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Merriam-Webster Dictionary
What it is
Merriam-Webster Dictionary is an online reference and mobile app for looking up words and building vocabulary. Its regularly updated dictionary adds entries and revises definitions. The app pairs dictionary and thesaurus lookup with offline access to definitions and synonyms, audio pronunciations, usage examples, and voice search for words you cannot spell. Quizzes, favorite words, and search history support vocabulary practice. On the website, readers can find Word of the Day, grammar and usage guidance, wordplay, games, quizzes, and thesaurus content. Medical, Legal, and Kids dictionaries are available as in-app purchases. Developers can use its API for definitions, etymologies, pronunciations, synonyms, antonyms, and specialized vocabulary. Non-commercial API use is free for up to 1,000 queries per day per key and no more than two reference APIs; commercial terms are handled case by case. The app is free with ads. Listed iOS purchases include Premium Monthly for $1.79 a month, Remove Ads for $2.99, paid once, All References + Remove Ads for $5.99, paid once, and Premium Annual for $9.99 a year.
For and against
For
- Offline access to definitions and synonyms
- Voice search for words
- Audio pronunciations and usage examples
- Vocabulary quizzes, favorites, and search history
Against
- Free app includes ads
- Medical, Legal, and Kids dictionaries require an in-app purchase
- Non-commercial API use is limited to 1,000 daily queries per key
- Commercial API terms are case by case
The verdict
Merriam-Webster combines word reference, vocabulary practice, and offline mobile lookup. The free app includes ads, with listed iOS purchases for ad removal, premium access, and added dictionaries.
Who it suits
It suits visitors, English-language learners, and anyone looking for dictionary, thesaurus, or vocabulary tools. Developers may find the API useful for adding reference content to apps.
Plans and prices
Merriam-Webster Dictionary & Thesaurus app
free app with ads · offline dictionary and thesaurus · premium version removes ads · in-app purchase unlocks Medical, Legal, and Kids dictionaries
Read 29 Sep 2026 · merriam-webster.com
Premium Monthly
iOS in-app purchase · premium app version with no ads
Read 29 Sep 2026 · apps.apple.com
Remove Ads
iOS in-app purchase · removes ads
Read 29 Sep 2026 · apps.apple.com
All References + Remove Ads
iOS in-app purchase · all references · removes ads
Read 29 Sep 2026 · apps.apple.com
Premium Annual
iOS in-app purchase · premium app version with no ads
Read 29 Sep 2026 · apps.apple.com
On the record
- API integrations
- The Dictionary API provides definitions, etymologies, audio pronunciations, synonyms, antonyms, and specialized medical, Spanish, ESL, and student-friendly vocabulary for integration into apps.dictionaryapi.com · read 29 Sep 2026
- API limits
- Non-commercial API use is free up to 1,000 queries per day per API key and is limited to two reference APIs; commercial use requires contacting Merriam-Webster for case-by-case terms.dictionaryapi.com · read 29 Sep 2026
- Audience
- The maker describes its sites and apps as language resources for visitors, English-language learners, and users seeking reference and vocabulary-building tools.merriam-webster.com · read 29 Sep 2026
- Company history
- Merriam-Webster says the company began in 1831 as G. & C. Merriam Co. and was renamed Merriam-Webster, Incorporated, in 1982.merriam-webster.com · read 29 Sep 2026
- Dictionary and thesaurus
- The app provides dictionary and thesaurus access, including offline access to definitions and synonyms.merriam-webster.com · read 29 Sep 2026
- Dictionary reference
- The Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary is a regularly updated, online-only reference with new entries, revised definitions, and digital features.merriam-webster.com · read 29 Sep 2026
- Editorial content
- The website offers Word of the Day, grammar and usage guidance, wordplay, games, quizzes, and a thesaurus.merriam-webster.com · read 29 Sep 2026
- Privacy and payment security
- Merriam-Webster says it does not sell personal information and typically uses a PCI/DSS-compliant payment processor without itself processing or storing card details.merriam-webster.com · read 29 Sep 2026
- Privacy choices
- The privacy policy describes cookie and tracking technologies and provides choices for opting out of some data uses and disclosures.merriam-webster.com · read 29 Sep 2026
- Specialized dictionaries
- Medical, Legal, and Kids dictionaries are available through an in-app purchase.merriam-webster.com · read 29 Sep 2026
- Support
- The maker provides online help, mobile app FAQs, and a contact route for product questions.merriam-webster.com · read 29 Sep 2026
- Vocabulary learning
- The app includes vocabulary-building quizzes, favorite words, and search history.merriam-webster.com · read 29 Sep 2026
- Voice search
- The app includes voice search for looking up words without spelling them.merriam-webster.com · read 29 Sep 2026
