Like any powerful tool, misuse can be dangerous. Whether you are looking for a smart word or a simple word, the tool is for helping you find the right word. If you find an exciting word in the thesaurus, look it up. Find out what its parts are, its origins. KNOW the word. For that you may need a dictionary or three. A thesaurus can help you think of words you never hear or say. Because maybe your characters would say or hear those words.
I picture the book from Harry potter, they said it was a book on monsters, but in reality its a thesaurus. Just stroke the spine as you put it back on the shelf. I rarely use a thesaurus, except when I find myself over using a word.(except for the one thesaurus that offers words associated with locations. I have used that one a couple time(need to find that link again.) Feel comfortable with every word you use.(Maybe check to mak sure you spelled it right, programs don't catch all words.)
