You probably write on a laptop or desktop computer, which makes using a thesaurus very easy.
With my word processor, all I need to do is highlight a word, right-click, and presto, I have a long list of synonyms I can use in my writing.
Perhaps you do it the old-fashioned way and have a weighty thesaurus sitting beside you.
Finding alternative words and choosing the right synonyms are part of the writing process. But is it helping or hindering your writing?
The benefits of using a thesaurus in writing
You know there’s a better word. It’s on the tip of your tongue, but you can’t think of it.
You could spend time pushing your memory, but it’s usually quicker to let your thesaurus remind you.
That’s when a thesaurus is your best friend. It can jog your memory, suggest a more precise word, or help you find an alternative if you’ve used the same word too often.
However, choosing the right synonym is not always as simple as replacing a word with any word your thesaurus suggests.
Synonyms can have slightly different meanings. For example, if you look for a word to replace disinterested, uninterested will appear near the top of the list.
In this case, the two words have different meanings. Disinterested means impartial or unbiased, while uninterested means lacking interest.
It might be better to choose a word closer to your intended meaning. Perhaps indifferent or bored would be better choices.
Using a thesaurus can help you improve word choice, avoid repetition, and add variety to your writing.
Synonyms in writing are always a choice, but don’t let it become a habit to replace words for no worthwhile reason.
An alternative word is not always a better word.
When your thesaurus can lead you astray
One of the biggest thesaurus mistakes is using words that make a sudden change to your normal style, writing voice, or your text’s register.
A simple example might be choosing to replace so, which is often overused, with therefore, thus, or hence. You could even go as far as to use the Latin word ergo.
Blog posts and informative articles commonly use an informal or conversational register.
To keep your writing style uniform, it might be better to choose a synonym for so that matches the style. Perhaps as a result, because, or even then.
You might know this Stephen King quote: “Any word you have to hunt for in a thesaurus is the wrong word. There are no exceptions to this rule.”
On the same topic, Mark Twain said this: “Don’t use a five-dollar word when a fifty-cent word will do.”
I’m not one to take advice like this literally, but there is an element of truth that is worth considering.
As a writer, you have an extensive and natural vocabulary you can call upon.
However, as tempting as it is, using words you are not familiar with can have a negative effect on your readers.
If you decide to use an unfamiliar word from a thesaurus, there’s a chance your readers might need a dictionary to understand it.
Saying someone is perspicacious rather than clever or wise would rarely improve a sentence.
Another big mistake is believing that all synonyms have the same meaning.
The words you find in a thesaurus are suggestions with similar or closely related meanings, but in many cases, there is a difference. Do arcane and archaic have the same meaning? No.
And that’s when it’s not your best friend. If you don’t know the precise meaning of a word, don’t use it.
How to use a thesaurus productively
By far, the best use for a thesaurus is to remind you of words in your natural vocabulary.
If you notice you used the word enough quite a few times in your text, you might want to replace one or two instances for variety or less repetition.
You could use sufficient in a neutral or semi-formal text, or plenty of in an informal text. However, an adequacy is not in very common use and could sound out of place.
If you find a word you don’t know and have to check your dictionary, it’s probably the wrong choice.
Very often, a new fancy word will clash with your style, tone, and register.
Yes, it always pays to extend your vocabulary, little by little, but when you are revising or editing and trying to replace a word in a text, it’s rarely the time.
Reading is by far a better way to improve your vocabulary.
The aim of writing is to inform, entertain, or explore ideas; not to impress with fancy words.
One result of using your thesaurus might be discovering that your original word is the best option. And there’s nothing wrong with that.
Summary
Using a thesaurus is indispensable for most writers. It’s so easy now, with most writing tools making it quick to access and consult.
I use it quite often when writing a new text, and particularly if I think I have a repetition problem.
But like any tool, I use it, but don’t let it use me.
You can try so many free tools now to check your writing and suggest changes to your style and vocabulary.
But blindly following the suggestions can ruin a perfectly good piece of writing. I have one grammar checker that enjoys telling me to remove every adverb.
If I did that, what would I end up with?
It’s the same when trying to use too many synonyms. If you start madly clicking and changing words that don’t fit, or don’t have the same meaning, what will you end up with?
In both instances, a text will no longer be your writing.
Your thesaurus can be your best friend. But blindly trusting it can turn it into your worst enemy.
Note: As a closing thought, the word supercalifragilisticexpialidocious is in my active vocabulary, and I even know how to spell it.
I know it means extraordinarily good or wonderful. But I’ve never found an occasion to use it… in decades.
Related Reading: How To Use Uncommon Words Without Confusing Readers
English teacher, writer, and author. Passionate about grammar, creative writing, and self-publishing. Always exploring new tools and tech to help writers succeed.
