I have never bought a dictionary since I was an undergraduate in college. I generally have added to my vocabulary by reading scientific dictionaries, or inferring meaning from usage, or, using the dictionary at the library that has a magnifying glass with it. I'm one of those people that they give IQ tests to and tell me that I am a genius. Ha. I still need to learn new things. The reason that I would buy this dictionary if I could get a copy of it is that it has the best explanations of word meaning and usage of any dictionary I have ever looked at. A previous employer had a copy of it, and I referred to it many times in the 3 years I worked for her. It is comprehensive and serves my needs. Random House, please put it out in another hard copy edition. I have 3 electronic dictionaries in my office now, but nothing to match the quality of this dictionary.

I am an international student. I think this book helps me doing better in writing coz it's got many synonyms and antonyms. Another good thing about the book is that every word has it's own example (telling me where in sentence i should put this word and how i should use it). It's a pretty useful.

The Random House Webster's College Thesaurus, although somewhat thin, is an excellent resource, ranking among the highest. Most words in the English language have multiple meanings, converse forms, similar sounds and spellings in relation to other words, and outlandish synonyms ranging from before the Twelfth century through the Ninties. This thesaurus is not limited to only older words, terms, and phrases: but also contains slang and many new words and terms. It supplies a brief but adequate sentence for each listed word, phrase, and term, as well as for their different forms (i.e. adverbs, nouns, verbs, etc.) to sufficiently define their uses. I also enjoy the fact that this thesaurus lists antonyms, for sometimes I can think of a word, but I can't think of the word that I need, which is the exact opposite. In todays fast-paced world, everyone wants things simple and fast. Another exceptional advantage to owning this thesaurus is that it allows the reader to find what they need without searching for hours, using countless dictionaries and thesaurus's, laid out on their table. Although this thesaurus doesn't meet the criteria to qualify as the best thesaurus, it certainly exceeds the standards set by persons such as myself. I highly recommend adding this book to your personal library.

If you wonder synonyms or antonyms of any word, you should have this book. It is really helpful. It has also example sentences to explain the usage of the words.

My copy is nearly a year and a half old, and amazingly, looks "almost new". Of everything I own, it's the only item that gets abuse, and abuse it gets. It gets dropped, laid open with other books on top of it, etc. I use it constantly. I must. I'm a terrible speller.

Rarely do I look up a word that's not included (and I look up some obscure ones !), and it has lots of extras. The "New Words" section is funny. It has everything from "Abs" to "Yada-yada-yada"..."Guide for Writers" (I should read that someday !)..."Avoiding Insensitive and Offensive Language" for the politically correct out there..."Glossary of Business Terms" if you need to figure out the fine print on a document, and much more.

The words entries are in a bold clear print, making them easy to find, and the quality of the paper is excellent and of a good thickness (I have many dictionaries with paper so thin the print on the reverse side is visible).
It's a sturdy little volume, ideal for daily use, and it's bright red and yellow cover makes it a cheerful one too.

With 60,000 entries and fine clear typeface this 7 X 4-1/4 X 1-3/4 portable is just the ticket for the reading table. Its beautiful glossy, dark red cover makes it a nice accent piece as well.

Unfortunately it does not travel well, since the cover and binding can not take much abuse. For the briefcase and the beach, the Langenscheidt Pocket Merriam-Webster (also 60,000 entries) with its slightly smaller size, sturdy binding, and flexible yellow plastic cover is better suited.