Merriam-Webster Dictionary is an online reference with updated entries, revised definitions, and digital features, available on web, Android, iOS, and through an API. Its mobile app combines dictionary and thesaurus lookup with offline access to definitions and synonyms, voice search, quizzes, favorite words, and search history. The website adds Word of the Day, grammar and usage guidance, wordplay, games, quizzes, and thesaurus content. Medical, Legal, and Kids dictionaries are offered through in-app purchase. For developers, the Dictionary API provides definitions, etymologies, pronunciations, synonyms, antonyms, and specialized medical, Spanish, ESL, and student-friendly vocabulary. Non-commercial API use is free for up to 1,000 queries per day per key and is limited to two reference APIs; commercial use requires case-by-case terms. The app is free with ads. Listed iOS purchases include Premium Monthly for 1.79 USD per month, Remove Ads for 2.99 USD per once, All References + Remove Ads for 5.99 USD per once, and Premium Annual for 9.99 USD per year.
Who it is for
It suits readers who want dictionary and thesaurus lookup, offline definitions, or vocabulary-building tools. Developers can use its API for reference content, subject to separate non-commercial limits or commercial terms.
What is good
- Offline dictionary and thesaurus access in the app.
- Voice search helps look up words without spelling them.
- Includes quizzes, favorite words, and search history.
- API provides definitions, etymologies, and pronunciations.
What to know first
- The free app includes ads.
- Medical, Legal, and Kids dictionaries require an in-app purchase.
- Non-commercial API use is capped at 1,000 daily queries per key.
- Commercial API terms are case by case.
Verdict
Merriam-Webster combines everyday lookup and vocabulary tools with reference content for developers. Readers should note the app's ads and purchase options, while API users should check the applicable usage limits and terms.
Merriam-Webster Dictionary plans and pricing
All plansCompared on online dictionaries
- Free plan
- Yes
- Audio pronunciation
- Yes
- Usage examples
- Yes
- Translation lookup
- Yes
- Offline access
- Yes
- Mobile apps
- ios_android
- Languages covered
- 1
