Thesaurus.com

What it does: Thesaurus.com offers synonyms and antonyms that help writers explore alternative wording. It is a starting point for comparing meaning, not a guarantee that two words are interchangeable.

Who it is for: Teachers working on revision, vocabulary, argument writing and close reading. It can help students notice how a word’s tone and connotations shape a sentence.

Try it in a lesson: Start with a sentence such as “The leader was determined.” Explore alternatives including persistent, resolute and stubborn. Ask students to rewrite the sentence three ways and explain how each choice changes the reader’s impression. Check unfamiliar words in a dictionary before using them.

Critical-thinking move: Turn a word bank into a continuum of meanings. Ask which words sound approving, neutral or critical, and what context would justify each choice. The strongest replacement is the most precise one, not necessarily the longest one.

Before you use it: The site is ad-supported. Preview the page and check your district’s access and age requirements before assigning it. Synonyms can differ in meaning, grammar and register; students should test each candidate in the full sentence.

Official source: www.thesaurus.com