Imagine you’re writing. Everything is going swimmingly but then you’re pulled up short because you can’t find the right word. Maybe it’s that “right on the tip of my tongue” feeling. Or a sense that something’s wrong. You know choosing the right word or phrase is important because:
But how do you go about finding the right word? It can take time, and you have a deadline to meet. The first place to go is your word processing program's thesaurus or dictionary function.
Most of us write on computers, and the Thesaurus function available on Word and other programs can be good places to go. (In some programs, like GoogleDocs, the Dictionary function's what you need. Just look at the list of synonyms.) If the responses aren't quite what you want, try another resource.
Here are some are free online resources. All are easy to use -- you start on a home page that has a search box where you enter your word. I prefer simple home pages since you’re not likely to get sucked in by something unrelated to your task.
Each site was tested using the word “belligerent” since it can be either a noun or an adjective. Results that are divided by word type make it easier to find what you need.
2. www.collinsdictionary.com/english-thesaurus
3. thesaurus.yourdictionary.com/
4. www.synonyms.net/
5. www.synonym.com
Hope these tools help you find the right word. Are there other tools you like to use? Let me know.
Please contact me if you need help on a writing project: claire.e.cunningham@gmail.com
- Your choice of words lets you connect with your audience. You need to use words, phrases and references your readers recognize.
- Variety keeps readers and listeners interested. If you find you’ve used a word over and over, synonyms can mix it up a bit and stave off boredom.
- Appropriate use of vocabulary shows your intelligence. Using a variety of words in the right way can make you look smart. Although, remember to keep your audience in mind so you don't come off as a “smarty-pants.”
But how do you go about finding the right word? It can take time, and you have a deadline to meet. The first place to go is your word processing program's thesaurus or dictionary function.
Most of us write on computers, and the Thesaurus function available on Word and other programs can be good places to go. (In some programs, like GoogleDocs, the Dictionary function's what you need. Just look at the list of synonyms.) If the responses aren't quite what you want, try another resource.
Here are some are free online resources. All are easy to use -- you start on a home page that has a search box where you enter your word. I prefer simple home pages since you’re not likely to get sucked in by something unrelated to your task.
Each site was tested using the word “belligerent” since it can be either a noun or an adjective. Results that are divided by word type make it easier to find what you need.
- Wide-ranging results. Slang expressions and phrases included.
- Home page offers a lot of stuff; very busy
- Results combine adjectives and nouns. Can be confusing.
2. www.collinsdictionary.com/english-thesaurus
- Can choose American or English.
- Results are divided by adjective and noun
- Gives foreign language translations
- Simple home page
3. thesaurus.yourdictionary.com/
- Results are divided by adjective and noun
- Good example sentences
- Straightforward home page
4. www.synonyms.net/
- Extensive results
- Results are divided by adjective and noun
- Lots of ads (the price we pay for free access)
- Simple home page
5. www.synonym.com
- Limited results
- Results are divided by adjective and noun
- Simple home page
Hope these tools help you find the right word. Are there other tools you like to use? Let me know.
Please contact me if you need help on a writing project: claire.e.cunningham@gmail.com
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