Preply surveyed 1,012 Americans about the words that make people sound smarter. Ambiguous, articulate, and exacerbate top the list.
The words we choose reflect more than just our personal preferences. They help us convey our messages clearly and effectively in a variety of contexts. For example, you might use slang with friends, but stick to formal language in a professional setting.
Knowing when to use simple or complex vocabulary is essential for connecting with different audiences, whether in social settings or professional roles. Many people select words they believe will leave a positive impression, sometimes even using complex words in hopes of sounding more intelligent.
As a language classes and courses provider, we at Preply are passionate about helping people communicate effectively in any situation and language, so we were curious to learn more about how Americans use complex vocabulary and whether or not people actually think it signals intelligence. To find out, we surveyed 1,012 Americans about how they feel about the use of common complex words.
Key findings
- The top words Americans use to sound smarter are “ambiguous,” “articulate,” and “exacerbate.”
- The most pretentious words people use are capricious, equanimity, and sycophant.
- 53% have used a complex word to sound smarter.
- 58% have used complex vocabulary during an interview or networking event to appear smarter.
- 35% have used a complex word during an argument to intimidate the other person.
- Half of Americans are bothered or annoyed by the use of a complex word in everyday conversation.
Words Americans use to sound smarter
Words are powerful.
The words you use can open and close doors throughout your life. And because language is so important in both personal and professional settings, we decided to continue our research from 2021 and find the words Americans are using to sound smarter in 2025.
Although having a broad vocabulary can help you communicate with a larger scope of people, some use vocabulary simply to try and sound smart. The top words Americans use to sound smarter are “ambiguous,” “articulate,” and “exacerbate.”
However, speaking effectively is not about using long or complex words just to sound more intelligent. Instead, it’s about choosing the right words that fit the context of the setting you’re in. Using the appropriate vocabulary in each situation helps you connect with a larger group of people, while overcomplicating your language can confuse your message or come across as insincere.
Still, complex words can be found in conversations all around you. For example, half of Americans use complex vocabulary multiple times per week or more. Instead of saying “vague” or “confusing,” someone might choose “ambiguous” to describe how complex something is. Similarly, you might hear “articulate” instead of “fluent” or “expressive.”
However, if you’re someone who secretly goes around adding these words into conversations just so you appear smarter, you’re not alone, as 53% of Americans say they’ve used a complex word so someone would think they were smarter.
When we look at ages, Gen Z is most likely to use vocabulary to seem more intelligent than any other generation. Sometimes Americans even gamble with words in hopes of appearing smarter. Despite not knowing a word’s meaning, 24% say they’ve used a complex word to sound smarter. This number is down from 2021 when 58% said they did.
How Americans use complex vocabulary
Using complex words can either make you sound smart or pretentious, and the context is key to distinguishing between the two. The top places Americans use complex words are at work, school, and home.
In professional settings like work or school, the right vocabulary can help you come across as knowledgeable. However, using complex language in the wrong context, like in casual conversations or on a date, can backfire and make you seem pretentious or even annoying.
To avoid having language muddy your meaning depends on whether you know when and where to use more complex words so that you add value, instead of verbal gymnastics, to the conversation. Without the right context, complex words are more likely to make you sound pretentious than intelligent.
In your professional life, you have the biggest chance of sounding smart because of your use of complex vocabulary. Over half of Americans say that when someone uses complex words at work, they seem smart. This positive perception may work before you have the job as well, which is probably why 58% have used complex vocabulary during a job interview or networking event to appear smarter. Along with seeming more intelligent, 17% say they automatically assume that people who use complex vocabulary have more money than people who don’t.
Beyond sounding smart or pretentious, the use of complex words can also be a weapon. Over a third, 35%, admit to having used a complex word during an argument to intimidate the other person. This shows that language can be used not only for understanding but also to wield power or control in conversations.
When you’re dating someone, you can often feel like you’re learning something new about them every day. You find out their likes and dislikes and even get to know their way of speaking. While 34% say they use complex words on a date, 35% say that when their date uses such language, they come off as pretentious. Still, 26% have used a complex word on a date to try to impress the other person.
If you’re part of the population who actively uses complex language to impress your dates, it’s not all bad news because 27% say they would be attracted to someone who used a complex word on a date, mainly those who are Gen X. Also, only 16% say someone’s overuse of complex words has been a romantic deal breaker.
For the full report, including information on what words make Americans sound pretentious, click here!
