Run (Total, Smuggle, Liquified ...) to the Thesaurus

I'm the first to admit that I adore the thesaurus ... or more specifically Thesaurus.com ... because there are many times I just can't think up an alternate word. I'm a stickler for variety, and hate to use the same word repeatedly on a page. It truly is boring for the reader, and you don't want a disinterested reader. Sure, there are times when I purposely use repetition of a word to drive home a point, or if my main character is in distress and thinking the same thought over and over. But, that's an intentional decision.

I recently bounced over to my Thesaurus tab (yes, it's always open in my browser when I'm editing) and saw that there is one word with 179 entries.

The word?

Run.

Here are just a few of those synonyms ...

verb (used without object)

1. to go quickly by moving the legs more rapidly than at a walk and in such a manner that for an instant in each step all or both feet are off the ground.

2. to move with haste; act quickly: Run upstairs and get the iodine.

3. to depart quickly; take to flight; flee or escape: to run from danger.

verb (used with object)

53. to move or run along (a surface, way, path, etc.): Every morning he ran the dirt path around the reservoir to keep in condition. She ran her fingers over the keyboard.

54. to traverse (a distance) in running: He ran the mile in just over four minutes.

55. to perform, compete in, or accomplish by or as by running: to run a race; to run an errand.

noun

98. an act or instance, or a period of running: a five-minute run before breakfast.

99. a hurrying to or from some point, as on an errand: a run to reach the store before it closes.

100. a fleeing, especially in great haste; flight: a run from the police who were hot on his trail.

101. a running pace: The boys set out at a run.

And the list goes on!

Do you use the thesaurus? Any other writing tools always at your fingertips?

Image Source: SXC