How to use thesaurus for word search

A thesaurus is a tool you can use to search for synonyms and antonyms of other words. There are different types of thesauri and different methods for accessing information from them. Thesauri can come in the form of a book, an electronic device, a web site, or a word processing tool.

Last Updated: February 4, This article was co-authored by wikiHow Staff. Our trained team of editors and researchers validate articles for accuracy and comprehensiveness. This article has been viewed , times. Learn more In order to avoid common mistakes, use the correct style of thesaurus for your needs, understand each part of the thesaurus entry and stay true to your original context. With proper use, a thesaurus can add variety and power to your writing.

How to use thesaurus for word search

Using the thesaurus, you can look up synonyms different words with the same meaning and antonyms words with the opposite meaning. Tip: In the desktop versions of Word, PowerPoint, and Outlook, you can get a quick list of synonyms by right-clicking a word and choosing Synonyms. The Office Online apps don't include a synonym finder. To use one of the words in the list of results or to search for more words, do one of the following:. To replace your selected word with one of the words from the list, point to it, click the down arrow, then click Insert. To copy and paste a word from the list, point to it, click the down arrow, then click Copy. You can then paste the word anywhere that you like. Tips: You can also look up words in the thesaurus of another language. If, for example, your document is in French and you want synonyms, do this:. In Word , click Research options in the Research task pane, and then under Reference Books , select the thesaurus options that you want. In Word or Word , on the Review tab, click Research. Click Research options in the Research task pane, and then under Reference Books , select the thesaurus options that you want. In Word , on the Review tab, click Thesaurus.

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A thesaurus is a book that lists words or phrases that mean the same thing or almost the same thing—a book of synonyms. Some thesauruses list words in alphabetical order, just like a dictionary; however, many don't. They have an index at the front, with instructions of how to use the index to find the word you want. Read the instructions. A thesaurus can introduce you to new words, or it can suggest words that you already know. For example, you might find skinny, svelte, thin, emaciated , and skeletal as synonyms of slender, yet each synonym leaves a different impression: skinny usually means too thin and weak, svelte means fit and thin, emaciated and skeletal are thin to the point of sickness or death, and thin means little or no fat. Only thin and svelte provide approximately the same tone and meaning as slender.

You may also find a section in a thesaurus that will allow you to see what words are the direct opposite of the word you use as the beginning point. This process works in the same way, so follow the above steps, except in the last one, choose a word that works as an antonym to the word you started with. Using a thesaurus can often be part of using a dictionary, as many online dictionaries will include these words at the ends of the definitions. This speeds up the process of finding the right word for your needs. Online Thesauruses. If you want to find a thesaurus online, there are many options available. These online thesauruses are up to date and they can give you a long list of words to use in place of the word with which you began.

How to use thesaurus for word search

Using the thesaurus, you can look up synonyms different words with the same meaning and antonyms words with the opposite meaning. Tip: In the desktop versions of Word, PowerPoint, and Outlook, you can get a quick list of synonyms by right-clicking a word and choosing Synonyms. The Office Online apps don't include a synonym finder. To use one of the words in the list of results or to search for more words, do one of the following:. To replace your selected word with one of the words from the list, point to it, click the down arrow, then click Insert. To copy and paste a word from the list, point to it, click the down arrow, then click Copy.

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Relationships Dating Love Relationship Issues. You can search for a word and find how other authors have used it. With proper use, a thesaurus can add variety and power to your writing. Co-authors: Online Class : Goal Setting for Business. You have multiple accounts. Thank you for your feedback. By continuing to use our site, you agree to our cookie policy. Accessibility center. Edit this Article.

A thesaurus is a tool you can use to search for synonyms and antonyms of other words. There are different types of thesauri and different methods for accessing information from them.

Some teachers ask students to limit their use of a thesaurus. Check to see if any surrounding verbs, nouns or adjectives need to be changed or removed if the new synonym has clarified your point. Updated: February 4, More success stories Hide success stories. To use one of the words in the list of results or to search for more words, do one of the following:. Not Helpful 5 Helpful 9. Learn more If any antonyms opposite meanings are available for the word, those words appear in the thesaurus list followed by antonym. Share yours! In Word or Word , on the Review tab, click Research. Click Thesaurus on the menu. Submit a Tip All tip submissions are carefully reviewed before being published. Accessibility center. This expands the Thesaurus tab on the right side of your document. Cookies make wikiHow better.