writing
10 synonyms and 0 antonyms for writing, grouped by meaning and by how common each one is.
Noun — The activity or skill of forming letters or symbols to represent language.
Synonyms
Everyday swaps
Common words most readers know — safe in any writing.
Less common
Still standard English, but they carry more weight.
Rare, literary or technical
Precise, but they will stand out — check the sense before using one.
How to use writing
The word patterns that sound natural to a native speaker.
Etymology
From Middle English writing, writyng, wryting, wrytyng, from Old English wrīting (“writing”), equivalent to write + -ing.
Full origin of writing →Frequently asked questions
What does “writing” mean?
The word “writing” means the activity or skill of forming letters or symbols to represent language. In plain terms, either the act of putting words on paper, or the finished text itself.
How do you pronounce “writing”?
“Writing” is pronounced REYE-tihng (/ˈɹaɪtɪŋ/ in IPA).
How do you use “writing” in a sentence?
Here is “writing” used in a sentence: “Her handwriting is neat, but her creative writing is even better.”
What part of speech is “writing”?
“Writing” is a noun.
Is “writing” a common word?
“Writing” is a very common word in modern English, usually learned at around the A2 level.
How many meanings does “writing” have?
“Writing” has 2 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: the activity or skill of forming letters or symbols to represent language.
What is the difference between writing and typing?
Writing is the broad skill of forming letters or symbols to record language, whether by hand or by machine. Typing specifically means producing those symbols using a keyboard. Handwriting uses a pen or pencil, while typing uses a device. Typing is one modern method of writing, not a separate activity from it.
Can writing be taught?
Yes. Writing is a learned skill, taught from early childhood as children practise letter shapes, spelling, and sentence structure. Beyond the basics, schools and courses teach composition, grammar, and style. Like any skill, writing improves with regular practice, reading, and feedback, so people can keep developing it throughout their lives.
What are the main types of writing?
Writing is often grouped into four main styles: narrative, which tells a story; descriptive, which paints a detailed picture; expository, which explains or informs; and persuasive, which argues a point. Other categories include creative, technical, and academic writing. Each type suits a different purpose and audience.
Why is writing important?
Writing lets people record language so ideas can outlast memory and travel across distance and time. It underpins education, law, business, and culture, allowing knowledge to be stored and shared. Clear writing also helps you think, communicate, and persuade, making it one of the most valuable skills in daily and professional life.