[Tiny Tips] – Google Docs – Whether you are a professional writer or writing a paper for school, a thesaurus is an essential tool. Most people tend to use the same words out of habit, but a thesaurus can help you find suitable synonyms to expand your writing.
If you use Google Docs to create documents, you have some good thesaurus options. From simple built-in dictionaries to plug-ins with additional features, learn how to use thesaurus in Google Docs.
The Google Docs Dictionary
The fastest and easiest way to find synonyms in Google Docs is to use the built-in dictionary. Select the word you want a synonym for, then right-click and select Definition [Word], or click Tools > Dictionary from the menu.
A sidebar opens on the right that contains word definitions and also lists synonyms.
For more tools and features like this, check out our guide to Google Docs. What is it and how to use it?
OneLook Thesaurus
While there’s absolutely nothing wrong with the Google Docs dictionary, you might want something more powerful. You might like a tool that provides you with some extra functionality. This is where the Google Docs add-on helps you with your documents.
OneLook Thesaurus is a great plugin for Google Docs. In just one comparison for the word “brochure,” Google Docs Dictionary offers 14 synonyms, while OneLook Thesaurus offers 42 synonyms. So, with this add-on, you get more options.
Once you have the add-on installed, using it is a breeze. Select your word, click Add-ons in the menu, hover over OneLook Thesaurus, and click Synonyms. Your results will open a sidebar.
Additionally, OneLook Thesaurus provides further help with word selection. You can get triggers, rhymes, adjectives, nouns, and terms that start with a word of your choice.
Power Thesaurus
Do you want more synonyms for the selected text? Power Thesaurus is another great plugin for Google Docs.
For ease of comparison, this thesaurus provides us with 443 synonyms for the word “brochure”. You’ll see the most common ones first, but you can also click on the link to see the entire list. This will take you to the Power Thesaurus website where the listing is located.
After installing the plugin, be sure to refresh your Google Docs page. Then select your word, click “Add-ons” in the menu, hover over “Power Thesaurus,” and click “Search Selected Term” to see the results in the sidebar.
As for additional features, Power Thesaurus will show you antonyms and definitions as needed. Click the Settings button (gear icon) at the bottom of the sidebar or click Add-ons > Power Thesaurus > Settings in the menu.
From there, enable or disable dark theme, check the boxes to show the options you want, and choose whether to show five or ten synonyms or antonyms.
Is There a Different Way to Say It?
As with many types of text, it’s helpful to make sure you have a tool that gives you different ways of saying the same thing. These Google Docs thesaurus options are ideal.
For tools like thesaurus on mobile devices, check out these reference apps for mobile search.
For more Google Docs suggestions, check out: Learn how to adjust margins in Google Docs.