'%3e%3cpath%20d='M8%200C12.4183%200%2016%203.58172%2016%208C16%2012.4183%2012.4183%2016%208%2016C3.58172%2016%200%2012.4183%200%208C0%203.58172%203.58172%200%208%200ZM11.6162%204.38379C11.2257%203.99337%2010.5927%203.99338%2010.2021%204.38379L8%206.58594L5.79785%204.38379C5.40732%203.99334%204.77429%203.99329%204.38379%204.38379C3.99331%204.77429%203.99335%205.40733%204.38379%205.79785L6.58594%208L4.38379%2010.2021C3.99348%2010.5927%203.99341%2011.2257%204.38379%2011.6162C4.77426%2012.0066%205.40734%2012.0065%205.79785%2011.6162L8%209.41406L10.2021%2011.6162C10.5927%2012.0066%2011.2257%2012.0067%2011.6162%2011.6162C12.0067%2011.2257%2012.0066%2010.5927%2011.6162%2010.2021L9.41406%208L11.6162%205.79785C12.0066%205.40735%2012.0066%204.77429%2011.6162%204.38379Z'%20fill='%23080E17'%20fill-opacity='0.46'/%3e%3c/g%3e%3cdefs%3e%3cclipPath%20id='clip0_3761_713'%3e%3crect%20width='16'%20height='16'%20fill='white'/%3e%3c/clipPath%3e%3c/defs%3e%3c/svg%3e)
How to Find the Thesaurus in Outlook for Microsoft 365
Question details
The user needs to locate and use the Thesaurus tool in Microsoft Outlook to find synonyms while writing.
- Product
- Microsoft Outlook for Microsoft 365
- Device & OS
- not provided
- Scenario
- Composing a new email message or editing a calendar item and needing to find related words or synonyms.
- Observed behavior
- The user is unable to find the Thesaurus feature because it is not available from the main Outlook window and only appears during active text composition.
Ensure you are using the classic Outlook desktop application, as the full Thesaurus pane may not be supported in web-based or simplified versions of Outlook.
Access the Thesaurus via the Review Tab in Classic Outlook
Use this method to quickly open the Thesaurus pane and find synonyms while drafting an email or calendar event.
The Thesaurus is a context-sensitive feature in Outlook. It is only accessible when you have a composition window open, rather than from your primary inbox view.
Start by opening a new email message or double-clicking a calendar item to edit it in classic Outlook.
Highlight the specific word in the body of your email or calendar item that you want to find synonyms for.
Click on the Review tab located in the ribbon at the top of the message window.
Click the Thesaurus button. A side pane will open where you can search for related words, copy or replace results, and change the dictionary language if available.
Looking for a Free Office Suite? Try WPS Office
While managing emails in Outlook, you might also need a powerful suite for documents, spreadsheets, and presentations. WPS Office is a lightweight, fully featured, and free alternative to Microsoft Office.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why can't I see the Review tab or Thesaurus button in Outlook?
The Review tab and Thesaurus are only visible when you are actively composing a new email, replying to a message in a popped-out window, or editing a calendar item. They do not appear in the main inbox window.
Is the Thesaurus available in the New Outlook for Windows?
The full Thesaurus pane is primarily a feature of the classic Outlook desktop application. If you are using the 'New Outlook', synonym features may be limited or rely on integrated editor tools rather than a dedicated Thesaurus pane.
How do I change the language used by the Thesaurus in Outlook?
Once you open the Thesaurus pane from the Review tab, scroll to the bottom of the pane. You will find a language dropdown menu where you can select a different language, provided the corresponding language pack is installed on your system.
