thesaurus

USAGE SUMMARY

The word "thesaurus" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when referring to a book that lists words and their synonyms. For example, "I used the thesaurus to find a synonym for the word 'amazing'."

✓ Grammatically correct

Encyclopedias

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

His works include Thesaurus Siluricus (1868) and Thesaurus Devonico-Carboniferus (1878).

Encyclopedia Britannica

"You're welcome," he replies, after consulting a thesaurus to find the most needlessly verbose synonyms for the words "you're" and "welcome".

The Guardian

It is apparently simple for people to get around computer-programed rules, but a lot more difficult when they are up against other humans: a thesaurus can ensure strong sentiments are communicated even without using banned language.Admittedly, MetaFilter only has about 70,000 registered users, so its system will not work for every website.

The Economist

He had a thesaurus of political jokes, collected over years, at the expense of Baathists, Islamists, nationalists, imperialists, Palestinians, Israelis, everyone.

The Economist

In 1527 28 he published his first complete Bible in Latin, and in 1531 he completed his great Dictionarium seu linguae latinae thesaurus, a Latin dictionary that marks an epoch in the history of lexicography, not only for Latin but also for all other languages.

Encyclopedia Britannica

The counterpart of treasure trove under Roman law was thesaurus inventus.

Encyclopedia Britannica

(So too, dictionary order becomes a meaningless term for any language that lacks an alphabet.) The assembling of words into groups related by some principle, as by their meanings, can be done, and such a work is often called a thesaurus or synonymy.

Encyclopedia Britannica

A major thesaurus, and one of the earliest, is the Thesaurofacet (1969), a list of engineering terms in great detail designed by Jean Aitchison for the English Electric Company.

Encyclopedia Britannica

The thesaurus has proved very useful both for indexing and for searching in machine systems.

Encyclopedia Britannica

A constitution of Hadrian apparently divided thesaurus inventus equally between the finder and the landowner.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Additional features included a time line of human history, a dictionary and thesaurus, and a quiz game called MindMaze.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use a "thesaurus" to enhance your writing by finding more precise or evocative synonyms, but always check the definitions in a dictionary to ensure the chosen word accurately conveys your intended meaning.

Common error

Avoid simply replacing words with synonyms from a "thesaurus" without considering context. This can lead to stilted or unnatural writing. Always ensure the replacement fits the tone and meaning of your sentence.

Linguistic Context

The word "thesaurus" functions primarily as a noun, referring to a reference book or tool that provides synonyms and related words. Ludwig's examples show its usage in various contexts, often related to writing, language, and information retrieval.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Encyclopedias

21%

News & Media

59%

Science

7%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The word "thesaurus" is a common and grammatically correct noun, widely used to refer to a book or tool that provides synonyms and related words. Ludwig highlights its usage across various contexts, including writing, language analysis, and information retrieval. While generally neutral in register, its formal applications are observed in academic and professional settings. When using a "thesaurus", remember to verify that the suggested synonyms fit the specific context and tone of your writing, ensuring accuracy and avoiding unnatural phrasing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

synonym dictionary

Focuses on the function of providing synonyms.

synonym finder

Highlights the tool's purpose for finding synonyms.

vocabulary builder

Emphasizes the thesaurus's role in expanding vocabulary.

lexical resource

Positions the thesaurus as a broader linguistic tool.

word list

Simplifies the description to a basic collection of words.

semantic index

Highlights organization of words based on meaning.

word relationships guide

Focuses on how words are connected based on sense.

vocabulary reference

Emphasizes its function as a point of vocabulary look-up.

terminology compilation

Suggests it is a gathering of specialized terms.

conceptual lexicon

Positions thesaurus a dictionary of concepts rather than words.

FAQs

How to use "thesaurus" in a sentence?

A "thesaurus" is a reference book used to find synonyms and related words. For example, "I consulted the "thesaurus" to find a better word for 'happy'."

What is the purpose of a "thesaurus"?

The primary purpose of a "thesaurus" is to help writers and speakers find alternative words with similar meanings, enriching their vocabulary and making their writing more expressive.

What can I say instead of "thesaurus"?

Depending on the context, you can use terms like "synonym dictionary", "synonym finder", or "lexical resource".

What is the difference between a dictionary and a "thesaurus"?

A dictionary provides definitions, pronunciations, and origins of words, while a "thesaurus" provides synonyms and related words to expand vocabulary and improve writing.