Using a Crossword Thesaurus

Using YourDictionary for Crossword Help

Not only does YourDictionary offer definitions for words, but you can use it as a thesaurus as well. Here's how:

1. Type in a keyword from the clue. For example, if the clue reads: shadowing someone, Fido-style, type "shadow" into the search box.

2. Read through the definitions to see if the answer is included within the definitions themselves.

3. Otherwise, click on the "Thesaurus Synonyms" tab. Are you looking for a verb or a noun? Read through the various definitions and the synonyms provided.

4. In our example, the word we are looking for is a verb-dog. The clue given may not always have a keyword included within to search from. Therefore, it may be necessary to find a more specialized crossword thesaurus.

A crossword thesaurus is organized in alphabetical order, just like a dictionary.

Unlike a dictionary, however, a thesaurus will give only synonyms of a word (and sometimes antonyms). Definitions, pronunciations, word etymology, or slang are not usually included.

Choosing to use a thesaurus to figure out the clues in a crossword puzzle can save you an immense amount of time. You do not have to wade through the multiple definitions given in a dictionary in order to find your answer.

To find the answer with a crossword thesaurus, you need to:

1. Have an idea of the word for which you are looking. For example, you may think the answer is "hat," but there are five letters, the end of which is "y."
2. Look up the word "hat" in a thesaurus and you will be given a number of synonyms.
3. Scan for ones that end in the letter "y" and you will find the word you are looking for-"derby."

Online Thesauri for Crosswords

Using an online crossword thesaurus to help find clue answers to crossword puzzles (whether online, in books, or in the newspaper) can make the job easier.

Try challenging yourself by going through the whole clue set once, then again after you have filled in some other letters. If you still cannot figure out the correct word, look up the crossword answer in a thesaurus like the ones below:

The Wordsmyth's Dictionary - The thesaurus advance search feature can help you even if you do not know what you're looking for. Search by definition, synonym, or example and type in the clue phrase. If you know the part of speech where the word is found, you can also enter that information as search criteria. Finally, pick and choose the data you want displayed with results.

Use Soule's Synonymes to do quick look-ups for word clues. If you have a keyword or think you know the answer, but need a synonym because the word pattern does not fit, this is the thesaurus to reference.

Here's how:

1. Click on the letter of the word for which you need a synonym. From there, you are taken to a page where words are grouped alphabetically.
2. Click on the grouping your word would fall within, and a list of all the words within the grouping will appear. Definitions are not given. Instead, the words are separated into groupings of the same meanings and use in language (verb, noun, etc).

A thesaurus can help you finish up the crossword you have been working on, so you do not have to "cheat" by using the answer key to complete your puzzle.