For finding a better word or learning new words...

I recommend using thesaurus.com online anytime you need to find a better word or you have to learn new vocabulary. What I like about it is that it gives slang as some of the synonyms (similar words) to the word you type in. So, if you have written a 2 cent word, perhaps slang, in your academic paper and you need more of a 25 cent word, you can type your word into the blank provided, hit enter, and it will give you a nifty list of words that might work. Some will be highfalutin' academic words and some will be words you wouldn't use in polite company. This is also a great way to learn new vocabulary. If someone or some book uses a big word you don't know, just type it into the blank, hit enter, and the list that comes up will definitely include some words you are already familiar with. I believe the best way to learn new vocabulary is to link it to what you already know. So if you don't know the word pretentious as in "That woman was pretentious," I bet you would understand the meaning if you substituted the word snotty or the lovely little phrase stuck up. Use synonyms carefully, however, because words have many shades of meaning and sometimes when you try a new one, you'll get close but no cigar.