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Oxford American Writer's Thesaurus
This new edition of the Oxford American Writer's Thesaurus is more exceptional than ever, solidifying its place as the one thesaurus every writer (or aspiring writer) will want to have.
This book provides more than 300,000 synonyms and 10,000 antonyms, with copious real-life example sentences and careful selection and ordering of the most relevant synonyms. Additional features include notes on American English usage and word spectrums showing the shades of meaning between polar opposites. The text is enhanced with thoughtful mini-essays on favorite words by ten noted contemporary writers--David Auburn, Michael Dirda, David Lehman, Erin McKean, Stephin Merritt, Francine Prose, Zadie Smith, Jean Strouse, David Foster Wallace, and Simon Winchester.
This new edition has been updated and enhanced, including a new foreword by award-winning author Rick Moody. Additionally, the second edition introduces new Word Toolkits, which use an exciting visual display of information to demonstrate the nuances in meaning and use of closely related words. Also new to this edition is a center section including thematic word lists, as well as a comprehensive language guide with writing tips. The new features are based on findings from Oxford's groundbreaking language research program and the Oxford English Corpus.
The Oxford American Writer's Thesaurus is truly (surely, certainly, unquestionably) the perfect tool for discriminating writers of all varieties looking for the perfect word.
This book provides more than 300,000 synonyms and 10,000 antonyms, with copious real-life example sentences and careful selection and ordering of the most relevant synonyms. Additional features include notes on American English usage and word spectrums showing the shades of meaning between polar opposites. The text is enhanced with thoughtful mini-essays on favorite words by ten noted contemporary writers--David Auburn, Michael Dirda, David Lehman, Erin McKean, Stephin Merritt, Francine Prose, Zadie Smith, Jean Strouse, David Foster Wallace, and Simon Winchester.
This new edition has been updated and enhanced, including a new foreword by award-winning author Rick Moody. Additionally, the second edition introduces new Word Toolkits, which use an exciting visual display of information to demonstrate the nuances in meaning and use of closely related words. Also new to this edition is a center section including thematic word lists, as well as a comprehensive language guide with writing tips. The new features are based on findings from Oxford's groundbreaking language research program and the Oxford English Corpus.
The Oxford American Writer's Thesaurus is truly (surely, certainly, unquestionably) the perfect tool for discriminating writers of all varieties looking for the perfect word.
1128 pages, Hardcover
First published January 1, 2004
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Displaying 1 - 23 of 23 reviews
December 20, 2014
It's not strictly accurate to say I "read" this, this year. but I did buy it, and use it a shitload, and my love for it knows no bounds. Roget is back on the shelf and this is my new go-to that lives on my desk.
highly recommended.
highly recommended.
March 3, 2009
One of those books that I can't imagine living without. Several great writers contributed to the notes and the lists are invaluable when you need just the one thing you can't find otherwise. This one has several book marks in it - I'm one of those who actually bookmarks a dictionary - as poems in progress sometimes have to wait!
The assembled group of editors share interesting word notes making this resource fun to read on those days when you just need to absord. High on my list as anti-Alzheimer’s aid.
The assembled group of editors share interesting word notes making this resource fun to read on those days when you just need to absord. High on my list as anti-Alzheimer’s aid.
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April 8, 2023Video review: https://youtu.be/-B4tytULE7U
October 26, 2016
I read warrior cats AGaIN
March 10, 2008
This should be at every writer's side. Along with serving the standard thesaurus duties, it injects reality into word usages that people use to attempt to sound smarter. It skewers jargon words like "utilize" and jargon phrases like "at the present time" to help writers become more efficient with the language. The explanations may be a little painful for some, but they are valuable lessons.
I especially enjoy a word spectrum feature that offers lists of words from one extreme meaning to the other, for instance light to dark.
I especially enjoy a word spectrum feature that offers lists of words from one extreme meaning to the other, for instance light to dark.
October 1, 2007
Snobbery at its most refined.
January 3, 2008
A must for good writing.
January 17, 2022
Undoubtedly the best thesaurus I’ve had the pleasure of using. Did I read every word within this marked time frame? No. But will I continue to use it for various writing projects and points of reference? Absolutely.
January 25, 2022
It's much more cumbersome than just googling "[word] thesaurus," but the suggestions are noticeably better. It's helped me cut down on my usage of ten dollar words, in favor of equally punchy normal words.
October 21, 2021
If the internet and thesaurus.com went down, this is the one I’d throw in a duffel when my house caught fire.
November 17, 2025
Obviously, I haven't read this like one would a novel, but I reference it often to find the right word. It's been invaluable.
December 30, 2025
This is the best purchase I have ever made. I use this daily, but I may be slightly crazy.
September 21, 2019
Excellent resource for writers, this is a dictionary and thesaurus with examples of how to apply words to given situations.
I plan to buy this resource.
I plan to buy this resource.
June 24, 2015
A Thesaurus is one of my favorite things to read. It's like a choose your own adventure where words and their synonyms spark old memories and new dreams. I take those paths.
A good thesaurus can really make a fire in you. This one is at the top of the list, though in a day of digital readers, this sucker is a bookshelf monstrosity -- not something you'll pack around with you. So I keep mine right next to my writing desk, close enough that it can almost whisper, "Hey, come here -- I'll tell you the way."
A good thesaurus can really make a fire in you. This one is at the top of the list, though in a day of digital readers, this sucker is a bookshelf monstrosity -- not something you'll pack around with you. So I keep mine right next to my writing desk, close enough that it can almost whisper, "Hey, come here -- I'll tell you the way."
August 21, 2008
This is a valuable tool. It is better than a thesaurus for two reasons. 1) It features comments about words from all kinds of writers--the comments are helpful and entertaining. It also has these interesting synonym continuums for very commonly used words. Makes a great gift! Get one for yourself or a friend.
September 10, 2016
Thorough resource I keep on hand when I catch myself using the same words repeatedly. I also like the hard cover because it lies open better on my desk when I want to leave a certain page open for reference.
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May 17, 2009The Oxford American Writer's Thesaurus (2004)
March 1, 2011
This was selected as an Outstanding Reference Source for 2005. For the complete list, go to http://www.ala.org/ala/mgrps/divs/rus...
August 2, 2011
One of those invaluable tools for us writers. Much better than any online thesaurus. Do yourself a favor and pick one up, you won't regret it.
May 19, 2018
Use this all the time.
April 2, 2024
Love this thesaurus! You never 'finish' reading a thesaurus.
October 20, 2018
Use daily.
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May 22, 2019If you're a writer---this is definitely a resource you will find most helpful in adding 'new life' to your literary endeavors. I use it daily and heartily recommend it to all.
Displaying 1 - 23 of 23 reviews