Need an Antonym? Search Using These Resources
SpellExpress
Most antonym search tools are found within other tools or sites. Such is the case with SpellExpress. This instant spell checker, dictionary and thesaurus downloads directly to your desktop. You can type words into the tool to check the spelling, look up definitions or find synonyms and antonyms in the thesaurus. You can also drag and drop text directly into the tool. Choose from American English, British English or Canadian English to be certain you get the antonyms you desire.
You can download a trial version of this application free. If you choose to purchase it, the cost is around $20.
Synonym.com
You might think it odd that you would find a way to search for antonyms on a synonym site, but there is a detailed one available at Synonym.com. With the site’s online Antonym Finder, you can search a specific word or you can browse alphabetical lists.
Microsoft Word
If you have access to Microsoft Word, then you have an antonym tool at the ready. Type the word for which you want to find antonyms into any Word document. Press Shift+F7 to open the Research Pane or the Thesaurus dialog box, depending on the version of Word you are using. While this option presents synonyms for the selected word, antonyms are provided at the bottom of each list, if available.
TheSage’s English Dictionary and Thesaurus
Download this application for a comprehensive dictionary and thesaurus,which includes thousands of words and hundreds of antonyms. TheSage’s English Dictionary and Thesaurus is compatible with most other programs, so you can perform an antonym search no matter what you are doing. This tool provides dozens of extra features as well, from phonetic pronunciations to cross-referencing to a concordancer.
This download is free, although donations are appreciated and can be made via a PayPal button on the site.
Visual Thesaurus
The Visual Thesaurus is a tool that provides synonyms and antonyms through a variety of downloadable applications. You can add a shortcut to the online version right to your desktop by dragging an icon from the site to your desktop. You can add the thesaurus right to your Internet Explorer, Firefox or Google Chrome toolbar. Copy and paste the provided code to add the thesaurus to your blog or web page. There is also an add-in that you can download for most versions of Microsoft Word. With this application, you should never be without the ability to find an antonym.
WordNet
If you need a more portable antonym search tool, you can download WordNet to your phone. WordNet contains a dictionary of 140,000 words complete with definitions, synonyms and antonyms. For around $20, download this helpful application directly to your Smartphone, PalmOS and other mobile devices.
Screen shots by Tricia Goss
