The reviewer finds this thesaurus to be comprehensive and useful, particularly for its extensive list of synonyms and unique concept index, which helps users find words based on ideas rather than specific terms. However, they caution that the dictionary format may not be as rich or nuanced as the concept-ordered versions, which are preferred for achieving stylistic nuance in writing.
The reviewer highlights the extensive scope of this thesaurus, which includes over 450,000 synonyms and a unique concept index that groups words by similar ideas or properties. This makes it a valuable tool for writers and students looking to expand their vocabulary. The dictionary format is noted for its ease of use, but the reviewer suggests that those seeking deeper nuance and a richer set of alternate ideas might prefer the concept-ordered versions of Roget's thesaurus. The reviewer also mentions that while the dictionary form may be adequate for general use, experienced writers might find it lacking compared to the more comprehensive and context-rich international versions.
Quick quotes
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.
It contains over 500,000 synonyms and antonyms leading to over 1 million word choices. It also includes recently coined and common slang terms.
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.