Synonyms for These

Updated 2026-10-12 · Synonyms List editorial team

Quick answer: Useful alternatives to these include the, such, the following, the above, and the present. These is a plural pointing word, so a single replacement rarely works everywhere. The lists below match each substitute to a use, with example sentences showing the rewrite in context, so you can choose the one that fits.

Closest Synonyms for These

the: Use when the items are already clear. I like the shoes in the window.
such: Use to mean that kind of. Such things happen in every office.
the following: Use to point ahead to a list. Complete the following steps.
the above: Use to point back to a list. The above points are important.
the present: Use for current conditions. The present circumstances call for care.
the current: Use for what is happening now. The current rules apply to all.
our: Use when the items belong to the speaker's group. Our customers value speed.
the listed: Use for items named in a list. The listed items are on sale.
the stated: Use for items already named. The stated goals were met.
certain: Use to single out some people or things. Certain people prefer quiet.

Formal Synonyms for These

the aforementioned: Points back to items already named. The aforementioned items are due Friday.
the foregoing: Refers to everything stated before. The foregoing rules apply to all members.
the aforesaid: A legal way to point back. The aforesaid parties agree to the terms.
the said: An older legal way to refer back. The said documents were filed in March.
the above-mentioned: Points to items listed above. The above-mentioned staff will attend.
the enumerated: Refers to items counted in a list. The enumerated rights apply to everyone.

Informal Synonyms for These

this lot: Casual for a group of things. This lot needs washing.
this bunch: Casual for a group of people. This bunch is loud but kind.
this stuff: Casual for things in general. This stuff is heavy.
all this: Casual for a pile of things. All this needs sorting before lunch.
the ones here: Points to nearby items. The ones here are fresher.
the ones over here: Points to items close at hand. I'll take the ones over here.

Stronger and Weaker Words

the very: Stronger. Use to stress the exact items. They are the very rules we wrote.
the exact: Stronger. Use to point to one precise set. She found the exact keys she lost.
the precise: Stronger. Use for pinpoint accuracy. He listed the precise reasons for the delay.
the particular: Stronger. Use to single out items among many. The particular books he wanted were sold.
some: Weaker. Use for an unspecified group. Some guests arrived early.
a few: Weaker. Use for a small, unspecified number. A few friends came by.
several: Weaker. Use for more than two but not many. Several students raised their hands.
any: Weaker. Use for no particular items. Any seats will do.

Antonyms for These

those
the others
the rest
that
this

How to Pick the Right Synonym

Think about the direction and tone of the pointing. To point ahead to a list, use the following. To point back, use the above or, in formal writing, the aforementioned or the foregoing. For a general category, use such. In casual speech, this lot, this stuff, or the ones here sound natural. If the items are already clear, simply use the.

Best Synonym by Situation

In a legal contract: Use the aforesaid for earlier items. The aforesaid obligations survive termination.
In a set of instructions: Use the following for steps to come. Complete the following tasks before launch.
In an email recap: Use the above for a list already given. Please review the above points.
In a business memo: Use the current for present conditions. The current policies remain in place.
In a customer letter: Use our for belonging. Our members receive early access.
In an essay: Use such for a type. Such questions have no simple answer.
In a formal report: Use the foregoing for earlier statements. The foregoing findings support the plan.
In a text to a friend: Use this stuff for casual tone. This stuff is too heavy to carry alone.
In a classroom: Use the listed for named items. Study the listed words tonight.
In a store sign: Use the ones here for nearby goods. The ones here are half price.

Example Sentences

Such problems rarely appear in small teams.
Please review the following instructions before you begin.
The above rules apply to every member of the club.
The present arrangement works well for everyone.
Our members can use the library after hours.
The aforementioned items must be returned by Friday.
The foregoing statements are true to the best of my knowledge.
Certain plants thrive in shade, and others need sun.
This bunch of volunteers worked all weekend.
I'll take the ones over here, thank you.

Related Phrases and Idioms

These days: At the present time.
One of these days: At some time in the future.
All these years: The whole long period up to now.
These things happen: A phrase used to say that a mistake or bad event is normal.
Of late: Recently, in the time just before now.
At this point: At the present moment in a process.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is another word for these?

Common alternatives are the, such, the following, the above, and the present. Use the following to point ahead to a list, the above to point back, and such when you mean that kind of thing.

What is a formal word for these?

The aforementioned, the foregoing, and the aforesaid are formal options. All three point back to items that have already been named, and they are common in contracts, reports, and legal documents.

What is the difference between these and those?

These points to plural things that are near the speaker or already mentioned. Those points to plural things that are farther away in space, time, or attention. Both are plural forms of this and that.

What is the opposite of these?

Those is the usual opposite, since it points to plural things farther away. The others and the rest also contrast with these when you separate a chosen group from the remaining items.