---
title: "Using a Thesaurus to Choose Words"
description: "Use a thesaurus to find synonyms and extend vocabulary choices, selecting the most appropriate word based on context, connotation, and register"
canonical: https://lightmysky.com/learn/english/using-a-thesaurus-to-choose-words-mt_saW7PxtPxw
source: https://lightmysky.com/learn/english/using-a-thesaurus-to-choose-words-mt_saW7PxtPxw.md
retrieved: 2026-10-19
---

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# Using a Thesaurus to Choose Words

Use a thesaurus to find synonyms and extend vocabulary choices, selecting the most appropriate word based on context, connotation, and register

Subject: English · Area: Vocabulary · Ages 10 to 11
Page: https://lightmysky.com/learn/english/using-a-thesaurus-to-choose-words-mt_saW7PxtPxw

## Ready when they can

- Use a thesaurus to find three alternatives for overused words in own writing
- Select the most appropriate synonym from thesaurus options based on context and tone
- Explain why one synonym is more suitable than another for a specific sentence

## Lesson: Using a Thesaurus to Choose Words

You already know that synonyms are words with almost the same meaning. A thesaurus is a tool that lists synonyms for a word, so when you are stuck on a tired, overused word, you can look it up and find fresher options.

*(drawing: A thesaurus entry for 'said' might list whispered, mumbled and shouted. Each one carries a slightly different feeling.)*

**Example.** Zara wrote 'The dog was big' three times in her story. She looked up 'big' and found large, huge, enormous, and gigantic. For a dog the size of a horse, she picked 'enormous'. For a dog just a bit bigger than normal, 'large' fits better. The right word depends on how big the dog really is.

Do not pick a word just because it sounds impressive. Check its connotation, the feeling it carries, and whether it matches how formal your writing needs to be. A true synonym can still sound wrong in your sentence. Scrawny means very thin, with bones sticking out. Skinny for a person often sounds disapproving. Slim often sounds like a compliment.

**Recap.** A thesaurus gives you choices, but you decide which one truly fits your sentence's meaning, feeling, and tone.

## Practice

8 questions on this page, each with its working shown.

## Needs first

- [Using a Dictionary to Check Spellings](https://lightmysky.com/learn/english/using-a-dictionary-to-check-spellings-mt_6W5zzDIGZH)
- [Antonyms & Synonyms](https://lightmysky.com/learn/english/antonyms-and-synonyms-mt_E5YbLvMgLL)

## Opens up

- [Vocabulary Strategies](https://lightmysky.com/learn/english/vocabulary-strategies-mt_WZnwITSWr8)