Great article. I used a thesaurus frequently while writing my first novel (about to be published this summer!) and found it very helpful, primarily to distinguish more precisely between similar words. For example, I had been using the word 'uncanny' most of my life without knowing it can imply something of a sinister nature. I also looked up some A vs.B to get even more specific and distinct. This kind of checking provided more options and therefore more freedom.
Alas, Martin Amis no longer “reaches” for his thesaurus, for sentence rhythm or any other reason, as he’s dead. He “reached” should be the correct conjugation of the verb for this 2025 ‘update’.
When writing fiction, I ask myself if my point of view character would know that word. If the character is a boffin it might be excusable, if followed by another character saying "Whut?'
This is great! I use synonyms to help me phrase a sentence in an interesting way— fancy words is not the only use people get from the thesaurus.
I recently read Stephen King's On Writing and learned that he has never been one for hard-boiled rules. Before reading about his process, I felt like I was doing it wrong and as an aspiring writer that can feel like you might not succeed if you don't pander to these writing rules. It's been refreshing to hear his take!
Actually, the GREAT danger of the thesaurus is that you will pick a word that is subtly, or not so subtly, wrong in meaning. NEVER use a word you are not familiar with after seeing it in a thesaurus.
Thank you for flagging this! The article was written by Kevin Dickinson, our Big Think staff writer and host of Big Think Books. His credentials have been added.
Great question, Fatima! I think the same lessons apply to AI. Like a thesaurus or Vice-Grips, AI is a tool that can be helpful if used thoughtfully.
I occasionally use it to source examples, as a semantic search engine, or to look up words that are right at the tip of my tongue. (What's that word that means "appropriate" but also "relevant"? Ah, yes, "crux.") And plenty of writing tools, like spell check, use some form of AI these days (though not necessarily generative AI).
That said, I think the warning to "not get carried away with the destructive potential of this tool" applies even more strongly with AI. If you don't know specifically what you are trying to accomplish with the tool and how to use it safely, it can easily overwhelm you with suggestions that sound authoritative but only serve to replace your voice with that bland, crowd-sourced AI style. (Assuming the suggestion isn't flat-out wrong.)
Worse still is using AI to do your writing for you. It misses the whole point: an exercise to share something personal with others that, while challenging, ultimately improves your thinking. That's something that can never be automated.
I use synonyms to prevent unintentional repetition sometimes. Depends on context.
As always, this is about balance. Rather than using ten dollar words, find the most creative ways to put together dollar menu words.
Having a thesaurus is great. Having a extensive vocabulary is also great and more portable. Failing the MENSA vocab, the thesaurus is necessary.
As I get older, the right word (mot juste) often escapes me.
Great article. I used a thesaurus frequently while writing my first novel (about to be published this summer!) and found it very helpful, primarily to distinguish more precisely between similar words. For example, I had been using the word 'uncanny' most of my life without knowing it can imply something of a sinister nature. I also looked up some A vs.B to get even more specific and distinct. This kind of checking provided more options and therefore more freedom.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ Loved this article. ❣️
Alas, Martin Amis no longer “reaches” for his thesaurus, for sentence rhythm or any other reason, as he’s dead. He “reached” should be the correct conjugation of the verb for this 2025 ‘update’.
To me, using a word few people know is bad writing. There are no exceptions.
When writing fiction, I ask myself if my point of view character would know that word. If the character is a boffin it might be excusable, if followed by another character saying "Whut?'
“maintain its rhythmical integrity.”
I would have gone with,"maintain its rhythmic integrity."
Chop off that extra syllable and it reads more smoothly.
A good thesaurus can help you get past the computer censors too.
I don't know about you, but I like to read my sentences aloud. Lumpy rhythm can often be fixed with better word order.
This is great! I use synonyms to help me phrase a sentence in an interesting way— fancy words is not the only use people get from the thesaurus.
I recently read Stephen King's On Writing and learned that he has never been one for hard-boiled rules. Before reading about his process, I felt like I was doing it wrong and as an aspiring writer that can feel like you might not succeed if you don't pander to these writing rules. It's been refreshing to hear his take!
Jim. They're known in history as, "Two bit words and nickel phrases." I've been guilty.
*clears throat*
Actually, the GREAT danger of the thesaurus is that you will pick a word that is subtly, or not so subtly, wrong in meaning. NEVER use a word you are not familiar with after seeing it in a thesaurus.
After that, judgment will suffice.
Of course, I had to go and look up what boffin means. Now I know. Thanks. Learned something new today.
Good insight 😃. Can i translate part of this article into Spanish with links to you and a description of your newsletter?
"... a trap many writers, myself included, have sprung..."
who is the author of this text?
Good article, but WHO WROTE IT? - Yes, I meant to YELL because it drives me crazy when a writer isn't credited. I hope she or he got paid for it.
Thank you for flagging this! The article was written by Kevin Dickinson, our Big Think staff writer and host of Big Think Books. His credentials have been added.
Thank you kindly!
What are your thoughts on writers using AI in lieu of a thesaurus? It's convenient for me, but I wonder if it might be controversial.
Great question, Fatima! I think the same lessons apply to AI. Like a thesaurus or Vice-Grips, AI is a tool that can be helpful if used thoughtfully.
I occasionally use it to source examples, as a semantic search engine, or to look up words that are right at the tip of my tongue. (What's that word that means "appropriate" but also "relevant"? Ah, yes, "crux.") And plenty of writing tools, like spell check, use some form of AI these days (though not necessarily generative AI).
That said, I think the warning to "not get carried away with the destructive potential of this tool" applies even more strongly with AI. If you don't know specifically what you are trying to accomplish with the tool and how to use it safely, it can easily overwhelm you with suggestions that sound authoritative but only serve to replace your voice with that bland, crowd-sourced AI style. (Assuming the suggestion isn't flat-out wrong.)
Worse still is using AI to do your writing for you. It misses the whole point: an exercise to share something personal with others that, while challenging, ultimately improves your thinking. That's something that can never be automated.
Thanks!
- Kevin Dickinson
Big Think Books Editor
Citing a r*ZZian author is cringe. Where there is r*ZZian literature, there will be r*ZZian war.
Oh come on. Surely you don't think there's anything wrong with being a pedophile voyeur who touched himself as he wrote?