city (noun) — A large settlement, bigger than a town; sometimes with a specific legal definition, depending on the place.
“São Paulo is the largest city in South America.”
Below are 69 adjectives commonly used to describe city, ranked by how frequently they appear together in written English. The most popular include great, large, whole.
Ranked by frequency in written English
How to Use These Adjectives
- → Top adjectives (darker pills) appear most frequently with “city” in published writing.
- → Combine two adjectives for vivid description: e.g. “great, large city”.
- → Click any adjective to find its synonyms and expand your vocabulary further.
- → Match the tone — choose formal adjectives for essays, sensory ones for creative writing.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are some adjectives to describe city?
Common adjectives used to describe city include great, large, whole, largest, ancient. These are ranked by how frequently they appear alongside "city" in written English.
How do you describe city in writing?
To vividly describe city in your writing, choose adjectives that appeal to the senses — sight, sound, touch, smell, and emotion. For city, strong options include great, large, whole. Pair them with specific details to make your description more immersive.
What is the best adjective for city?
"great" is one of the most commonly used adjectives with "city" in English. Other top choices are large, whole, largest. The best adjective depends on the tone and context of your writing.
Can I use these adjectives in a poem or story?
Yes — all adjectives listed here are drawn from real English usage. They work well in creative writing, poetry, essays, and descriptive paragraphs. Try combining two adjectives for more impact, e.g. "great, large city".