Using a Thesaurus Without Losing Meaning

Choose among thesaurus synonyms by checking connotation, intensity, and fit.

A thesaurus lists words with similar meanings, but 'similar' is not 'identical'. Synonyms differ in connotation, intensity, formality, and the contexts where they sound natural. Look up 'walk' and you might see stroll, march, stride, trudge, wander, and stalk. Each paints a different picture. A tired student trudges home; a confident leader strides onto the stage; a tourist strolls through a market. Choosing 'stalk' for a friendly walk would be strange, because it suggests hunting.

Here is a routine for using a thesaurus well. First, pick only words you already know or can check in a dictionary. Second, ask whether the word's feeling and strength match your meaning. Third, read the sentence aloud with the new word. 'The puppy marched across the yard' might be funny and charming; 'the puppy stalked across the yard' makes it sound menacing. A thesaurus gives you options; your judgment chooses the precise one.

• 1Synonyms are similar, not identical.
• 2Check connotation, intensity, and formality.
• 3Read the sentence aloud with the new word.