To replace words in a sentence, phrase, or song with other words that mean the same thing. Implies poor results, or dumbing down. This is a common practice among hymnal editors of some denominations, who are apparently among the most clueless humans walking the earth.
When someone overuses a thesaurus in an essay or speech to make themselves sound smarter. However, by replacing small words with obscure words they don't really understand, it just makes them sound pretentious and stupid.
But, especially within hours of a tragedy unfolding, journalists and pundits should not manufacture a blood libel that serves only to incite the very hatred and violence they purport to condemn.
To completely ruin an essay by referring to a thesaurus for every other word, thus inserting words that you don't really understandthe definition of to make yourself appear smarter to the reader.