Find and read word definitions, synonyms, and antonyms.
The Visual Thesaurus is an interactive dictionary and thesaurus with an innovative display that encourages exploration and learning. The Visual Thesaurus is an interactive dictionary and thesaurus which creates word maps that blossom with meanings and branch to related words.
The interface is really easy to use -- words can be searched and the definitions and synonyms pop up immediately. It's a great reference tool but is also fun to just click around and build vocabulary. I use it nearly every time I write.
Cons
Not really anything. The thesaurus doesn't include current-day slang but what other dictionary or thesaurus does (besides urbandictionary.com, a less-than-reliable source)? This is a great product!
Summary
I never knew I needed this product until I started using it. Imagine seeing how words are related to each other in a visual map as opposed to a list of text. After searching, if you see a word that more accurately represents your idea, just click it and see more synonyms! There are even recordings for words so you can click them and hear how they are pronounced (recorded by real people, not a computer spelling them out). Seeing word relationships has greatly improved my vocabulary and helped me get excited about language again. It's a MUST for any writer, student, or language enthusiast and I wish I had found this software sooner. I highly highly recommend it!
Fun for casual user
javelinadream
Pros
Much more usable than trad thesaurus
Cons
Bit slow, simplistic. Very limited usage unless a subscriber.
Summary
I liked it. Rarely used thesaurus, neither book nor MS Word type application feature, as a reference source, will consider doing so now.<br /><br /><span class='notifyMsg'> Updated </span>on Mar 21, 2010<p/>make it four stars.