16 Synonyms for “Life-Changing”

Are you trying to figure out the best ways to show that something was life-changing?

Perhaps you’re concerned that “life-changing” itself is a bit generic or overused.

Well, you’ve come to the right place to learn more about this.

After all, we’ll teach you how to say “life-changing” professionally and informally.

Other Ways to Say “Life-Changing”

  • Transformative
  • Influential
  • Earth-shattering
  • Revolutionary
  • Pivotal
  • Monumental
  • Game-changing
  • Paradigm-shifting
  • Profound
  • Impactful
  • Groundbreaking
  • Life-altering
  • Radical
  • Momentous
  • Crucial
  • Destiny-shaping

KEY TAKEAWAYS

  • “Life-changing” is already correct and works well professionally to show that something has had a large impact on you.
  • Try “transformative” to suggest that something has transformed the way you think in formal settings.
  • “Influential” is useful as a more informal alternative if that suits your tone better.

So, keep reading to learn another word for “life-changing.” We’ve explored more regarding the best formal and informal alternatives from the list above to help you.

Also, the final section will explain whether it’s correct to say “life-changing.” So, you can always skip ahead to learn more about that if that’s more applicable to you.

Transformative (Formal)

We recommend using “transformative” as a formal synonym for “life-changing.”

Generally, this is an excellent word to use when something has impacted your life in a substantial way.

It works both positively and negatively. So, it’s an excellent way to establish a turning point in your life.

For instance, you may want to include this when talking to your employer.

It could be a good opportunity for you to express what you think about your current role, especially if it’s helped you to understand something about yourself.

You may also want to review this email example to learn more about it:

Dear Ms. Carlisle,

This was a transformative time for me, and I learned a lot.

I’m hoping you’ll give me the option to teach my peers about what I’ve learned.

Best regards,
Tanner Brisket

You don’t just have to use the phrase in emails, though.

It’s also wise to include this in a resume. After all, it could be a good opportunity for you to talk about a positive influence in your life and how you’re using it to advance your career.

Check out this resume sample if you still need help:

I have had a lot of transformative experiences from my previous workplace. It’s why I know I’m ready to take on more challenges.

Influential (Informal)

You may also use “influential” to mix things up in your writing. This time, it’s a more positive synonym that works really well in informal settings.

It’s another way to say “life-changing” that demonstrates how much of an impact something has had on you.

For example, you can use it when writing to a colleague about a role model or someone you look up to.

It’s an excellent chance for you to show how someone might have allowed you to advance in your career.

Also, you can review the following sample email to find out more:

Hey Henry,

He held one of the most influential speeches I’ve ever listened to.

Honestly, my career was never the same after that! It just got better.

Best wishes,
Sam Katie

But don’t just stop at emails! The phrase is much more versatile than that.

It also works well when writing an essay. You can use it in school if someone has tasked you to write an essay on yourself and the things that have gotten you to where you are today.

So, check out this essay sample to find out more about how it might work:

There have been many influential points in my life that led me here. It would be far too difficult to go through them all.

Is It Correct to Say “Life-Changing”?

It is correct to say “life-changing.”

The phrase works well professionally and informally. Generally, you can use it in almost any situation to show that something has had a profound impact on your life.

You can review this sample email to learn a bit more about how to use “life-changing” in a sentence:

Dear Oscar,

I can tell that this was a life-changing experience for you.

Would you like to lead the meeting to tell your peers more about it?

All the best,
Ross Johnson

You don’t just have to use the phrase positively, though.

It works well in a negative way, too. For instance:

  • The crash was life-changing, and I wouldn’t be able to get over it.

So, the phrase works positively and negatively. Generally, it just suggests that something has changed your life. It’s up to you to determine whether it’s a good or a bad thing.

Also, make sure you hyphenate the words when using it. It’s a compound adjective, so it must be written with a hyphen.

For example:

  • Correct: It was a life-changing mistake.
  • Incorrect: It is a life changing event.

Before you go, you should bookmark this page. Then, you can remind yourself of the best synonyms for “life-changing” when you want to mix things up further in your writing.