- Categories:
- Special Interest
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- Activities
- Where:
- United States
- Date change rule:
- Every January 18
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- 📖
National Thesaurus Day celebrates the invaluable linguistic tool every January 18. This day honors Peter Mark Roget, the creator of the modern thesaurus, and encourages everyone to explore the richness of the English language. Expand your vocabulary, refine your writing, and discover new ways to express yourself.
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Expected National Thesaurus Day Deals
While National Thesaurus Day isn’t typically a major retail holiday, we expect to see special promotions on educational resources and writing tools. Look for discounts from brands like Merriam-Webster and Oxford Languages on their digital subscriptions and print editions. Writing software companies such as Grammarly and Scrivener may offer limited-time deals on their premium services. Online course providers like MasterClass or Skillshare might feature sales on writing and communication courses. Local bookstores could host events or offer discounts on books about language and literature. We will update this page with confirmed live deals as January 18 approaches.
Platform Guide for National Thesaurus Day
Tag National Today (linkedin.com/company/nationaltoday) and use #NationalThesaurusDay. Share a post about how a robust vocabulary enhances professional communication.
X/Twitter
Mention @NatlToday and use #NationalThesaurusDay. Participate in wordplay challenges or share your favorite obscure words and their synonyms.
Tag @nationaltoday_ and use #NationalThesaurusDay. Post aesthetically pleasing photos of your favorite thesaurus, word art, or beautifully written quotes.
National Thesaurus Day Hero
Peter Mark Roget
National Thesaurus Day timeline
Sanskritis had a thesaurus in verse form, titled ‘Amarakosha.’
Peter Mark Roget begins writing the unofficial ‘Thesaurus.’
Roget completes the first ‘Thesaurus.’
The Historical Thesaurus of English includes the date next to each word of when it got its meaning.
How Businesses Can Celebrate National Thesaurus Day
Local businesses can celebrate National Thesaurus Day by embracing the power of words in their marketing and customer interactions. Bookstores and libraries can host ‘word of the day’ displays or writing workshops, offering discounts on thesauri and writing guides. Cafes might create menu items with cleverly descriptive names, encouraging patrons to use more evocative language. Marketing agencies could share tips on crafting compelling copy, emphasizing the importance of a rich vocabulary. Educational centers can highlight courses focused on language arts and creative writing, inspiring a deeper appreciation for words.
National Thesaurus Day FAQs
When is National Thesaurus Day?
In 2027, National Thesaurus Day is observed on Monday, January 18. Mark your calendar to celebrate the invaluable resource that helps us find the perfect word.
How many words are in a typical thesaurus?
While the exact number varies by edition and publisher, many popular print and digital thesauri today boast over 300,000 words and phrases. This extensive collection supports writers in finding precise and varied language.
Who invented the thesaurus?
While the concept of word lists and synonym dictionaries existed earlier, Peter Mark Roget is credited with creating the systematic, concept-based thesaurus we recognize today. His innovative classification system remains the standard.
What is the difference between a thesaurus and a dictionary?
The primary distinction is purpose: a dictionary defines words, while a thesaurus helps you find the ‘right’ word for a particular context by offering alternatives. They are complementary tools for language mastery.
National Thesaurus Day Activities
Play a game of "synonym password"
Pair up with a friend to see if you can stump each other on this game show variation. Make a stack of cards with words on them, and on each turn, give your partner up to three synonyms for the word on the card. Try to get them to figure out the original word. For instance, for a card with “party” on it, you could say “celebration,” “shindig,” or “festivity.”
Rewrite a famous poem or story
Have a little fun switching out the words of famous works and see if you can make them better! Take Edgar Allen Poe’s "The Raven," for instance. “Once upon a midnight dreary, while I pondered, weak and weary,” could turn into “Once upon a boring night, while I thought, frail and fatigued.”
Flip through a thesaurus, for old time's sake
These days, we mostly use the an online thesaurus, but paging through a book can lead you to many new words! Spend some time looking up favorites, you know, your darlings, number ones, idols, beloveds, dears, and faves.
Why We Love National Thesaurus Day
It helps us expand our vocabulary
A bigger vocabulary is better (or exceptional, superior, and of higher quality)! It helps us communicate with different groups of people, which in turn bolsters self-confidence. It even aids in important events, like preparing for a job interview or writing a speech for a class. It helps you speak more effectively and write with greater breadth and clarity.
Bigger vocabularies help kids learn
More word choices are just good for adults, but kids, too! If a child has enough words in his or her stash, they can fully describe what they are thinking, how they are feeling, and what they want. And, if they know more words, they are better at reading comprehension. This will lead to better grades and an easier time in school!
It helps us tell a better story
What would the Three Little Pigs have been without a thesaurus? The nursery rhyme favorite turns to synonyms to create a rhythm and urgency. Instead of just simply saying he would take down the house with a big gust of air, he added some excitement: “I’ll huff, and I’ll puff, and I’ll blow your house down!” Different words make stories more stimulating and fun.
National Thesaurus Day dates
| Year | Date | Day |
|---|---|---|
| 2027 | January 18 | Monday |
| 2028 | January 18 | Tuesday |
| 2029 | January 18 | Thursday |
| 2030 | January 18 | Friday |
| 2031 | January 18 | Saturday |
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