Positive synonyms for very good

Fits when a casual review or message calls a service or product the best of its kind

Not when the writing is formal, such as a grant report or an academic reference

Fits when a plain step up from very good is enough, as in excellent work or an excellent result

Not when it is the only praise the reader gets; excellent with no reason can read as a stock comment on a report card

Fits when real delight at the quality should come through, as in a superb meal or a superb solo

Not when the subject is routine work in a formal report, where superb can sound gushing

Fits when the work stood above what others in the same role or group produced, as in a performance review

Not when the work is solid but typical; outstanding claims it stood out, and in rated reviews it is often the top grade

Fits when the quality is rare even among strong work, as in a reference for a top candidate

Not when you mean reliably good; exceptional means unusual, and giving it to everyone weakens every letter that uses it

Fits when someone takes to an activity quickly, as in a natural on stage

Not when the person worked hard to get there, or the writing is a formal evaluation

Fits when natural ability is what stands out, especially in a young person or a newcomer

Not when the skill came from years of hard work, which talented can make sound like luck

Fits when a person has trained or practiced abilities for a task, such as a skilled welder or a skilled negotiator

Not when the ability is a natural trait, such as patience with children; skilled points to learned technique

Fits when a person has reached a high level through long practice and has results to show, as in an accomplished pianist

Not when the person is still learning; accomplished claims a settled level of mastery

Fits when someone handles a tricky task with ease, as in adept at calming tense meetings

Not when the sentence is casual speech, where adept sounds stiff and good at or great at is easier

Fits when excitement should come through, as in fantastic news about a new job

Not when the tone is formal or the news is mixed, where fantastic can sound forced

Fits when casual speech or a quick message needs an easy, upbeat word

Not when the writing needs precision; great is as vague as very good and adds nothing new

Fits when a gentle, friendly tone suits a note about a meal, a gift, or a visit

Not when the subject is a serious achievement, where lovely can sound small or patronizing

Fits when the experience or news brought real joy, as in a thank-you note after a visit

Not when a piece of work is being assessed; wonderful expresses feeling, not a judgment of quality