The Muslim Blogger

A thesaurus can help you take your writing from good to great.  Sometimes your word choice might be fine but it becomes repetitive as the post goes on. I’ve compiled a list of reasons to use a thesaurus, precaution to take, and tools and resources for you to use.

Why Use a Thesaurus

• Avoid cliches or the repitition of a particular word within the same sentence/paragraph.
• Learn how to say what you want in different, more powerful ways.
• Your writing becomes more interesting and engaging.
• Helps you to find the right word to express what you want - not just a word.
• Builds your vocabulary.

Be Careful of 3

• Don’t use a “labyrinthian” word. A big word, like labyrinthian, is over complicated  and unnecessary.
• Not every synonym fits.  Use a dictionary when in doubt.
• Be sure your writing still reflects you.  Sometimes the “normal” word that you used is the perfect one.
• Don’t overdo it by using too many fancy adjectives and adverbs.
• Remember the idea is to connect with your readers.  Don’t use a word that your readers may not understand.

Tools and Resources

• Thesaurus.com - An invaluable online tool for any blogger or writer.
• Dictionary.com - Find the definition for a synonym or antonym you aren’t clear about.  Don’t just plug it in hoping you got it right.
• Search Bar - Plugins for the Firefox search bar are available for both Thesaurus.com (here) and Dictionary.com (here).
• Macs - If you have a Mac, you already have a super-fast way to do this using their built-in dictionary/thesaurus/reference tool.  I have mine in the dock bar ready to go at all times.
• Microsoft Office - Virtually all versions of Microsoft Office include a great dictionary/thesaurus.  It may not be as fast as the stand alone app for Mac, but it it much more convenient to have it available whenever you write without having to use something else.
• Poetry - The Rhymer and RhymeZone are two great places to help you find rhyming words on more than one level.  Using these sites can only enrich your poems.  Do not think that getting help means you’re not good.  It means your a professional.
• Poetry.com - I separated this from the “Poetry” category above because, in addition to rhyming words, this site also includes a dictionary and a thesaurus.

This is just a guess but I think it’s probably fair to say that most bloggers don’t use a Thesaurus.  For you, this means that you are in a position to bring fresh and creative content to your readers. In the end you still have to write posts that engage your readers, but to do that you need to bring something else to the table - a Thesaurus.

Side Note:  By the end of this post, the word “Thesaurus” began to seem like a dino”saur” like Tyranne”saurus” or like Stega”saurus”.  Weird. Anyone know if there’s some connection or what “saurus” means if we go back to Latin or Greek?

(Photo: Weeping-Willow)