Synonyms for This

Updated 2026-10-03 · Synonyms List editorial team

Quick answer: Finding synonyms for this can sharpen your writing by removing repetitive pointing words. While this is useful for direct reference, swapping it with precise nouns or demonstratives often creates clearer, more engaging sentences that guide the reader effectively.

Closest Synonyms for This

the: Shifts focus from pointing to definite identification. Example: Please read the report instead of this.
that: Used for items further away or previously mentioned. Example: I prefer that option over this.
here: Emphasizes location rather than the object itself. Example: Leave the package here.
now: Focuses on the current moment in time. Example: Handle this task now.
so: Indicates a manner or degree of action. Example: Do it so carefully.
such: Highlights the quality or type of something. Example: I have never seen such beauty.
present: Refers to the current time or existing state. Example: The present situation is critical.
current: Describes what is happening at the immediate time. Example: Check the current settings.
existing: Points to what is already in place. Example: Review the existing data.
particular: Specifies a distinct item among others. Example: I want this particular model.
specific: Demands exactness and detail. Example: Follow this specific instruction.
very: Adds emphasis to the noun it modifies. Example: He is the very man I seek.

Formal Synonyms for This

aforementioned: Refers to something previously mentioned in text. Example: The aforementioned clause applies.
foregoing: Points to what has just been said. Example: Consider the foregoing evidence.
said: Legal or formal reference to a prior item. Example: The said document is valid.
instant: Means occurring at the present time. Example: The instant crisis requires action.
pertinent: Highlights relevance to the current matter. Example: Submit all pertinent files.
applicable: Indicates suitability for the current case. Example: Use the applicable rule.
preceding: Points to what came immediately before. Example: See the preceding chapter.
herein: Refers to contents within the current document. Example: Rules herein are binding.

Informal Synonyms for This

right: Emphasizes exactness in casual speech. Example: This right here is gold.
go: Used when presenting something quickly. Example: Here is the go.
thing: Vague placeholder for an object. Example: I like this thing.
stuff: Refers to miscellaneous items. Example: Clean up this stuff.
bit: Suggests a small portion. Example: Watch this bit.
one: Substitutes for a specific noun. Example: Try this one.
spot: Indicates a specific place. Example: Meet me at this spot.
place: General reference to a location. Example: I love this place.

Stronger and Weaker Words

exact: Stronger; use when precision is mandatory.
precise: Stronger; implies careful attention to detail.
definite: Stronger; removes any ambiguity about the subject.
vague: Weaker; use when the object is unclear.
general: Weaker; broadens the scope of reference.
possible: Weaker; suggests uncertainty about the item.
likely: Weaker; indicates probability rather than certainty.

Antonyms for This

those
other
distant
remote
past
previous
former
elsewhere
absent

How to Pick the Right Synonym

Choosing the right replacement for this depends on your audience and context. In formal writing, use terms like aforementioned to maintain professionalism. For casual conversation, words like here or that feel more natural. Avoid overusing demonstratives by replacing them with specific nouns whenever possible to improve clarity and reduce reader confusion.

Best Synonym by Situation

In a resume: The specific project required attention to detail. Using specific instead of this makes your accomplishments sound more targeted and deliberate.
In an academic essay: The aforementioned argument supports the thesis. Choosing aforementioned adds a formal tone that elevates scholarly writing.
In customer service: Your concern is important to us. Replacing this issue with your concern sounds more empathetic and personal.
In legal documents: The herein mentioned clause applies. Using herein mentioned provides precision and avoids ambiguity in contracts.
In casual conversation: That thing broke again. Swapping this with that thing sounds more natural and relaxed when speaking to friends.
In creative writing: The singular object glowed. Describing the singular object creates imagery rather than pointing vaguely at this item.
In technical manuals: The designated button starts the system. Using designated button removes guesswork for the reader.
In marketing copy: Your unique solution awaits. Changing this product to your unique solution speaks directly to the customer's needs.
In news reporting: The recent event caused chaos. Using recent event provides context that this alone lacks.
In emails: The attached file contains data. Referring to the attached file is clearer than saying this document.

Example Sentences

The aforementioned report contains new data.
Please sign the designated area on the form.
Her current mood is cheerful.
The singular flower stood out.
That particular shade of blue is rare.
The immediate danger has passed.
Your specific request was noted.
The aforementioned artist is famous.
The relevant information is missing.
The present situation is stable.

Related Phrases and Idioms

The very thing: Used to emphasize that something is exactly what is needed or intended.
Right here: Indicates the immediate location or presence of an object or person.
In question: Refers to the specific item or topic currently being discussed or debated.
At hand: Describes something that is immediately available or present.
The one: Points to a single specific person or object among others.
As is: Indicates the current condition of something without changes.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the best synonym for this?

The best choice depends on context. Use that for distance, the for specificity, or present for time. Often, replacing the word with a specific noun improves sentence flow and clarity significantly.

Can I use that instead of this?

Yes, but that usually implies greater distance or refers to something previously mentioned. This points to something immediate or currently being discussed. Choose based on the spatial or temporal relationship.

When should I avoid using this?

Avoid this when it creates ambiguity or when you can use a specific noun. Overusing it makes writing feel repetitive. Replacing it with precise terms strengthens your message and engages readers more effectively.

Is here a synonym for this?

Yes, when referring to location. However, here indicates place while this can refer to objects, ideas, or time. Use here only when the physical location is the primary focus of your sentence.