Other ways to say totally include completely, absolutely, entirely, fully, definitely, certainly, thoroughly, wholly, perfectly, and exactly. The best choice depends on whether you want to sound formal, professional, neutral, or casual.
Top 5: completely, absolutely, entirely, fully, definitely
Totally is a common English word used to mean “completely,” “absolutely,” or, in some contexts, “definitely.” It works well in everyday conversation, but repeating it can make your English sound less varied.
Learning alternatives to totally gives you more control over tone. These other ways to say totally can help you sound more precise in business emails, academic writing, meetings, presentations, and casual conversations.
The key is not simply replacing one word with another. Each alternative has a slightly different meaning, strength, or level of formality.
“Fluent English is not about using bigger words; it is about choosing the right word.”
Quick Categories
Formal Alternatives
- Completely
- Entirely
- Wholly
- Thoroughly
- Absolutely
Professional Alternatives
- Completely
- Fully
- Absolutely
- Entirely
- Definitely
Business Email Alternatives
- Certainly
- Completely
- Fully
- Absolutely
- Without question
Academic Alternatives
- Completely
- Entirely
- Fully
- Thoroughly
- Wholly
Casual Alternatives
- Absolutely
- Completely
- Really
- Definitely
- For sure
Informal Expressions
- Totally
- Absolutely
- 100%
- For sure
- No doubt
Pro Tip
Use completely or entirely when writing formally. In relaxed conversation, absolutely, definitely, and for sure often sound more natural.
What Does “Totally” Mean?
Totally is an adverb that usually means completely, entirely, or absolutely.
It can modify adjectives, verbs, and sometimes whole statements:
- “I totally understand your concern.”
- “The project was totally successful.”
- “I totally agree with you.”
In informal speech, totally can also work as an emphatic response meaning “yes, absolutely.”
The word is grammatically correct, but its tone depends heavily on context.
“A word can be correct and still be the wrong choice for the situation.”
When to Use “Totally”
You can use totally in:
- Daily conversation: “I totally understand.”
- Friendly messages: “That is totally fine.”
- Informal workplace conversation: “I totally agree.”
- Social media: “That was totally unexpected.”
- Spoken English: “You’re totally right.”
- Casual writing: “I totally forgot.”
For highly formal writing, another expression may sound more polished:
- Casual: “I totally agree.”
- Professional: “I completely agree.”
- Formal: “I entirely agree with this assessment.”
Is “Totally” Professional or Polite?
Polite? ✔ Yes
Professional? ✔ Sometimes
Formal? Usually not
Natural? ✔ Very natural in conversation
“Totally” is not rude or incorrect. However, it often sounds conversational. In a formal report, academic essay, or important business document, completely, entirely, or fully may fit better.
Business Example
Instead of:
“I totally understand your concerns.”
You could write:
“I completely understand your concerns.”
The second version sounds more measured and professional.
Pros and Cons
Pros
- Easy to understand
- Very common in spoken English
- Strong emphasis
- Friendly and natural
- Useful in casual conversation
Cons
- Can sound informal in formal writing
- May become repetitive
- Sometimes adds emphasis without useful precision
- Can sound overly conversational in academic work
- “Totally” does not always mean exactly the same thing as every synonym
Transition to the Main List
The following alternatives give you more choices for different situations. Some are excellent for professional communication, while others are better suited to everyday speech.
Rather than memorizing every synonym, learn what each expression communicates and where native speakers are most likely to use it.
Expert Tip
Native speakers often choose an alternative based on meaning first and formality second. For example, definitely expresses certainty, while completely expresses completeness.
Other Ways to Say “Totally” (With Examples)
1. Phrase: Completely
Meaning: Completely means fully or in every respect.
Explanation: This is one of the safest replacements for “totally.” It works naturally in professional, academic, and everyday English.
Example Sentence:
“The revised proposal completely addresses the client’s concerns.”
Best Use: Business Writing
Avoid Using In: None specifically
Tone: Neutral, Professional
Formality Level: ⭐⭐⭐⭐ Formal
Usage Frequency: Very Common
CEFR Level: B1
Common Collocations:
- completely agree
- completely different
- completely understand
- completely finished
Context Variability:
- Spoken: “I completely understand.”
- Professional: “The report completely covers the issue.”
- Casual: “I completely forgot.”
2. Phrase: Absolutely
Meaning: Absolutely means completely or with complete certainty.
Explanation: It is especially natural when agreeing strongly or emphasizing a positive response.
Example Sentence:
“I absolutely agree with your suggestion.”
Best Use: Spoken English
Avoid Using In: Highly Technical Writing
Tone: Strong, Confident
Formality Level: ⭐⭐⭐ Neutral
Usage Frequency: Very Common
CEFR Level: B1
Common Collocations:
- absolutely agree
- absolutely certain
- absolutely necessary
- absolutely right
Context Variability:
- Spoken: “Absolutely!”
- Professional: “I absolutely support the proposed approach.”
- Casual: “That’s absolutely amazing.”
3. Phrase: Entirely
Meaning: Entirely means completely or in full.
Explanation: It sounds more formal than “totally” and is especially useful in written English.
Example Sentence:
“The outcome was entirely consistent with our expectations.”
Best Use: Formal Writing
Avoid Using In: Very Casual Chat
Tone: Formal, Precise
Formality Level: ⭐⭐⭐⭐ Formal
Usage Frequency: Common
CEFR Level: B2
Common Collocations:
- entirely different
- entirely appropriate
- entirely dependent
- entirely reasonable
Context Variability:
- Spoken: “That’s entirely possible.”
- Professional: “The decision is entirely justified.”
- Casual: “That’s entirely up to you.”
4. Phrase: Fully
Meaning: Fully means completely or to the greatest possible degree.
Explanation: “Fully” is particularly useful when discussing understanding, responsibility, preparation, or completion.
Example Sentence:
“We are fully prepared for the client presentation.”
Best Use: Business Communication
Avoid Using In: Casual Exclamations
Tone: Professional, Clear
Formality Level: ⭐⭐⭐⭐ Formal
Usage Frequency: Very Common
CEFR Level: B1
Common Collocations:
- fully understand
- fully prepared
- fully aware
- fully support
Context Variability:
- Spoken: “I fully understand.”
- Professional: “We fully support this recommendation.”
- Casual: “I’m fully ready.”
5. Phrase: Definitely
Meaning: Definitely means certainly or without doubt.
Explanation: Unlike “completely,” it usually expresses certainty rather than completeness. This distinction is important.
Example Sentence:
“I will definitely attend the meeting tomorrow.”
Best Use: Daily Conversation
Avoid Using In: Absolute Claims
Tone: Confident, Natural
Formality Level: ⭐⭐⭐ Neutral
Usage Frequency: Very Common
CEFR Level: B1
Common Collocations:
- definitely agree
- definitely worth
- definitely possible
- definitely recommend
Context Variability:
- Spoken: “I’ll definitely come.”
- Professional: “We will definitely review the proposal.”
- Casual: “I’d definitely try it.”
Native Speaker Tip
Completely is usually the closest direct replacement for “totally.” Absolutely is especially natural for strong agreement, while definitely focuses on certainty.
6. Phrase: Certainly
Meaning: Certainly means without doubt or unquestionably.
Explanation: It is polite and professional, making it useful in customer service, business emails, and workplace conversations.
Example Sentence:
“We will certainly consider your recommendation.”
Best Use: Business Email
Avoid Using In: Very Casual Texting
Tone: Polite, Professional
Formality Level: ⭐⭐⭐⭐ Formal
Usage Frequency: Common
CEFR Level: B1
Common Collocations:
- certainly agree
- certainly possible
- certainly consider
- certainly appreciate
Context Variability:
- Spoken: “Certainly, I can help.”
- Professional: “We will certainly investigate the matter.”
- Casual: “I’ll certainly give it a try.”
7. Phrase: Thoroughly
Meaning: Thoroughly means completely and with careful attention to every part.
Explanation: It does not replace “totally” in every sentence. Use it when the idea involves careful or detailed action.
Example Sentence:
“Please review the document thoroughly before submitting it.”
Best Use: Professional Writing
Avoid Using In: Simple Agreement
Tone: Precise, Professional
Formality Level: ⭐⭐⭐⭐ Formal
Usage Frequency: Common
CEFR Level: B2
Common Collocations:
- thoroughly review
- thoroughly examine
- thoroughly understand
- thoroughly investigate
Context Variability:
- Spoken: “I thoroughly checked it.”
- Professional: “The proposal was thoroughly reviewed.”
- Casual: “I thoroughly enjoyed the event.”
8. Phrase: Wholly
Meaning: Wholly means completely or entirely.
Explanation: It is grammatically correct but less common in modern everyday English. It appears more often in formal or specialized writing.
Example Sentence:
“The decision was wholly justified by the available evidence.”
Best Use: Formal Writing
Avoid Using In: Casual Conversation
Tone: Formal, Bookish
Formality Level: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Very Formal
Usage Frequency: Occasional
CEFR Level: C1
Common Collocations:
- wholly owned
- wholly responsible
- wholly dependent
- wholly inappropriate
Context Variability:
- Spoken: Possible but formal
- Professional: “The company is wholly responsible.”
- Casual: Usually replace with “completely.”
9. Phrase: Perfectly
Meaning: Perfectly can mean completely or exactly, especially when describing suitability or understanding.
Explanation: It should not automatically replace “totally.” It works best when “completely” means “exactly as needed” or “without any problem.”
Example Sentence:
“That explanation perfectly captures the main issue.”
Best Use: Professional Discussion
Avoid Using In: Literal Completeness
Tone: Positive, Natural
Formality Level: ⭐⭐⭐ Neutral
Usage Frequency: Very Common
CEFR Level: B1
Common Collocations:
- perfectly clear
- perfectly acceptable
- perfectly normal
- perfectly reasonable
Context Variability:
- Spoken: “That’s perfectly fine.”
- Professional: “Your proposed timeline is perfectly reasonable.”
- Casual: “That’s perfectly okay.”
10. Phrase: Utterly
Meaning: Utterly means completely or to an extreme degree.
Explanation: It is stronger and more expressive than “completely.” It often appears with negative or emotionally strong descriptions.
Example Sentence:
“The explanation was utterly convincing.”
Best Use: Strong Description
Avoid Using In: Routine Emails
Tone: Strong, Expressive
Formality Level: ⭐⭐⭐⭐ Formal
Usage Frequency: Occasional
CEFR Level: C1
Common Collocations:
- utterly impossible
- utterly ridiculous
- utterly convinced
- utterly different
Context Variability:
- Spoken: “That’s utterly ridiculous.”
- Professional: “The claim is utterly unsupported.”
- Casual: Usually use “completely” instead.
Expert Insight
In workplace communication, avoid choosing a synonym simply because it sounds more sophisticated. Completely, fully, and certainly are often more useful than highly formal words such as wholly or utterly.
11. Phrase: In Full
Meaning: In full means completely or without leaving anything out.
Explanation: This phrase works best when discussing information, payment, explanations, or completion rather than general emphasis.
Example Sentence:
“Please explain the procedure in full before we begin.”
Best Use: Formal Instructions
Avoid Using In: Strong Agreement
Tone: Clear, Formal
Formality Level: ⭐⭐⭐⭐ Formal
Usage Frequency: Common
CEFR Level: B2
Common Collocations:
- paid in full
- explained in full
- reported in full
- described in full
Context Variability:
- Spoken: “Tell me the story in full.”
- Professional: “The findings are presented in full.”
- Casual: “I’ll explain it fully.”
12. Phrase: Without Exception
Meaning: Without exception means that something applies to every case.
Explanation: This is not a direct replacement for every use of “totally.” It is useful when emphasizing that there are no exceptions.
Example Sentence:
“The policy applies to all employees without exception.”
Best Use: Policies
Avoid Using In: Casual Conversation
Tone: Firm, Formal
Formality Level: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Very Formal
Usage Frequency: Occasional
CEFR Level: C1
Common Collocations:
- applies without exception
- accepted without exception
- required without exception
Context Variability:
- Spoken: Less common
- Professional: “The rule applies without exception.”
- Casual: Usually use “everyone.”
13. Phrase: For Sure
Meaning: For sure means definitely or certainly.
Explanation: This is a casual expression of certainty. It sounds natural in conversation but should generally be avoided in formal writing.
Example Sentence:
“I’ll be there for sure.”
Best Use: Casual Conversation
Avoid Using In: Formal Emails
Tone: Friendly, Casual
Formality Level: ⭐⭐ Casual
Usage Frequency: Very Common
CEFR Level: B1
Common Collocations:
- know for sure
- definitely for sure
- come for sure
- work for sure
Context Variability:
- Spoken: “For sure!”
- Professional: Use “certainly” instead.
- Casual: “I’ll call you for sure.”
14. Phrase: No Doubt
Meaning: No doubt means certainly or with little or no uncertainty.
Explanation: It adds confidence to a statement. It can sound polished, but context determines whether it feels formal or conversational.
Example Sentence:
“No doubt, the new system will require some adjustment.”
Best Use: Opinion Writing
Avoid Using In: Precise Evidence Claims
Tone: Confident, Strong
Formality Level: ⭐⭐⭐ Neutral
Usage Frequency: Common
CEFR Level: B2
Common Collocations:
- no doubt about
- no doubt that
- there is no doubt
- no doubt whatsoever
Context Variability:
- Spoken: “There’s no doubt about it.”
- Professional: “There is no doubt that training is necessary.”
- Casual: “No doubt he’ll agree.”
15. Phrase: In Every Respect
Meaning: In every respect means completely or in all relevant ways.
Explanation: This is a formal expression used when describing complete agreement, similarity, or compliance.
Example Sentence:
“The revised plan is superior in every respect.”
Best Use: Formal Analysis
Avoid Using In: Casual Texts
Tone: Formal, Precise
Formality Level: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Very Formal
Usage Frequency: Occasional
CEFR Level: C1
Common Collocations:
- superior in every respect
- successful in every respect
- different in every respect
Context Variability:
- Spoken: Formal
- Professional: Suitable for reports
- Casual: Replace with “in every way.”
Native Speaker Tip
For sure is very natural in relaxed speech, while in every respect belongs mainly to formal analysis. Do not confuse strong certainty with complete meaning.
16. Phrase: In Every Way
Meaning: In every way means completely or in all possible respects.
Explanation: It is more conversational than “in every respect” and works well when comparing people, experiences, or situations.
Example Sentence:
“The updated version is better in every way.”
Best Use: General Conversation
Avoid Using In: Technical Definitions
Tone: Natural, Positive
Formality Level: ⭐⭐⭐ Neutral
Usage Frequency: Common
CEFR Level: B1
Common Collocations:
- better in every way
- different in every way
- successful in every way
Context Variability:
- Spoken: “It’s better in every way.”
- Professional: “The revised process is more efficient in every way.”
- Casual: “This one is better in every way.”
17. Phrase: 100%
Meaning: 100% is an informal way to express complete agreement or certainty.
Explanation: It is common in texting, social media, and casual conversation. It is generally unsuitable for formal documents.
Example Sentence:
“100% I agree with your point.”
Best Use: Informal Chat
Avoid Using In: Academic Writing
Tone: Casual, Emphatic
Formality Level: ⭐ Very Casual
Usage Frequency: Common
CEFR Level: B1
Common Collocations:
- 100% agree
- 100% sure
- 100% correct
- 100% support
Context Variability:
- Spoken: “One hundred percent.”
- Professional: Use “completely” or “fully.”
- Casual: “I’m 100% with you.”
18. Phrase: Beyond Question
Meaning: Beyond question means unquestionably true or certain.
Explanation: This is a formal and emphatic expression. It can sound authoritative, so use it when the context genuinely supports strong certainty.
Example Sentence:
“Her contribution to the project is beyond question.”
Best Use: Formal Writing
Avoid Using In: Casual Messages
Tone: Strong, Formal
Formality Level: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Very Formal
Usage Frequency: Rare
CEFR Level: C1
Common Collocations:
- beyond question
- beyond question that
- contribution beyond question
Context Variability:
- Spoken: Formal
- Professional: Useful for strong evaluations
- Casual: Usually use “definitely.”
19. Phrase: Without a Doubt
Meaning: Without a doubt means certainly or unquestionably.
Explanation: It is a natural way to express strong confidence. It is less formal than “beyond question.”
Example Sentence:
“Without a doubt, communication skills matter in this role.”
Best Use: Presentation
Avoid Using In: Unsupported Claims
Tone: Confident, Clear
Formality Level: ⭐⭐⭐ Neutral
Usage Frequency: Common
CEFR Level: B2
Common Collocations:
- without a doubt
- without a doubt the best
- without a doubt important
Context Variability:
- Spoken: “Without a doubt.”
- Professional: “Without a doubt, preparation matters.”
- Casual: “She’s without a doubt the funniest person here.”
20. Phrase: Invariably
Meaning: Invariably means always or without variation.
Explanation: This word is not a direct synonym for “totally,” but it can replace it when the intended meaning is that something happens consistently.
Example Sentence:
“Poor preparation invariably creates unnecessary delays.”
Best Use: Academic Writing
Avoid Using In: Simple Emphasis
Tone: Academic, Precise
Formality Level: ⭐⭐⭐⭐ Formal
Usage Frequency: Occasional
CEFR Level: C1
Common Collocations:
- invariably leads to
- invariably results in
- invariably causes
- invariably happens
Context Variability:
- Spoken: Less common
- Professional: Useful in analytical writing
- Casual: Use “always” instead.
Expert Insight
Words such as invariably and without exception should not be used merely as fancy substitutes for “totally.” Their meanings are narrower and can change the logic of a sentence.
21. Phrase: Utterly and Completely
Meaning: This combination emphasizes an extreme degree of completeness.
Explanation: It is highly emphatic and usually unnecessary in routine communication. Use it for deliberate emphasis rather than everyday replacement.
Example Sentence:
“The two approaches are utterly and completely different.”
Best Use: Strong Emphasis
Avoid Using In: Business Emails
Tone: Dramatic, Strong
Formality Level: ⭐⭐⭐ Neutral
Usage Frequency: Rare
CEFR Level: C1
Common Collocations:
- utterly and completely wrong
- utterly and completely different
- utterly and completely transformed
Context Variability:
- Spoken: Dramatic
- Professional: Usually simplify
- Casual: Can be expressive.
22. Phrase: In Its Entirety
Meaning: In its entirety means as a whole, with nothing removed.
Explanation: This phrase is useful when referring to documents, reports, agreements, or collections of information.
Example Sentence:
“Please read the agreement in its entirety before signing.”
Best Use: Formal Documents
Avoid Using In: Casual Speech
Tone: Formal, Precise
Formality Level: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Very Formal
Usage Frequency: Common
CEFR Level: C1
Common Collocations:
- read in its entirety
- published in its entirety
- reproduced in its entirety
Context Variability:
- Spoken: Formal
- Professional: Excellent for documents
- Casual: Use “all of it.”
23. Phrase: All the Way
Meaning: All the way can mean completely, fully, or to the fullest extent depending on context.
Explanation: It is mainly conversational and can refer to movement, commitment, or degree.
Example Sentence:
“If we start this project, we should go all the way.”
Best Use: Casual Speech
Avoid Using In: Formal Reports
Tone: Casual, Energetic
Formality Level: ⭐⭐ Casual
Usage Frequency: Very Common
CEFR Level: B1
Common Collocations:
- go all the way
- support all the way
- all the way through
Context Variability:
- Spoken: Very natural
- Professional: Suitable for informal teamwork
- Casual: Very common.
24. Phrase: Thoroughly and Completely
Meaning: This combination emphasizes that something has been done in full and with care.
Explanation: It is stronger than either word alone but can sound repetitive. Use it sparingly.
Example Sentence:
“The evidence was thoroughly and completely examined.”
Best Use: Strong Formal Writing
Avoid Using In: Simple Emails
Tone: Formal, Emphatic
Formality Level: ⭐⭐⭐⭐ Formal
Usage Frequency: Rare
CEFR Level: C1
Common Collocations:
- thoroughly and completely examined
- thoroughly and completely reviewed
- thoroughly and completely understood
Context Variability:
- Spoken: Uncommon
- Professional: Use only when emphasis is needed
- Casual: Usually simplify.
25. Phrase: To the Fullest Extent
Meaning: To the fullest extent means as completely or extensively as possible.
Explanation: This phrase is common in formal, legal, and professional contexts.
Example Sentence:
“We will support the initiative to the fullest extent possible.”
Best Use: Formal Communication
Avoid Using In: Friendly Chats
Tone: Formal, Committed
Formality Level: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Very Formal
Usage Frequency: Occasional
CEFR Level: C1
Common Collocations:
- to the fullest extent possible
- support to the fullest extent
- investigate to the fullest extent
Context Variability:
- Spoken: Formal
- Professional: Appropriate in official communication
- Casual: Usually say “as much as possible.”
Native Speaker Tip
Modern English usually favors simple choices such as completely, fully, and absolutely. Highly formal expressions can be useful, but they should serve the context rather than make the sentence sound complicated.
26. Phrase: In All Respects
Meaning: In all respects means completely or in every relevant aspect.
Explanation: It is formal and works well when comparing results, standards, or qualities.
Example Sentence:
“The new procedure is an improvement in all respects.”
Best Use: Formal Analysis
Avoid Using In: Casual Chat
Tone: Formal, Analytical
Formality Level: ⭐⭐⭐⭐ Formal
Usage Frequency: Occasional
CEFR Level: C1
Common Collocations:
- improvement in all respects
- compliant in all respects
- successful in all respects
Context Variability:
- Spoken: Formal
- Professional: Suitable for reports
- Casual: Use “in every way.”
27. Phrase: Fully and Completely
Meaning: Fully and completely emphasizes total completion or understanding.
Explanation: Like other paired intensifiers, it is emphatic and sometimes redundant. Prefer one word when the extra emphasis is unnecessary.
Example Sentence:
“The team fully and completely understood the new procedure.”
Best Use: Strong Emphasis
Avoid Using In: Concise Writing
Tone: Emphatic, Formal
Formality Level: ⭐⭐⭐⭐ Formal
Usage Frequency: Rare
CEFR Level: B2
Common Collocations:
- fully and completely understand
- fully and completely prepared
- fully and completely resolved
Context Variability:
- Spoken: Emphatic
- Professional: Usually shorten
- Casual: “Totally” may sound more natural.
28. Phrase: Absolutely and Completely
Meaning: This combination gives strong emphasis to agreement or completeness.
Explanation: It is expressive rather than necessary. Native speakers may use combinations like this in speech when they want extra emphasis.
Example Sentence:
“I absolutely and completely understand your concern.”
Best Use: Strong Agreement
Avoid Using In: Academic Essays
Tone: Strong, Emphatic
Formality Level: ⭐⭐⭐ Neutral
Usage Frequency: Occasional
CEFR Level: B2
Common Collocations:
- absolutely and completely agree
- absolutely and completely understand
- absolutely and completely certain
Context Variability:
- Spoken: Natural with emphasis
- Professional: Possible but often simplified
- Casual: Quite natural.
29. Phrase: Entirely and Absolutely
Meaning: This combination strongly emphasizes complete agreement or certainty.
Explanation: It is more rhetorical than conversational. Use it carefully because the two adverbs can create unnecessary repetition.
Example Sentence:
“I am entirely and absolutely confident in the proposed approach.”
Best Use: Strong Statement
Avoid Using In: Concise Emails
Tone: Strong, Formal
Formality Level: ⭐⭐⭐⭐ Formal
Usage Frequency: Rare
CEFR Level: C1
Common Collocations:
- entirely and absolutely confident
- entirely and absolutely clear
- entirely and absolutely certain
Context Variability:
- Spoken: Formal
- Professional: Possible for emphasis
- Casual: Usually simplify.
30. Phrase: Completely and Utterly
Meaning: Completely and utterly means absolutely or to an extreme degree.
Explanation: This is highly emphatic and often emotional. It is more common in expressive writing and speech than routine professional communication.
Example Sentence:
“The final result was completely and utterly unexpected.”
Best Use: Expressive Writing
Avoid Using In: Formal Reports
Tone: Dramatic, Emphatic
Formality Level: ⭐⭐⭐ Neutral
Usage Frequency: Occasional
CEFR Level: C1
Common Collocations:
- completely and utterly shocked
- completely and utterly different
- completely and utterly unexpected
Context Variability:
- Spoken: Dramatic
- Professional: Usually too emphatic
- Casual: Natural when expressing strong emotion.
Native Speaker Tip
For everyday English, completely, absolutely, and definitely cover most situations. Expressions such as completely and utterly add drama and should not replace simple wording automatically.
Avoid These Expressions in Formal Situations
Some alternatives are grammatically correct but too casual for formal professional communication.
| Casual Expression | Why Avoid It | Better Alternative |
| 100% | Texting-style emphasis | Completely |
| For sure | Very conversational | Certainly |
| Totally | Informal tone | Completely |
| All the way | Context-dependent and casual | Fully |
| Absolutely! | Can sound conversational as a standalone reply | Certainly / I agree |
“Professional English is usually clearer when emphasis is controlled.”
Best Phrases by Situation
| Situation | Best Phrase |
| Business Email | Completely |
| Client Meeting | Certainly |
| Academic Essay | Entirely |
| Presentation | Absolutely |
| Workplace Discussion | Fully |
| Job Interview | Definitely |
| Team Collaboration | Completely |
| Everyday Conversation | Absolutely |
Top 10 Alternatives Compared
| Phrase | Tone | Formality | Best Use | Frequency |
| Completely | Neutral | Formal | Business writing | Very Common |
| Absolutely | Strong | Neutral | Conversation | Very Common |
| Entirely | Precise | Formal | Academic writing | Common |
| Fully | Professional | Formal | Workplace | Very Common |
| Definitely | Confident | Neutral | Conversation | Very Common |
| Certainly | Polite | Formal | Business emails | Common |
| Thoroughly | Precise | Formal | Reports | Common |
| Wholly | Bookish | Very Formal | Formal writing | Occasional |
| Perfectly | Positive | Neutral | Discussion | Very Common |
| Utterly | Strong | Formal | Emphasis | Occasional |
Which One Should You Use?
Best Overall
Completely is the most versatile choice because it works across professional, academic, written, and spoken contexts.
Best Professional
Fully works particularly well for workplace statements involving understanding, preparation, responsibility, or support.
Best Academic
Entirely sounds polished without being unnecessarily complicated.
Best Business Email
Certainly is a useful choice when expressing polite confidence or agreement.
Best Everyday Conversation
Absolutely sounds natural and gives a statement strong emphasis.
Most Natural
Completely is a highly flexible modern-English alternative.
Most Polite
Certainly often creates a courteous professional tone.
Commonly Confused Phrases
“I Agree” vs. “I Completely Agree”
I agree is neutral and straightforward. I completely agree adds stronger emphasis.
“Completely” vs. “Absolutely”
Completely usually describes completeness. Absolutely often emphasizes agreement, certainty, or intensity.
“Definitely” vs. “Certainly”
Both express certainty. Definitely is more conversational, while certainly often sounds more polished or professional.
“Entirely” vs. “Wholly”
Both can mean “completely,” but entirely is more common in modern English. Wholly can sound formal or bookish.
“Choose the synonym that matches the meaning not just the intensity.”
Scenario Practice
1. Business Meeting
Situation: Your manager proposes a new process that you strongly support.
Which phrase would you choose?
Answer: “I completely agree with this approach.”
Why: It is clear, professional, and natural.
2. Job Interview
Situation: You want to express certainty about your availability.
Answer: “I can definitely attend the next interview.”
Why: “Definitely” expresses certainty naturally.
3. Presentation
Situation: You strongly support a point made by another speaker.
Answer: “I absolutely agree with that point.”
Why: “Absolutely” provides confident spoken emphasis.
4. Class Discussion
Situation: You want to say that a conclusion applies in all relevant respects.
Answer: “The evidence entirely supports this conclusion.”
Why: “Entirely” fits formal academic discussion.
5. Email Reply
Situation: A customer asks whether you understand their concern.
Answer: “I completely understand your concern.”
Why: It is polite, professional, and reassuring.
Mini Quiz
1. Which phrase is most suitable for a formal report?
A. 100%
B. For sure
C. Entirely
D. Totally
Answer: C
2. Which expression is most casual?
A. Certainly
B. For sure
C. Entirely
D. Wholly
Answer: B
3. Which word mainly expresses certainty?
A. Definitely
B. Thoroughly
C. Wholly
D. Entirely
Answer: A
4. Which phrase is best for saying a document should be read completely?
A. For sure
B. In its entirety
C. 100%
D. Absolutely
Answer: B
5. Which alternative is highly natural for strong spoken agreement?
A. Absolutely
B. Wholly
C. In all respects
D. In its entirety
Answer: A
FAQs: Other Ways to Say “Totally”
1. What are some other ways to say “totally”?
Some alternatives include absolutely, completely, entirely, definitely, certainly, fully, utterly, perfectly, exactly, and 100%. The best choice depends on the context and tone.
2. What is a professional way to say “totally”?
In professional English, use absolutely, certainly, completely, entirely, or definitely. For example: “I completely agree with your suggestion.”
3. What is a casual way to say “totally”?
In casual conversations, you can say absolutely, definitely, for sure, exactly, 100%, or you bet. These sound natural in friendly conversations.
4. Is “totally” formal or informal?
Totally works in both formal and informal English, but it is especially common in everyday conversation. In formal writing, completely, entirely, or fully may sound more polished.
5. Can “absolutely” replace “totally”?
Yes, in many situations. For example, “I totally agree” can become “I absolutely agree.” However, the two words are not interchangeable in every sentence because their meanings can vary by context.
Conclusion
Learning other ways to say “totally” can make your English more flexible, precise, and natural. The best alternative depends on what you actually mean. Completely often works as a direct replacement, while absolutely adds strong emphasis and definitely communicates certainty. Formal choices such as entirely and wholly require a more careful context.
Try using one new expression in your next conversation, email, meeting, or piece of writing. With regular practice, you will naturally become better at matching vocabulary to tone. The goal is not to avoid “totally,” but to have enough vocabulary to choose the expression that fits the moment.
Ethan Parker is an English language writer and vocabulary enthusiast at SynonymDock.com. He specializes in synonyms, word meanings, alternative expressions and practical English usage, creating clear and reliable content to help students, professionals, writers and English learners choose the right words with confidence.