Using a Thesaurus
A thesaurus is a dictionary of synonyms and antonyms. It can help you build your vocabulary and is most useful when you want to replace a general word with a more specific synonym. For example, instead of using the word red, you might want to use scarlet or crimson or vermilion.
Some thesauruses organize words alphabetically, as a dictionary does. In more traditional thesauruses, you find a word by referring first to an index in the back of the book. Online thesauruses ask you to enter a search term and automatically return results.
Example Entry
A Entry Word
B Part of Speech
C Synonyms
D Example
E Antonyms
Dictionary Follow-Up
Make sure that you understand the meaning of any word you choose from a thesaurus. Don’t replace common words with obscure words just to sound more impressive. Also recognize the connotation of your choice. For example, asking someone to walk to the store is completely different from asking the person to shamble to it.
Your Turn Use a print or online thesaurus to find synonyms for the word build in these phrases: building a reputation; building a computer; building expectation. Look up your choices in a dictionary to double-check their denotation (literal meaning) and connotation (implied meaning).