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Head-to-head · Online Dictionaries

Cambridge Dictionary vs Merriam-Webster Dictionary

  • Updated Oct 2026
  • Both researched from official sources
  • 6 checks side by side
Higher score Cambridge Dictionary #1 in Online Dictionaries 9.4/10 Free plan Free plan✓ 3 of 4 features Visit site
Merriam-Webster Dictionary #5 in Online Dictionaries 9.0/10 Free plan Free plan✓ 4 of 4 features Visit Dictionary

Cambridge Dictionary leads on 1 check, Merriam-Webster Dictionary on 0, and 5 are even. Who comes out ahead on the 6 yes/no, price and count checks where we have data for both products. The editor score weighs everything else too.

Our verdict

  • Highest scoreCambridge Dictionary · 9.4/10
  • Free planboth
  • Most featuresMerriam-Webster Dictionary · 4 of 4

Cambridge Dictionary scores higher on our rubric for online dictionaries: 9.4 against 9.0 out of 10; our editors rank them #1 and #5.

Cambridge Dictionary leads on languages covered: 29 versus 1.

Cambridge Dictionary is the better fit for learners needing authoritative English tools. Merriam-Webster Dictionary is the better fit for english definition and thesaurus users.

  • Cambridge Dictionary fits best

    Learners needing authoritative English tools

  • Merriam-Webster Dictionary fits best

    English definition and thesaurus users

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Side by side

Feature Cambridge Dictionary 9.4/10 Visit ↗ Merriam-Webster Dictionary 9.0/10 Visit ↗
At a glance
Editor score 9.4 9.0
Ranking #1 in Online Dictionaries #5 in Online Dictionaries
Best for Learners needing authoritative English tools English definition and thesaurus users
Pricing model Free plan + paid Free plan + paid
Starting price Free plan —
Free plan ✓ ✓
Free trial — —
Deployment Cloud, Mobile Cloud, Mobile
Platforms Web, iOS, Android Web, iOS, Android
Integrations 1 integrations 1 integrations
Features Cambridge Dictionary 3/4 · Merriam-Webster Dictionary 4/4
Audio pronunciation ✓ ✓
Usage examples ✓ ✓
Translation lookup ✓ ✓
Offline access Not checked yet ✓ (best)
Specs
Mobile apps Ios_android Ios_android
Languages covered 29 (best) 1
Our review
Pros
  • British and American audio pronunciations with usage examples
  • Bilingual dictionaries and translation lookup across 29 languages
  • Free learning resources, mobile apps, and Dictionary API access
  • Free definitions, audio pronunciations, examples, and thesaurus content
  • Offline definitions and synonyms are available in the mobile apps
  • Voice search, quizzes, games, favorites, and search history support learning
Cons
  • Mobile applications provide access to selected Cambridge content
  • Some mobile content and ad-removal options may involve in-app purchases
  • The service centers on English learning and reference needs
  • The primary dictionary experience is focused on English
  • Premium access is required for an ad-free experience
  • Medical, legal, and kids dictionaries require additional purchases
Our verdict

Cambridge Dictionary is an online reference service from Cambridge University Press for English learners, teachers, and general language users. Its core offering combines English definitions with British and American audio pronunciations,…

Read the review →

Merriam-Webster Dictionary is an online English-language reference service for definitions, pronunciations, synonyms, usage examples, word histories, and related language information. It suits students, writers, learners, and anyone who…

Read the review →
  1. Cambridge DictionaryOnline Dictionaries 9.4Free plan
  2. Merriam-Webster DictionaryOnline Dictionaries 9.0Free plan

Strengths and trade-offs

  • Cambridge Dictionary — where it wins

    • British and American audio pronunciations with usage examples
    • Bilingual dictionaries and translation lookup across 29 languages
    • Free learning resources, mobile apps, and Dictionary API access

    Where it doesn't

    • Mobile applications provide access to selected Cambridge content
    • Some mobile content and ad-removal options may involve in-app purchases
    • The service centers on English learning and reference needs

  • Merriam-Webster Dictionary — where it wins

    • Free definitions, audio pronunciations, examples, and thesaurus content
    • Offline definitions and synonyms are available in the mobile apps
    • Voice search, quizzes, games, favorites, and search history support learning

    Where it doesn't

    • The primary dictionary experience is focused on English
    • Premium access is required for an ad-free experience
    • Medical, legal, and kids dictionaries require additional purchases
  • Cambridge Dictionary9.4/10 · Free plan

    A broad English learning reference with free access, audio, examples, and bilingual lookup.

    Visit siteFull verdict →
  • Merriam-Webster Dictionary9.0/10 · Free plan

    A strong free English reference with audio, examples, thesaurus tools, and mobile lookup.

    Visit DictionaryFull verdict →

More comparisons

All online dictionaries comparisons → · Full ranking →

Reviewed by iTechGuides Editors · Editorial team · Updated Oct 2026

Last updated · How we research and update