Are you looking for tips on how to describe a spaceship in story? Scroll down to learn about 10 descriptive words you can use in your book.
1. Advanced
Definition
Something that has reached a high level of technological development.
Examples
“The young boy gazed at the spaceship concept drawings. They were all so advanced, and he wished he could see one in real life.”
“The pilot chose to ride in the advanced spaceship, as he had heard the technology was mind-blowing.”
How it Adds Description
You can show your fictional spaceship is very technologically developed via “advanced.” This implies that the spaceship is one of the best available, and characters with a particular interest in tech and space might be very interested in it. More old-fashioned characters might reject the spaceship, as the “advanced” design is too new and confusing for them.
2. Rapid
Definition
Something that can move very fast.
Examples
“Anna watched the rapid spaceship sprint across the night sky.”
“The president hid records of the rapid spaceship from civilians. If they knew light-speed travel was possible, all hell would break loose.”
How it Adds Description
Spaceships are objects that can travel, and “rapid” shows that your fictional spaceship is faster than others. This gives your audience more information about the contraption, and it may explain why some characters are so fixated on traveling in it. A “rapid” spaceship could be used to get to other planets in short amounts of time, thus furthering the plot and unlocking new settings.
3. Robust
Definition
Something that’s very strong.
Examples
“The robust spaceship had crashed through two buildings, but there wasn’t a scratch on its surface.”
“I hope this spaceship is robust enough to make it back through Earth’s atmosphere!”
How it Adds Description
If you want to show your spaceship is strong, you can use “robust.” This adjective implies that the spaceship is made from very durable materials or by expert construction. This might make characters feel safer while traveling in it, as they’re unlikely to be harmed by a crash or accident.
4. Intimidating
Definition
Something that scares people or makes them lose confidence.
Examples
“Lara blushed as the intimidating spaceship flew closer to where she was standing.”
“The aliens knew their spaceship was intimidating, and they used it to drive the humans insane.”
How it Adds Description
Spaceships are often considered scary or “intimidating,” and this usually stems from the fact we don’t understand them. You can use “intimidating” to showcase your character’s fear of the spaceship and its inhabitants. Characters who find the spaceship “intimidating” will likely become anxious or speechless when it appears.
5. Curious
Definition
Something you want to know more about or are interested in.
Examples
“The spaceship was curious to Earthlings. They’d never seen anything like it at all.”
“As the sun disappeared, the curious spaceship took to the sky. It had giant wings, large jet propellers, and a chrome exterior.”
How it Adds Description
“Curious” shows that your characters are intrigued by the strangeness or newness of the spaceship. They might want to learn more about how it’s made or where it comes from. Most characters will likely find the spaceship “curious,” as it differs from any transport used on Earth. However, characters who have a fixation on outer space may become extra obsessed with the spaceship.
6. Hovering
Definition
To stay in the air in the same position.
Examples
“Nobody noticed the hovering spaceship because it was hidden behind the clouds.”
“The pilot of the hovering spaceship was extremely skilled. He could keep the spaceship still in the air without breaking a sweat.”
How it Adds Description
You can use “hovering” to describe the spaceship’s position in the air or the fact it can hover in one spot. Human characters might find this fascinating, as when a spaceship “hovers,” it looks like it’s effortlessly floating. However, superstitious characters might see this as a bad omen, as a “hovering” spaceship is too far from what they believe is possible.
7. Impenetrable
Definition
Something that’s impossible or difficult to get into.
Examples
“The team of scientists spent hours trying to figure out where the impenetrable spaceship’s door was. But they eventually gave up.”
“No one ever came in or out of the impenetrable spaceship. It just simply stood there.”
How it Adds Description
To show how tough it is to get inside the spaceship, you can say it’s “impenetrable.” This shows that characters have tried to enter it before but haven’t been successful. An “impenetrable” spaceship might tempt adventurous characters to break in as they want to explore the unknown.
8. Magnificent
Definition
Something that’s extremely good, impressive, or beautiful.
Examples
“Is that a real spaceship? It’s absolutely magnificent!”
“The NASA team knew their spaceship was magnificent, and they made sure they showed it off as often as possible.”
How it Adds Description
The word “magnificent” shows that the fictional spaceship has a positive effect on characters. Instead of running away in fear, they might flock to look at the “magnificent” spaceship because it’s beautiful or remarkable. Characters that created a “magnificent” spaceship are also likely very proud of their invention.
9. Mysterious
Definition
Something that’s not understood.
Examples
“Eli looked up at the evening sky and wondered about the mysterious spaceship. Was it real? Or part of his overactive imagination?”
“The townspeople gathered to marvel at the mysterious spaceship. No one knew where it came from or even when it landed.”
How it Adds Description
If you want to show that your characters don’t understand the spaceship, use “mysterious.” This adjective shows that the spaceship is strange or puzzling to your characters, and it can explain their inquisitive reaction to it.
10. Formidable
Definition
Something that you feel slightly frightened of due to its power.
Examples
“The lady shielded her children’s eyes as the formidable spaceship flew past. She didn’t want them to have nightmares.”
“John nervously approached the formidable spaceship. He knocked on the door with trembling fingers and anxiously waited for an answer.”
How it Adds Description
“Formidable” implies that your characters are slightly afraid of the spaceship. This could be because it’s very powerful or because it’s controlled by enemy characters. Only courageous characters will likely make contact with a “formidable” spaceship, as they have less fear or want to prove that they’re brave. Nervous characters are more likely to avoid a “formidable” spaceship.