Today’s Brainstorm Umbrella: The Free Dictionary

Over the years I’ve developed an organic, complex, yet organized process for developing an extensive list of name candidates. I look for inspiration in as many places as I can find-- mythology, poetry, atlases, articles, foreign languages, history, etc. Thanks to the Internet those resources are always growing and becoming more dynamic.

The Free Dictionary calls itself the “world’s most comprehensive dictionary.” The site, which is really more of an online reference library specializing in words, includes a dictionary, a detailed thesaurus, idioms, acronyms, a translator, and more.

It’s one of the best free thesauri and naming tools I’ve found online. Let’s take a look The Free Dictionary in action. Suppose you need to brainstorm a new gourmet wine shop. Type in the word “wine” and you’ll discover dozens, if not hundreds of word and name ideas related to wine, including wine references from classic literature.

Naming Fact: Did you know that each year the U.S. Trademark Office receives over 1 million applications for names for new businesses, products, and services? Need help with your name? Please contact me at namelancer@hotmail.com.