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Merriam-Webster Dictionary

merriam-webster.com

From $0.83/mo Free plan WebiOSAndroidAPI
Visit merriam-webster.com
Spec score 8.2 #12 of 39 in Online Dictionaries

What it is

Merriam-Webster Dictionary is an online reference and mobile dictionary and thesaurus for word lookup and vocabulary building. Its regularly updated online dictionary includes new entries and revised definitions. The iOS and Android app provides offline access to definitions and synonyms, voice search, audio pronunciations, usage examples, quizzes, favorite words and search history. The website adds Word of the Day, grammar and usage guidance, wordplay, games, quizzes and a thesaurus. Medical, Legal and Kids dictionaries are available through an in-app purchase. Developers can use the Dictionary API for definitions, etymologies, pronunciations, synonyms, antonyms and specialized medical, Spanish, ESL and student-friendly vocabulary. Non-commercial API use is free up to 1,000 queries per day per key and limited to two reference APIs; commercial terms are handled case by case. The app is free with ads. Listed iOS purchases include Premium Monthly at $1.79 a month, Remove Ads at $2.99, paid once, All References + Remove Ads at $5.99, paid once, and Premium Annual at $9.99 a year.

Spec sheet

Audience
The maker describes its sites and apps as language resources for visitors, English-language learners, and users seeking reference and vocabulary-building tools.Read 29 Sep 2026 · merriam-webster.com
Support
The maker provides online help, mobile app FAQs, and a contact route for product questions.Read 29 Sep 2026 · merriam-webster.com
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.Read 29 Sep 2026 · dictionaryapi.com
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.Read 29 Sep 2026 · dictionaryapi.com
Company history
Merriam-Webster says the company began in 1831 as G. & C. Merriam Co. and was renamed Merriam-Webster, Incorporated, in 1982.Read 29 Sep 2026 · merriam-webster.com
Dictionary and thesaurus
The app provides dictionary and thesaurus access, including offline access to definitions and synonyms.Read 29 Sep 2026 · merriam-webster.com
Dictionary reference
The Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary is a regularly updated, online-only reference with new entries, revised definitions, and digital features.Read 29 Sep 2026 · merriam-webster.com
Editorial content
The website offers Word of the Day, grammar and usage guidance, wordplay, games, quizzes, and a thesaurus.Read 29 Sep 2026 · merriam-webster.com
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.Read 29 Sep 2026 · merriam-webster.com
Privacy choices
The privacy policy describes cookie and tracking technologies and provides choices for opting out of some data uses and disclosures.Read 29 Sep 2026 · merriam-webster.com
Specialized dictionaries
Medical, Legal, and Kids dictionaries are available through an in-app purchase.Read 29 Sep 2026 · merriam-webster.com
Vocabulary learning
The app includes vocabulary-building quizzes, favorite words, and search history.Read 29 Sep 2026 · merriam-webster.com
Voice search
The app includes voice search for looking up words without spelling them.Read 29 Sep 2026 · merriam-webster.com

Plans and prices

Merriam-Webster Dictionary & Thesaurus app Free 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 $1.79 a month Premium Monthly iOS in-app purchase · premium app version with no ads Read 29 Sep 2026 · apps.apple.com
Remove Ads $2.99, paid once Remove Ads iOS in-app purchase · removes ads Read 29 Sep 2026 · apps.apple.com
All References + Remove Ads $5.99, paid once All References + Remove Ads iOS in-app purchase · all references · removes ads Read 29 Sep 2026 · apps.apple.com
Premium Annual $9.99 a year Premium Annual iOS in-app purchase · premium app version with no ads Read 29 Sep 2026 · apps.apple.com

Every Merriam-Webster Dictionary plan and price →

Strong points and limits

Strong points

  • Offline definitions and synonyms in the app
  • Voice search looks up words without spelling them
  • Includes audio pronunciations and usage examples
  • API offers specialized vocabulary and reference data

Limits

  • Free app version includes ads
  • Specialized dictionaries require an in-app purchase
  • Non-commercial API use is capped at 1,000 queries daily
  • Commercial API terms are arranged case by case

Who it suits

It suits readers who want dictionary and thesaurus lookup, including offline access, or vocabulary tools such as quizzes and saved words. Developers can consider the API for non-commercial integrations within its daily and reference limits.

Verdict

The app combines reference lookup with offline access and vocabulary tools, while the website offers additional language content. Check the API limits and in-app purchase options if you need specialized dictionaries or ad-free access.

Where Specifiction places it

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