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Head-to-head · Online Dictionaries

The Free Dictionary vs Merriam-Webster Dictionary

  • Updated Oct 2026
  • Both researched from official sources
  • 6 checks side by side
Higher score The Free Dictionary #3 in Online Dictionaries 9.2/10 Free plan Free plan✓ 4 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

The Free 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 scoreThe Free Dictionary · 9.2/10
  • Free planboth

The Free Dictionary scores higher on our rubric for online dictionaries: 9.2 against 9.0 out of 10; our editors rank them #3 and #5.

The Free Dictionary leads on languages covered: 14 versus 1.

The Free Dictionary is the better fit for users wanting the broadest free reference set. Merriam-Webster Dictionary is the better fit for english definition and thesaurus users.

  • The Free Dictionary fits best

    Users wanting the broadest free reference set

  • Merriam-Webster Dictionary fits best

    English definition and thesaurus users

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Side by side

Feature The Free Dictionary 9.2/10 Visit ↗ Merriam-Webster Dictionary 9.0/10 Visit ↗
At a glance
Editor score 9.2 9.0
Ranking #3 in Online Dictionaries #5 in Online Dictionaries
Best for Users wanting the broadest free reference set English definition and thesaurus users
Pricing model Free plan + paid Free plan + paid
Starting price — —
Free plan ✓ ✓
Free trial — —
Deployment Cloud, Mobile, Desktop Cloud, Mobile
Platforms Web, iOS, Android, macOS Web, iOS, Android
Integrations 1 integrations 1 integrations
Features The Free Dictionary 4/4 · Merriam-Webster Dictionary 4/4
Audio pronunciation ✓ ✓
Usage examples ✓ ✓
Translation lookup ✓ ✓
Offline access ✓ ✓
Specs
Mobile apps Ios_android Ios_android
Languages covered 14 (best) 1
Our review
Pros
  • Dictionary, thesaurus, specialist dictionaries, and translation lookup
  • Offline access, audio pronunciations, voice search, and synchronized bookmarks
  • Available on web, iOS, Android, macOS, and through an API
  • 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
  • The free plan includes advertising
  • The ad-free upgrade is limited to the iOS app
  • API access is described for calls from other apps, not a broader integration suite
  • 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

The Free Dictionary is a reference service from Farlex, Inc. for looking up words, synonyms, translations, idioms, and specialist terminology. It combines dictionary and thesaurus lookup with medical, legal, science, financial, and idiom…

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. The Free DictionaryOnline Dictionaries 9.2Free plan
  2. Merriam-Webster DictionaryOnline Dictionaries 9.0Free plan

Strengths and trade-offs

  • The Free Dictionary — where it wins

    • Dictionary, thesaurus, specialist dictionaries, and translation lookup
    • Offline access, audio pronunciations, voice search, and synchronized bookmarks
    • Available on web, iOS, Android, macOS, and through an API

    Where it doesn't

    • The free plan includes advertising
    • The ad-free upgrade is limited to the iOS app
    • API access is described for calls from other apps, not a broader integration suite

  • 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
  • The Free Dictionary9.2/10 · Free plan

    A broad free reference service with offline access, translations, and specialist dictionaries.

    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