Thesauri(8) are available in two different types, depending on how the contents are organized. The first kind is organized in alphabetical order like a dictionary. If you need a synonym for nice, simply look the word up as you would in the dictionary. Each entry is followed by its own synonyms and antonyms(9). In some cases, the user is referred to another entry word. Simply choose the synonym that fits your ideas best.

The second type of thesaurus may seem a little more complicated at first, but it offers a wide range of words to choose from. Begin by looking up the word you want to replace in the index at the back. The entry word lists a variety of categories relating to the different meanings of the word you looked up. For instance, the word sweet suggests the categories “taste”, “kindness” or “cute”; each category is followed by a number. This number does NOT refer to the page number on which you will find that word. Instead it refers to a section number. Find the section number and then choose the best word. If you can’t find anything suitable right there, try skimming the rest of the entries in that section and you may find something useful.

Roget’s Thesaurus is a well-known dictionary of synonyms, but there are many others available. A thesaurus is relatively inexpensive and belongs on the desk of every student of English.

WHAT IS ALPHABETICAL ORDER?*

When words are arranged in alphabetical order, they are easier to find. In other words, all the words that start with “A” are placed together; all the words that start with “B” are found together, and so on.

But how do you arrange words that start with the same letter. Look at the second letter and put the words in alphabetical order based on the second letter. If the first two letters are the same, then look at the third letter and place them in alphabetical order according to the third letter. Here are some examples:

8.the plural of "thesaurus" : (thesauruses is also an acceptable plural form)

9.words that are opposite in meaning; hot is an antonym of cold.