Roget's 21st Century Thesaurus

by Princeton Language Institute (Editor)

Roget's 21st Century Thesaurus enables users to learn and make sense of words in a way no other thesaurus does, with:

•17,000 main words, alphabetically listed, with parts of speech and concise definitions, for convenient, at-a-glance decision making.
•450,000 synonyms, more than any other thesaurus
A versatile, thorough compilation of words and phrases - from slang to common usage - to the most erudite of word choices.
•Hundreds of recently coined and common Americanisms
•A unique Concept Index to find words with only one concept in mind, rather than a specific word. This process of linking words together mirrors the way we actually think.

With its innovative Concept Index, this thesaurus enhances the traditional function of thesauri; the simple replacement of one word with another. The Concept Index enriches users' understanding of meaning and usage by grouping together main entry words that share a similar idea or property - achieving broad connections of language between such categories as: ACTIONS, CAUSES, LIFE FORMS, QUALITIES, SENSES, etc.

The essential reference for the 21st century, this is the most up-to-the-minute thesaurus of American English today. students, professionals and general users will love its easy-to-use dictionary format and will find its reliable, accurate word choices indispensable.

Genres: Reference, Writing, Language, Dictionaries, Nonfiction

976 pages, Mass Market Paperback

First published January 1, 1992

Reviews

[Jim · Rating 2 out of 5]

EXPERIENCED WRITERS SHOULD AVOID THESE "VERSIONS"...

"Roget's 21st Century Thesaurus" (subtitle: "in dictionary form")

"Roget's 21st Century Thesaurus in Dictionary Form"

It's telling that Amazon (@2023FEB) offers no "look inside" teaser for this pretender. Most likely this hides the inherent inadequacy of the dictionary form.

"New American Roget's College Thesaurus in Dictionary Form"

This DOES have a look-inside feature - and it confirms my fear - that the concept-based organization (used in the various International versions) is destroyed. Grouping by concept offers a rich set of alternate ideas that can cause the writer to abandon "the word" and use other ideas to enrich the narrative.

I found this, which states the contrast very well:

Roget's original organization is so much richer. Roget's format (non-dictionary) provides 50-times more synonyms and surrounds entries with pages of context. Dictionary format only provides several synonyms - period - no context, only a very limited and flat view.

TO BE "FAIR"

It seems likely that there is a "market" for the dictionary form thesarus. IF one is not a reader, with the attendant consequence for one's writing, this type may well fill the bill.

Others should FIRST try the full-strength versions. When I encountered Roget's International Thesaurus, 4th Edition , it was immediately plain that THIS, concept-ordered thesaurus is the superior one to acheive nuance and to refine style.

EDITION FIVE

Many copies are available for six dollars - go get one!

[Chris Scherer · Rating 4 out of 5]

Kipfer, B.A. (2005). Roget's 21st century thesaurus in dictionary form. New York, NY: Dell.

Citation by:Chris Scherer

Type of Reference: Thesaurus

Call Number: Ref 423

Content/Scope: It contains over 500,000 synonyms and antonyms leading to over 1 million word choices. It also includes recently coined and common slang terms. This thesaurus would be helpful to high school students and higher in the writing process, so they can vary their vocabulary.

Accuracy/Authority/Bias: Roget's is considered to be on par with the ever popular Webster's when it comes to dictionary type references. There is no bias in the definitions of the words.

Arrangement/Presentation: It is arranged in alphabetical order, with the definition of the word followed by synonyms and antonyms.

Relation to other works: It has the added feature of definitions and multiple synonyms and antonyms. It seems to be more comprehensive than most thesauri.

Accessibility/Diversity: The book is easy to use if you know your alphabet and how to spell the word. It should be used by older students and adults.

Cost:$5.99

Professional review:
Kipfer, B.A. (2005). Roget's 21st century thesaurus in dictionary form. New York, NY: Dell.

[Allanx · Rating 5 out of 5]

For when you already know all the words, but occasionally need a little help recalling the exact one you want. This is probably the best thesaurus ever devised. It features state-of-the-art (and unusual) cross referencing and categorization.

It's been one of the sharpest knives in my drawer for over a decade, my most-used reference, and it's just perfect.

[Molly · Rating 4 out of 5]

It's a thesaurus, so there's not much that can be said about it as a review. [return]The layout is acceptable and considering I'm most likely using it to verify my own knowledge, I can't really call it out on any errors.

[Saleris · Rating 4 out of 5]

Along with my old Funk & Wagnall's Standard Dictionary, this sits on my desk, and I love the cross-referencing facilities it has. It has helped me out in a jam writing everything from science and sociology papers to letters, poetry and prose. I love it.

[Mary Louise · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have two at school, one in my purse, and three at home. Nuf said.

[Sean · Rating 4 out of 5]

I got this on my eighth grade graduation and still use it. Cool Concept Index.

[Foxthyme · Rating 5 out of 5]

I'm always referencing this book. I don't know why, but I adore this little thesaurus. The way it feels in the hand. The way it always gives me the words I'm looking for.

[Amy]

Roget's 21st Century Thesaurus: Updated & Expanded 2nd Edition (21st Century Reference) by Barbara Ann Kipfer (1999)

[Johnny · Rating 5 out of 5]

among the required texts for any writer