Do you need some words to describe a tropical island setting in your novel? Use the following 10 to create a picturesque island, which will make readers feel like they are right there with the characters in your story.
1. Soothing
Definition
Somewhere that gives a calming or relaxing effect.
Examples
“The soothing island left the group feeling at ease, the stresses of the journey simply melted away.”
“It was a soothing island, everyone felt safe despite the fact they were miles away from home.”
How it Adds Description
The adjective “soothing” provides the reader with a clear sense of relaxation, showing the tropical island is a pleasant place to be. This can help you imply your characters are safe, and it can also contrast any unpleasant settings in your novel.
2. Muggy
Definition
A place with weather that’s very damp, humid, or warm.
Examples
“He tried to stroll around the muggy island, but he couldn’t make it two meters without breaking a sweat.”
“The muggy island was more uncomfortable than she expected, and she wished she’d booked a room with AC.”
How it Adds Description
Tropical islands tend to have hot weather and humidity, and “muggy” provides a very clear image of how it feels to be there. Whether you want to add lots of setting description or show how a character’s feeling, this term can give greater insights into how the island makes you feel.
3. Blistering
Definition
A place with extreme heat or excess sun.
Examples
“No matter how far he ran, he could not escape the blistering tropical island.”
“The blistering tropical island offered no shade, water, or respite — it was a recipe for disaster.”
How it Adds Description
If you’re searching for a word that describes hot or tropical weather, “blistering” is an adjective that offers an extreme image. This word can be used to show your character’s discomfort, and it can also further the plot by showing how uncomfortable the island is.
4. Captivating
Definition
Somewhere or someone that fascinates or attracts others.
Examples
“The captivating island always stole the tourists’ attention, they couldn’t get enough of the sky-high palms and white sands.”
“As she traversed the captivating island, she realized that she was going in circles and didn’t quite know her way any more.”
How it Adds Description
If you want to highlight your character’s awe or fascination with the tropical island, the word “captivating” can assist you. This word emphasizes how impressed your characters are, and it can be used to further their obsession with the location. It can also be used to just show appreciation for the island’s beauty, signaling its pleasantness to your readers.
5. Outstanding
Definition
Something or somewhere that’s very attractive, impressive, or very remarkable.
Examples
“She glanced around the outstanding island, though it wasn’t her first time here she was still impressed by the natural beauty.”
“They captured the outstanding island on their camera phones, ensuring they had proof of its existence before they left.”
How it Adds Description
The word “outstanding” places the island above other places, proving to the reader that it’s one of a kind. This helps your reader understand your island is a special place, thus helping them remember it as the plot advances. If you want to make your island stand out, this adjective can help.
6. Lush
Definition
Somewhere that has lots of greenery or healthy plant life.
Examples
“The lush island proved difficult to travel across, especially without a machete for path clearing.”
“She lazed on the shore of the lush island and took the scenery in — it was green as far as the eye could see.”
How it Adds Description
Often, tropical islands have an abundance of green palms, jungle plants, and rare tropical nature. If this sounds like your island, “lush” will convey the plentiful setting to your reader with ease. This adjective can add a clear image in your reader’s mind, helping them understand where your characters are without dense descriptions.
7. Isolated
Definition
A place that’s far from civilization or difficult to travel to.
Examples
“They kept traveling towards the isolated island, but it didn’t seem to be getting any closer.”
“She screamed until her lungs burned, but the isolated island concealed her attempts at communication with the outside world.”
How it Adds Description
If you’re writing a thriller or horror novel, you might want to show how alone your characters are. The word “isolated” describes how far away your island is from any other people or help. This can forward the plot and describe your character’s feelings of desperation to the reader.
8. Overgrown
Definition
Somewhere that’s untidy with an excess of unruly plants/nature.
Examples
“The overgrown island blocked out the sunlight, leaving the group unaware of which way was up.”
“He continued to explore, despite the fact the overgrown island was making his path more and more difficult to walk.”
How it Adds Description
The word “overgrown” explains the power of nature on the island. If you want to provide an image of a tropical island with unruly trees and thick jungle, the word “overgrown” can help. This can further the story by showing your character’s struggle to explore the island, and it can also hint at future troubles as the jungle becomes more overpowering.
9. Serene
Definition
Somewhere or something quiet and calm.
Examples
“She decided to ignore their advice, the serene island called her name and she would go there without them.”
“When he arrived, he realized the serene island was quieter than he’d ever imagined.”
How it Adds Description
The word “serene” is a great option if you want to portray your tropical island in a positive light. “Serene” has connotations of relaxation, illustrating how comfortable and calm your setting is.
10. Rustic
Definition
Somewhere that’s simple or unsophisticated.
Examples
“The island was rustic, but this didn’t bother him too much.”
“She felt comfortable on the rustic island, surviving without modern amenities came naturally to her.”
How it Adds Description
If your tropical island is undiscovered, the word “rustic” helps your reader understand its lack of modern comforts and facilities. This adjective provides a clearer image of life on the island, making your character’s plot also easier to understand.