If you’re writing a Sci-Fi novel and need some inspiration, this post is for you. Below, we’ve shared 10 words to describe an alien planet for your perusal.
1. Peculiar
Definition
Something or somewhere that’s unusual, strange, or different.
Examples
“The peculiar alien planet didn’t feel like home, and she desperately wished to return to her cozy bed.”
“He acknowledged that the alien planet was peculiar, but he was willing to spend more time there learning about the society’s beliefs.”
How it Adds Description
Fictional aliens are usually different from humans, and if you want to emphasize the contrast between your alien world and Earth the word “peculiar” can help. This adjective highlights that the location is different, and not in a good way since “peculiar” often has negative connotations. “Peculiar” is a strong word for setting scenes and exposing a character’s inner feelings about the setting.
2. Eccentric
Definition
Someone or somewhere that’s strange and has different actions or opinions than most of society.
Examples
“She explored the eccentric alien planet. Nothing made sense to her, but she had a good feeling about the place.”
“The aliens started to sing without warning. However, this seemed normal on their eccentric alien planet.”
How it Adds Description
If you want to show how your alien society is different, but in a positive light, the word “eccentric” can help. This adjective helps your reader understand that your fictional world doesn’t subscribe to the same social conventions as Earth, yet it works for them. The term can also be used to show a character’s curiosity about the society, or to pique your reader’s interest and make them want to read on.
3. Exceptional
Definition
Somewhere that’s extremely good quality and better than others.
Examples
“They glanced around at the exceptional alien world; this was the most advanced planet they’d ever seen.”
“The aliens thought their world was normal, but she knew their exceptional alien world was more special than they realized.”
How it Adds Description
The word “exceptional” can be used to convey how positive and amazing your alien world is. Whether it’s technologically advanced or full of natural wonders, “exceptional” ensures your reader knows it’s better than the rest. Ideal if you’re trying to create a paradise-like world.
4. Progressive
Definition
Somewhere that has modern innovations or ideas.
Examples
“He’d never expected a civilized society or a progressive alien world. Acknowledging that his home was low-tech was a tough pill to swallow.”
“She enjoyed the diplomacy of the progressive alien world.”
How it Adds Description
If you want to highlight how forward-thinking or modern your alien world is, “progressive” will help you describe its values to your reader. This is a great adjective for Sci-Fi novels, as you can show your reader that the fictional world is ahead of other civilizations.
5. Unnatural
Definition
Somewhere that contrasts what you’d normally expect.
Examples
“He didn’t feel safe in the unnatural alien world, everything looked similar but behaved differently.”
“They were stuck in the unnatural alien world, whether they liked it or not.”
How it Adds Description
Creating contrast between the real world and your fictional world is a great method to set the scene for your reader. “Unnatural” will show your alien world is at odds with their usual expectations. This adjective allows you to create a world that’s as weird or as wonderful as you like, however the term is usually reserved for negative descriptions. This can also foreshadow important plot points later on in the novel.
6. Spooky
Definition
Somewhere that feels slightly scary or frightening.
Examples
“He didn’t feel comfortable in the spooky alien world. Something about the setting turned his stomach.”
“As she wandered through the spooky alien world, it seemed like someone was following her. Yet every time she turned around no one was there.”
How it Adds Description
Some alien world’s might be full of wonder and positivity. However, if you’re creating an alien world and want to send shivers down your readers’ spines, “spooky” is an appropriate word to use. This adjective hints that the world is frightening your characters and you can use it to build suspense before a major plot point or dramatic moment.
7. Advanced
Definition
Somewhere that’s extremely modern or more developed than other places.
Examples
“The advanced alien world put his primitive hometown to shame.”
“She wanted to stay in the advanced alien world, but she’d need to learn how to function in their innovative society.”
How it Adds Description
Many great alien stories take place in high-tech worlds, and the word “advanced” is one of the best adjectives to show your modern world off. “Advanced” conveys that the alien world is home to new technologies and lifestyles, but it can also link to ways of thinking. This will help your reader understand the inner workings of the setting, thus building their overall understanding of the book.
8. Astonishing
Definition
Somewhere that surprises you.
Examples
“When she first visited the astonishing alien world she’d gasped. But now everything felt very normal to her.”
“The group stood there with open mouths. The astonishing alien world never fails to impress visitors.”
How it Adds Description
An alien world might be a new experience for visitors, especially if they come from completely different planets. Therefore, the word “astonishing” will show your characters’ reactions to the unique world. This also helps your reader to understand the awe they feel towards the new society, and this can make them want to read on and find out more.
9. Fantastic
Definition
Somewhere very good or somewhere you like.
Examples
“This alien world is simply fantastic!”
“The fantastic alien world was the most popular destination in the solar system.”
How it Adds Description
“Fantastic” is a positive adjective that can be used to describe the positive aspects of your alien world. From the physical qualities to the way the world is set up, “fantastic” will ensure your reader understands how great the setting is.
10. Untamed
Definition
A place that’s never been changed and is in its natural state.
Examples
“The group slowly walked through the untamed alien world. They had no clue what to expect.”
“As she looked around, she noticed the untamed alien world was free from technology and laws she was used to at home.”
How it Adds Description
Not all alien worlds are technologically advanced! If you want to explain how your alien world is yet to be developed, the world “untamed” can help. This adjective implies to your reader that the inhabitants (if any) have left the setting as discovered. “Untamed” can also evoke curiosity within your reader, as an “untamed” world has many possibilities.