Maurice Waite is Project Editor for Thesauruses at OUP.

This up-to-date, general purpose thesaurus offers over 300,000 alternative and opposite words. Synonyms are given in order of usefulness, showing the most relevant synonym first. Following market research, the third edition of the Oxford Paperback Thesaurus now includes even more, highly illustrative, real examples of usage to show synonyms in context and help you to identify the right sense. In addition, there is a brand-new centre section containing thematic and encyclopedic lists, for example of animals, games, and tools, designed to help you broaden your vocabulary, improve your general knowledge, and solve quizzes and puzzles. The Oxford Paperback Thesaurus also has a new design and layout, making it clear and easy to use. It is perfect for all kinds of writing needs: study, letters, reports, creative writing, and for general reference. The thesaurus includes 3 months' access* to Oxford's premium online dictionary and thesaurus service, Oxford Dictionaries Online, updated regularly with the latest developments to words and meanings, so you will have the most accurate picture of English available. Find out more about our living language using Oxford Dictionaries Online. Hear how words are spoken with thousands of audio pronunciations, and access over 1.9 million real English example sentences to see how words are used in context. Improve your confidence in writing with helpful grammar and punctuation guides, full thesaurus information, style and usage help, and much more. *Available in selected markets (UK, Europe, Australia, Canada, and South Africa). Terms and conditions apply; please see www.oxforddictionaries.com/access for information.