A: Can you tell me how to use a thesaurus?

Thoa: Like a dictionary, a thesaurus can help you expand the way that you
discuss your topic. A thesaurus contains groupings of words that are collected in
terms of their meaning.

This is how you can use a thesaurus in your research:

 Choose a word as a starting point.

 Like a dictionary, find the word in the alphabetic arrangement.
 Once you find the word, look at the words that are listed alongside the
main word.

You may also find a section in a thesaurus that will allow you to see what words
are the direct opposite of the word you use as the beginning point. This process
works in the same way, so follow the above steps, except in the last one, choose
a word that works as an antonym to the word you started with.

Using a thesaurus can often be part of using a dictionary, as many online

dictionaries will include these words at the ends of the definitions. This speeds
up the process of finding the right word for your needs.

A: If I am typing a paper in Microsoft Word or WordPrefect, so how I can

access a thesaurus?

Thoa: If you are typing a paper in Microsoft Word or WordPerfect, you can

access a thesaurus at any time by searching under the “tools” list. You may also
right-click on a word and find alternate word suggestions.