A method, system, and/or computer program product constructs and utilizes an ontological graph. A seed term and an expansion signal are received from a user. An ontological graph is constructed based on the expansion signal as applied to the seed term. The ontological graph includes nodes representing the seed term plus other terms that are located in accordance with instructions derived from the first expansion signal, such that the seed term and the other terms share a common trait. Terms from the ontological graph are displayed as string literals in a dictionary, wherein the dictionary contains related other terms at a resolution level that is controlled by the first expansion signal from the user and the seed term.