Merriam-Webster's Collegiate Dictionary & Thesaurus

As in previous editions of the Merriam-Webster's Collegiate Dictionary, the content here moves well beyond simple words and etymologies to include famous political and cultural figures from world history, place names, classical allusions, and some of the latest scientific terminology (a must for any college student). Browsing through, we even found numerous entries from areas as diverse as theoretical physics and literary theory--there's truly something for everyone here. But, if users crave more information, they can link to the Web for many entries and hear a real speaker pronounce more than 100,000 entries--particularly useful for difficult words and words with non-English origins.

Installation of this CD was truly effortless, and we found the program's interface to be instantly useful; search and navigation capabilities are a real strength. In addition, users can search for clues to crossword puzzles (by inputting words with missing letters) and anagrams--and even more esoteric options, such as cryptograms (where letters are substituted with others by shifting positions along the alphabet). Better yet, users can move between thesaurus and dictionary effortlessly.

Generations of students have relied on Merriam-Webster to inform their writing and reading through college, and this revised electronic edition is sure to continue the tradition through the digital age. --Rich Dragan

Amazon.com Product Description
Merriam-Webster's Collegiate Dictionary and Thesaurus is an ideal reference tool for home, school, and office. This powerful electronic version delivers accurate, up-to-date information while you are doing word processing, composing e-mail, designing spreadsheets, preparing presentations, browsing CD-ROMs, or surfing the Web. It installs easily onto a hard drive for instant access anytime, even from other programs. Included are a dictionary with access to 215,000 definitions; a thesaurus with over 340,000 synonyms and antonyms; audio pronunciations, including variant pronunciations by real voices; search options; basic and advanced language and study tools; and a go-online menu with links to a vast array of Web-based resources.

Product Description
Dictionary & Thesaurus on one CD! Access over 215,000 definitions - zero in on the right word with over 340,000 synonyms and antonyms! Also includes 105,000 audio pronunciations and more.

There are also many valuable options that come with this program. You can look up homophones and synonyms. If you have a jumbled word like "DOIMSW" you can quickly use the option for "Jumble" option and find out that the word is "WISDOM" (or if you have letters like "RETINAS" you'll find numerous words). You can search for words that rhyme with each other. You can even search for words from specific dates (like 1777). If you don't know the exact spelling of the word there's a few neat options that you can learn to find words (involving special characters like *,&,^,!).

This dictionary also is very convenient because you don't need the CD to run the dictionary. You can just install it and then quickly use the program anytime. If you want to hear pronunciations, however, you need to use the CD unless you install all the sound. The pronunciation guide is very useful and the sound is realistic.

The dictionary provides both entertainment and education for me. I find myself just playing around with the program, typing in random letters to see if there's a jumble, looking up synonyms, listening to the pronunciations for vulgar words, and just browsing the vast number of entries. I'm confident that buying this dictionary is a wise investment.


Merriam-Webster's Collegiate & Thesaurus   March 31, 2003
3 out of 3 found this review helpful

An excellent doctoral professor recommended Merriam-Webster because it's the standard for APA and other professional associations. Most importantly, Merriam-Webster provides linguistically correct definitions as opposed to politically correct definitions like some of the other more conservative dictionaries.


sufficient for most people   January 23, 2003
3 out of 3 found this review helpful

I've been using this for sometime, and until now, I've found all the words I was looking for. I used to have Encarta dictionary and I feel that both Encarta and Merriam-Websters are equally good - both have a thesaurus and both have audio of the pronounciations. Some words have examples of proper usage in a sentence - but I would have been more satisfied if all the words had it. Not a big problem for me since I tend to look up words as soon as I see them in an article (is'nt that one of the main reasons that you get a CDROM version of the dictionary - so that you dont slack off?!). Definitely much more bang for the buck than Encarta dictionary(>$... for the deluxe pack that includes the dictionary).


Great software, dictionary, pronuciation, lousy thesaurus   November 25, 2002
Jmark2001 (Florida)
31 out of 34 found this review helpful

This loaded easily and quickly into my i book. The collegiate dictionary is excellent and the pronunciations are helpful and standard pronunciations. The search functions are great. My complaint: What is with the thesaurus? This has to be one of the thinnest, most incomplete thesauri on the market! Many, many words that are unusual but have that special zing and pop you want from a thesaurus are missing. This thesaurus will not improve your writing a great deal. It seems as if words are only included if they are in very common usage today. Who needs a thesaurus if it will only mirror the blandness that surrounds us? MW also sticks to words that are exact synonyms as if thesaurus users do not like to wander into subtle shades of meaning. I consider the MW thesaurus a waste of money. Go with Rodale's synonym finder or an old edition of Roget (the new one is a mess). You will find plenty of off beat words there.