verbiage

12 synonyms and 2 antonyms for verbiage, grouped by meaning and by how common each one is.

Noun — Excessive or unnecessary words, especially language that is wordy and says little.

Synonyms

Everyday swaps

Common words most readers know — safe in any writing.

copy text

Less common

Still standard English, but they carry more weight.

wording

Rare, literary or technical

Precise, but they will stand out — check the sense before using one.

wordiness padding waffle prolixity bloat phraseology diction verbalism phrasing

Synonyms by Meaning

1. noun disapproving

Excessive or unnecessary words, especially language that is wordy and says little.

“Strip out the verbiage and the report says almost nothing.”

wordiness padding waffle prolixity bloat phraseology diction verbalism phrasing wording

Opposites

concision brevity

2. noun chiefly North American business use

The particular wording of a document or message, considered neutrally.

“Legal have signed off on the verbiage for the disclaimer.”

wording phrasing copy text

How to use verbiage

The word patterns that sound natural to a native speaker.

legal verbiage marketing verbiage cut the verbiage empty verbiage

The critical sense is standard everywhere; the neutral 'wording' sense is common in US offices and is disliked by traditionalists.

Etymology

From French verbiage, from Old French verbier 'to chatter', ultimately related to Latin verbum 'word'.

Full origin of verbiage →

Frequently asked questions

Does verbiage mean 'wording' or 'too many words'?

Traditionally it means too many words, and using it that way is always safe. In American business English it has also come to mean simply the wording of something, with no criticism implied. Careful writers still avoid the neutral sense because many readers hear the insult.

What is the difference between verbiage and verbosity?

Verbosity is the quality of using too many words; verbiage is the excess wording itself. You criticise a writer's verbosity, and you delete the verbiage from their draft.

Is verbiage a negative word?

In its original and most widely understood sense, yes. If you tell a colleague their email is 'full of verbiage', they will take it as criticism, so use 'wording' when you mean something neutral.

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Nearby words

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