In a speech: Use who for people. The volunteers who gave their time deserve thanks.
In a recipe: Use so for degree. Do not make the sauce so thick.
In a text message: Use really for casual tone. The movie wasn't really funny.
In a science paper: Use insofar as for limits. The result holds insofar as the sample is typical.
In a story set in the country: Use yonder for a rustic voice. We climbed yonder hill at dawn.
In a business email: Use it to simplify. It is clear that sales are rising.
In a safety notice: Use in order that for purpose. Keep the door closed in order that the room stays cool.

Example Sentences

The package which arrived this morning contains your order.
The nurse who treated him was calm and kind.
The person whom she asked for help was unavailable.
I remember the summer when the river froze.
No one knows the reason why the train was late.
It is certain that the meeting will start on time.
He had never seen such crowds in the old market.
The clause is binding inasmuch as both sides signed.
The company created a plan whereby customers earn credits.
The hike was not all that hard once we found the path.

Related Phrases and Idioms

That is to say: A phrase that restates something more clearly.
In that case: If that is what happens or is true.
So that: In order for something to happen.
Now that: Since something has just happened or become true.
Given that: Taking a known fact into account.
Such that: In a way that makes a condition true.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is another word for that?

It depends on how that is used. As a relative word, use which, who, or whom. Use when or why after time and reason words, such for kind, and the aforementioned in formal writing to point back.

Can I just remove that from a sentence?

Often yes. In many sentences, the word is optional, as in she said she was ready. Keep it when removing it would confuse the reader, such as after long or complex introductory phrases.

What is a formal word for that?

The aforementioned, whereby, and insofar as are formal options. The aforementioned points back to something named earlier, while whereby describes a system or method through which something happens.

What is the opposite of that?

This is the usual opposite when that points to something far away. Here, these, and nearby also work, since they point to things that are close to the speaker.