To be an effective writer, it's important to have a strong vocabulary.
When you have more options to work with, you can make specific and nuanced word choices that give your writing more precision, power, and style.
Having a strong vocabulary doesn't necessarily mean knowing the "hardest" words or the most obscure words. It means knowing enough words so you can choose the best one in order to get across exactly what you're trying to say.
Multiple Meanings, Varied Contexts, Subtle Nuances
Vocabulary.com was designed to improve students' writing skills by teaching a word's multiple meanings, how it's used in a variety of contexts, and its subtle nuances. We provide thorough, thoughtful instruction so that students not only understand the word when they read it but also learn how to use correctly it in their own writing.
Say What You Mean: Synonym Lists
Whether you're a student, a teacher, or a lifelong learner, the "Say What You Mean" synonym lists are a great resource for expanding vocabulary knowledge and improving writing skills.
Each list is built around a central word and offers variations on that word's core meanings and concepts. Relevant usage examples show how the word is used in a related context, and additional annotation explains the nuances of certain terms.
For more in-depth learning, any of these lists can be turned into an instructional activity that teachers can assign and students can work on independently. Learn how to use Vocabulary.com's adaptive list practice, self-grading quizzes, engaging spelling bee, and competitive Vocabulary Jam.