Merriam-Webster Dictionary
Merriam-Webster Dictionary is an online reference for word definitions, synonyms, and language learning, available on the web, Android, and iOS, with a Dicti…
What Merriam-Webster Dictionary is
Merriam-Webster Dictionary is an online reference for word definitions, synonyms, and language learning, available on the web, Android, and iOS, with a Dictionary API for app integrations. Its mobile app combines dictionary and thesaurus lookups with offline access, audio pronunciations, usage examples, and voice search for finding words without spelling them. Quizzes, favorite words, and search history support vocabulary practice. The website also publishes Word of the Day, grammar and usage guidance, wordplay, games, quizzes, and thesaurus content. Medical, Legal, and Kids dictionaries are available through an in-app purchase. Developers can use the 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 two reference APIs; commercial terms are arranged 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.
Good
- Offline dictionary and thesaurus access
- Voice search finds words without spelling
- Includes audio pronunciations and usage examples
- Free non-commercial API use up to 1,000 queries daily
Watch out
- Free app version includes ads
- Specialized dictionaries require an in-app purchase
- Commercial API terms require case-by-case contact
Who it suits
It suits visitors, English-language learners, and anyone looking for reference or vocabulary-building tools. Developers may also find the API relevant for adding dictionary content to apps.
Verdict
Merriam-Webster brings dictionary, thesaurus, and vocabulary tools together across its app and website. Check the ad-free and specialized-reference purchase options, and the API limits, if those matter to your use.
Plans and prices
From Merriam-Webster Dictionary's own pricing page, checked 29 Sep 2026.
| Plan | Price | What it gives you |
|---|---|---|
| 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 |
| Premium Monthly | $1.79 a month | iOS in-app purchase · premium app version with no ads · Premium Monthly |
| Remove Ads | $2.99, paid once | iOS in-app purchase · removes ads · Remove Ads |
| All References + Remove Ads | $5.99, paid once | iOS in-app purchase · all references · removes ads · All References + Remove Ads |
| Premium Annual | $9.99 a year | iOS in-app purchase · premium app version with no ads · Premium Annual |
The facts
Each one read from Merriam-Webster Dictionary's own pages, with the date it was checked.
What it does
- 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.checked 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.checked 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.checked 29 Sep 2026
- Dictionary and thesaurus
- The app provides dictionary and thesaurus access, including offline access to definitions and synonyms.checked 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.checked 29 Sep 2026
- Editorial content
- The website offers Word of the Day, grammar and usage guidance, wordplay, games, quizzes, and a thesaurus.checked 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.checked 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.checked 29 Sep 2026
- Specialized dictionaries
- Medical, Legal, and Kids dictionaries are available through an in-app purchase.checked 29 Sep 2026
- Support
- The maker provides online help, mobile app FAQs, and a contact route for product questions.checked 29 Sep 2026
- Vocabulary learning
- The app includes vocabulary-building quizzes, favorite words, and search history.checked 29 Sep 2026
- Voice search
- The app includes voice search for looking up words without spelling them.checked 29 Sep 2026
The company
- Company history
- Merriam-Webster says the company began in 1831 as G. & C. Merriam Co. and was renamed Merriam-Webster, Incorporated, in 1982.checked 29 Sep 2026
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