Docs/APIs/Thesaurus

Thesaurus

Get word synonyms

OperationalCredits 2 per callp50 976msData LookupStar

Overview

Pass a target word as a query parameter to retrieve a list of related synonyms as an array of strings. Responses repeat the queried word with the matching vocabulary entries. Paid plans also include the total count of similar words found.

Live Test Thesaurus API →

Endpoint

One host, one path per API. The block below shows this call in four languages; every one of them is the same HTTP request. Making requests covers the timeouts, retries and parameter rules that apply to all of them. The SDKs wrap the same call in a typed client.

GEThttps://api.apiverve.com/v1/thesaurus
curl "https://api.apiverve.com/v1/thesaurus?word=big" \
  -H "x-api-key: your_api_key_here"

Replace your_api_key_here with the key from your dashboard. When the inputs arrive as a list rather than one at a time, batch requests run up to 200 of them through this same API in a single call.

Authentication

Send your key in the x-api-key header. That is the only auth step — there is no token exchange and no per-endpoint scope to configure. Authentication covers creating, rotating and revoking keys.

401 is the only auth verdict

A 401 means the key is missing, invalid or expired. A 403 means the key is valid but not permitted here — blocked by a key restriction or an IP allow-list. Running out of credits is a 429.

Parameters

Sent in the query string. Premium parameters are accepted on every plan but only take effect on plans that include them.

ParameterTypeDescription
wordRequiredstringThe word for which you want to get synonyms

Response

Every API returns the same three top-level keys, so one response handler covers your whole integration: status, error and data. Only data changes shape. Response format covers the envelope, the other output formats and how premium fields are withheld.

Sample response
{
  "status": "ok",
  "error": null,
  "data": {
    "word": "big",
    "similarCount": 50,
    "similarWords": [
      "large",
      "ample",
      "sizable",
      "sizeable",
      "astronomic",
      "astronomical",
      "galactic",
      "bigger",
      "larger",
      "biggest",
      "greatest",
      "largest",
      "biggish",
      "largish",
      "blown-up",
      "enlarged",
      "bouffant",
      "puffy",
      "bulky",
      "capacious",
      "colossal",
      "prodigious",
      "stupendous",
      "cosmic",
      "deep",
      "double",
      "elephantine",
      "gargantuan",
      "giant",
      "jumbo",
      "enormous",
      "tremendous",
      "epic",
      "heroic",
      "larger-than-life",
      "extensive",
      "extended",
      "gigantic",
      "mammoth",
      "great",
      "hulking",
      "hulky",
      "huge",
      "immense",
      "vast",
      "Brobdingnagian",
      "humongous",
      "banging",
      "thumping",
      "whopping"
    ]
  }
}

Response fields

Paths are relative to data. Premium fields are absent rather than zeroed on plans that do not include them, so check for presence instead of comparing to 0.

FieldTypeExampleDescription
wordstring"big"The word queried for synonyms
similarCountPremiumnumber50Total count of similar words found in thesaurus
similarWordsarray[large, ...]Array of synonym strings for the queried word

Errors

Read the HTTP status first, then error for the specific reason. The body names the parameter that has to change. Error handling covers the full status list and which of them are worth retrying.

StatusMeaningWhat to do
400Input was rejectedRead error; it names the parameter.
401Key missing or invalidCheck the header name and the key value.
403Key valid, but not permittedA key restriction or IP allow-list; see key scoping.
429Rate limited, or out of creditsRead error to tell them apart; see rate limits.

Use cases

Text Editor Word Suggestions
When authors double-click repetitive phrases in an online editor, display the list of returned synonyms in an inline replacement menu.
Vocabulary Flashcard Apps
Language learning platforms generate supplementary study cards by pairing each target vocabulary word with its matching synonym list.
Search Query Expansion
Broaden catalog product searches by appending synonyms to buyer queries so shoppers find relevant items described with different terms.
Ad Copy Variation
Marketing automation tools suggest synonym replacements for overused adjectives to help copywriters test fresh variations of headline text.

Other ways to use Thesaurus

Set up Thesaurus on APIVerve, or reach the same source a different way. Your APIVerve account and credits work on all of them — one key, one balance.

Give it to an AI agentConnect over MCP and your agent calls it as a native tool — Claude, Cursor, ChatGPT.VerveKit →Reference →
Google Sheets or ExcelA =VERVE() formula fills a column — no script, no export, recalculates in place.VerveSheets →Reference →
Ground an agent on itA cited, machine-checkable fact your model can't produce on its own.VerveContext →Reference →

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