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How to Use Thesaurus in Word 2016
Edited 2 weeks ago by ExtremeHow Editorial Team
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Microsoft Word 2016 is a powerful word processing tool used by millions of people around the world. One of its best features is the thesaurus, which is very useful for enhancing the quality of your text by finding synonyms and antonyms. Using a thesaurus can help you avoid repetition, improve your vocabulary, and make your writing more engaging. The purpose of this document is to provide a comprehensive guide on how to use the thesaurus feature in Word 2016.
What is a thesaurus?
A thesaurus is a reference tool that provides a list of words grouped together according to similarity of meanings (synonyms) and sometimes their opposites (antonyms). It can be used to improve the variety of words in your writing and make your text more interesting and informative. For example, instead of using the word "happy" repeatedly, you could replace it with words such as "joyful", "excited" or "cheerful".
Opening the thesaurus in Word 2016
To open thesaurus in Word 2016, follow these simple steps:
- Open Microsoft Word 2016: Launch Word by double-clicking the program icon or by opening the document you want to work on.
- Select the word: Use your mouse to highlight the word you want to find synonyms for.
- Open the Thesaurus: After selecting the word, go to the top menu and click the Review tab. In the Proofing group, you will see the Thesaurus button. Click on it to open the Thesaurus pane on the right side of your screen.
Using a thesaurus with synonyms and antonyms
Finding synonyms
Synonyms are words that have the same meaning. Using synonyms can improve your writing by adding variety and interest to it. Here's how to find synonyms using the thesaurus in Word 2016:
- When the Thesaurus pane is open, synonyms for your selected word will automatically appear.
- Browse the list of available synonyms.
- To replace your existing word with a synonym, simply click on the synonym you want from the Thesaurus pane. A small arrow will appear. Click on this arrow and select Insert.
For example, if your selected word was “quick,” you might get synonyms like “fast,” “fast,” or “speedy.”
Finding antonyms
Antonyms are words that have the opposite meaning. The thesaurus in Word 2016 doesn't automatically show antonyms, but you can access them if they're available. To find antonyms:
- After sorting out the synonyms, if antonyms are available, they can be listed below or under some other heading.
- Antonyms are not always available for all words, but when they are, you may find them useful in emphasizing contrasts in your writing.
For example, antonyms for "speedy" might include words such as "slow" or "sluggish."
Using a thesaurus for editing and writing
A thesaurus is a valuable editing and writing aid. Here are some practical uses:
Enhancing vocabulary
Regular use of a thesaurus can help expand your vocabulary. Encountering different synonyms can introduce you to new words and help you understand subtle differences in their meanings, making you a more effective communicator.
Avoiding recurrence
Repetition in writing can get monotonous. A thesaurus helps you avoid this by providing alternative word choices. If you find that you are using a word too often, you can instantly find alternatives to keep your writing fresh and engaging.
Improving academic writing
In an academic setting, precise language is important. A thesaurus can help you find the exact words you need to express your argument or point of view. This is especially useful when writing research papers where nuances in meaning are important.
Combining a thesaurus with other proofing tools
In Word 2016, the thesaurus can be used with other proofing tools, such as spelling and grammar checkers, to further refine your documents. Here are some examples:
Spelling and grammar
After checking spelling and grammar, use a thesaurus to further improve your word choice. For any marked words or grammatical problems, see if there are any synonyms or antonyms that might improve clarity or impact.
Research tool
Word 2016 also includes a research tool that allows you to explore topics related to your document. Combining it with a thesaurus can enrich content by providing deeper insight into proper terminology and vocabulary.
Tips for using a thesaurus effectively
Here are some tips for getting the most out of the thesaurus in Word 2016:
- Context matters: Make sure the synonym fits the context of your sentence. Replacing a word with its synonym doesn't always give the same meaning.
- Know the audience: Choose your words according to your audience's familiarity with the words. While complex synonyms may impress some people, they may confuse others.
- Consistent tone: Use synonyms that match the tone of your writing. The wrong choice can disrupt the consistency of your voice and style.
Conclusion
The thesaurus in Microsoft Word 2016 is an incredibly useful feature for writers of all levels. It helps to expand vocabulary, avoid repetition, and improve the overall quality of writing. By understanding how to open and use a thesaurus effectively, you can transform your writing and produce more sophisticated and engaging documents. Whether you're editing a professional paper, writing creatively, or crafting a casual email, using a thesaurus can enhance the clarity and style of your written communications. Adopting this tool as a regular part of your writing process will not only improve individual pieces of writing, but will also benefit your language skills over time.
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