Are you searching the web for tips on how to describe a police car in a story? This post is for you. In it, we explain 10 words you can use to describe a cool police car in your novel.
1. Swift
Definition
Something that moves very fast.
Examples
“The swift police car weaved amongst the traffic with ease. A standard car wouldn’t be able to navigate the busy streets so smoothly.”
“Let’s go now! But make sure you choose the swift police car. We need to get there quickly.”
How it Adds Description
Police cars often have the capability to drive fast, and “swift” shows how your fictional police car is faster than others on the street. “Swift” also has connotations of effortlessness, which can signal the driver is attuned to the car or very talented behind the wheel. If a character drives a “swift” police car, they might be more important than others, as they have access to a good motor.
2. Immense
Definition
Something very large or great.
Examples
“The immense police car rolled into the gas station, and everybody stopped to stare.”
“It was an immense police car, and she’d never seen such large wheels in her life.”
How it Adds Description
If you want to give a strong visual of the police car, “immense” can signify how large the vehicle is. “Immense” can also show the car is of a superior quality, which might make other characters feel fear or awe when it arrives. It can also simply show the car is a new or impressive model, which can give your reader an insight into the technology in your fictional world.
3. Lustrous
Definition
Something that shines gently or brightly due to a shiny surface.
Examples
“The lustrous police car patrolled the block. Its perfect sheen didn’t fit in amongst the beat-up cars parked along the street.”
“He chose to ride in the lustrous police car because he knew it would make him look cool.”
How it Adds Description
“Lustrous” implies the police car is well-taken care of and polished. This shows its owners take pride in their jobs as police officers or have lots of time and money to complete smaller tasks. A “lustrous” police car can also contrast areas that are dirty or chaotic, and you can use this to show the difference in status between the residents and the police.
4. Ancient
Definition
Something extremely old or has existed for a long time.
Examples
“She gasped when she saw the ancient police car. It was missing two windows, one seat, and it smelt like dust.”
“He had no choice but to get into the rust-ridden, ancient police car, and he was embarrassed for the entirety of the ride.”
How it Adds Description
Not all police cars are new, and “ancient” can show how your fictional police car has seen better days. “Ancient” implies your police need more funding, but you can also use this adjective to show the police won’t let go of old-school technology and ideas. If a character describes the car as “ancient,” it shows they’re not impressed with it and potentially embarrassed to be seen with it.
5. Fresh
Definition
Something that’s new or made recently.
Examples
“Gosh, what a fresh police car! If I get arrested, take me away in one of those beauties.”
“The man stepped out of the fresh police car with pride. It was obviously the latest model.”
How it Adds Description
“Fresh” is a colloquial term that shows something is new or impressive. When used with your police car, it shows the car is new, impressive, or very attractive. This could show your police have a large budget or lots of power in your fictional world. If a character calls the police car “fresh,” they appreciate its design. But when mixed with negative connotations, “fresh” can also show jealousy.
6. Intimidating
Definition
Something that’s frightening and makes others lose confidence.
Examples
“The intimidating police car appeared in her dreams again. She knew it was some kind of sign but didn’t know what it meant.”
“He shuffled away from the intimidating police car. He didn’t want to be near such a scary vehicle.”
How it Adds Description
“Intimidating” shows how other characters are fearful or suspicious of your fictional police car. This could be because of its scary design, but it could also be because your fictional police force is especially brutal. “Intimidating” can also foreshadow future negative plot points or create suspense for your reader.
7. Paltry
Definition
Something that’s unimportant or small.
Examples
“The paltry police car wheeled around the corner, but no one even looked at it.”
“The woman laughed at the paltry police car, even though the policeman was angry.”
How it Adds Description
If you want to show your police car is low-quality or not a threat, “paltry” is a great word to use. This adjective shows how insignificant or physically small the car is. The word can also show how characters aren’t scared of it, and they might even poke fun at the car as a sign of disrespect.
8. Disappointing
Definition
Something not as impressive or good as expected to be.
Examples
“He glanced at the disappointing police car and winced. It was an embarrassment to the force.”
“The police car was disappointing. She’d expected a much larger vehicle.”
How it Adds Description
When people think of police cars, they often think of an impressive car with the latest tech. “Disappointing” shows that the car is low-quality or below your characters’ expectations. This adjective can even subtly signal that the police are lazy or unhelpful, as their vehicles aren’t up to standard.
9. Humble
Definition
Something ordinary or not special.
Examples
“The humble police car blended into the scenery.”
“The group took the humble police car so fewer people would notice them.”
How it Adds Description
“Humble” can stress that your police car is very ordinary or non-assuming. This can help your characters ride around without being noticed as the car blends in with others. “Humble” can also signal that the characters feel comfortable in it, as it’s a standard car.
10. Defective
Definition
Something that doesn’t work well.
Examples
“Don’t take the defective police car! It’ll crash!”
“She stayed away from the defective police car. It was a certain death trap.”
How it Adds Description
“Defective” shows your police car is broken or not working well, which can foreshadow future issues or potential danger for characters. A character might also call a police car “defective” to show they dislike it.