The Merriam-Webster Dictionary of Synonyms and Antonyms (Dictionary)

It is vital for language learners to have something interesting to pull them forward. We tend to learn by what we are interested in and in what the opposite is. "That movie was ________" (interesting, great, fantastic...not boring, not slow, not hard to understand.) We tend to think in similars and opposites, so why not use a book that is designed to give you shades of meaning as well as the opposites? I highly recommend this book and I encourage students to pick it up. What is very good in this book? There is an example sentence to show the meaning, such as:

weak, feeble frail weak is broad, like a weak muscle, a week excuse, foundation. feeble usually shows ineffectiveness or smoethign we should pity: a feeble old man, feeble joke. frail suggests an inherited weakness, that something is weak in the structure: her frail body, a frail conscience.

You see what a valuable tool this is? I urge you to recommend this book to your learners of English, even if they are native speakers.


"Master the Subtleties of Language"   November 9, 2002
 31 out of 31 found this review helpful

The quote that makes, forms, shapes, fashions, fabricates, manufactures, forges my title comes from the back of the book:~)

"The Merriam-Webster Dictionary of Synonyms and Antonyms" is the hands down best reference book I've ever bought.

It groups synonyms together and then explains the subtle differences between them (e.g., "infer, deduce, conclude, judge, gather" are followed by definitions of each word explaining the subtle differences in their meanings -- and example of their usage in a sentence) If ever you spent five bucks on a writing reference book, this is the book to have.

My only critique is that very few nouns are ever given (most synonyms given in this book are either verbs or adjectives). And it would be helpful to see all the subtle differences between nouns like "automobile, car, sedan." I hope this helps.

Stacey


Very good,but I recommend other 2 books that are better   December 1, 2000
 22 out of 24 found this review helpful

This book is very nice,but may be not the best for your particular desire. If you want more detailed information and usage examples, I recommend the M-W's Dictionary of Synonyms, if you would like a convenient guide of using words, I would say M-W's Pocket Guide of Synonyms is better for you!


Insufficient   January 17, 2003
 19 out of 30 found this review helpful

The title is a misnomer, as there is less than one antonym for each synonym introduced. Moreover, as stated by other people, nouns are inexistant, and some common words are definitely missing. For example, no mention of the word delicious.
One could expect from such a respected House.
Barely sufficient at high school level, definitely lacking at university level, of little utility to an experienced writer.
However, it could form the basis for a good reference book as the planning is judicious!


Webster's Dictionary of Synonyms and Antonyms   August 28, 2005
 8 out of 9 found this review helpful

This is a good rendition on classic synonyms and antonyms. It would be very helpful in augmenting vocabulary for standardized tests in high school or college.

Classic word definitions are provided. i.e.
- abate means to reduce -lustrous means bright
- boorish means rude -nonchalant means cool
- caustic means "a biting wit" -pensive means thoughtful
- chide means to criticize -preponderant means dominant
- consonant means agreement -scabrous means rough
- decorum refers to proper conduct
- eccentricity refers to singularlity of behavior
- estrange means to alienate
- fawn means to seek favor
- forestall means to prevent
- gauche means awkward
- implore means to beg
- inconstant lacks firmness
- melodorous means unpleasant
- munificent means generous
- slatternly means rundown
- sojourn means to reside
- suave means well-mannered
-temerity means boldness
-vociferous means to load

This rendition would be very helpful for a wide constituency of
students , editors and school administrators.