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The Thinker's Thesaurus: Sophisticated Alternatives to Common Words
Peter E. Meltzer
#VJ8092 Paperback, 672 pages; 2010 (2005) $24.95
Members' Price: $21.21

  For word lovers with advanced lexicons, The Thinker's Thesaurus is a mirific (extraordinary/wonder-working) reference. Unlike a traditional thesaurus, which, for the most part, simply offers mundane synonyms you already know, this unique linguistic field guide presents myriad alternatives for everyday words. The unconventional entries may not even offer an exact synonym at all--some listings offer a more specifically nuanced word ("obtrude" for "impose," for example); others provide alternate choices based on foreign languages (like the Yiddish tachlis for "essence," as in "the essence of the matter"); many are just plain whimsical ("bedswerver" for "unfaithful"). The Thinker's Thesaurus is sure to enrich your vocabulary, enhance your writing style, and tickle your word-loving fancy for hours on end. (CH)