Dictionary.com is a leading reference app with 2M+ definitions, currently positioned as a free, ad-supported tool within the IXL Learning ecosystem. While it holds a strong content moat through unique editorial articles and its 'Dictionary Shuffle' feature, it is experiencing a significant decline in user sentiment. The app is currently ranked #100 Free in its category (US) and is facing a retention crisis due to aggressive monetization and the removal of legacy premium features.
Product velocity
Maintenance
Daily rank 🇺🇸
#97
▼3Reference · free
Sentiment
4.3
1.3M reviews
Nemesis
Merriam-Webster Dictionary
The App DNA
What makes this app unique?
For Students, lifelong learners, and professionals seeking to improve their English vocabulary and writing skills.
What does it look like?
Key features
Access to over 2 million definitions and synonyms from Dictionary.com and Thesaurus.com
A gamified learning feature that presents random words and definitions to test user knowledge
In-depth articles exploring word origins and language nuances
How much does it cost?
The app is entirely ad-supported. Recent strategy shifts have removed legacy paid/premium versions, forcing all users into the ad-heavy free experience, which has caused significant user backlash.
Velocity
Maintenance developmentperformanceShow more...
Development is currently in a maintenance phase, as all five provided versions across iOS and Android consist solely of bug fixes and performance improvements. There have been no feature-based updates recorded in the observed data. The cadence is irregular, with no significant feature development observed over the analyzed period. The focus remains strictly on stability and technical maintenance.
Who built it?
Curiosity Media
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anglais.comUser Sentiment
What do users think recently?
Fresh user feedback skews upset. Users appreciate educational value, but report removal of paid features/premium access.
How are ratings & reviews evolving?
What users say, by theme
- Educational Value
Unlock 1 more frustration theme, each backed by review evidence.
Access the full report for freeCompetition
Competitive landscape for Dictionary.com: English Words
How's the Reference market?
The rivals identified
By Merriam-Webster, Inc.
The most direct frontal competitor in the US market, mirroring Dictionary.com's authority, scale, and feature set almost exactly.
- Integrated 'Word Games' section including Quordle and word maps
- Highly regarded 'Ask the Editor' video series and linguistic deep-dives
- Offline dictionary access included in the base free version
Oxford Dictionary & ThesaurusContenderTThe Free Dictionary by FarlexContenderUUrban DictionaryContenderUnlock the head-to-head verdict: where this rival wins, and where it loses.
Access the full report for freeThe Analyst's Read
Key takeaways for Dictionary.com: English Words
Where is it heading?
- Sentiment is 'Terrible' with high-frequency complaints about monetization — indicates a breakdown in user trust.
- Rankings dropped to #100 Free (↓3) — suggests a loss of organic momentum in the US market.
- Recent updates (March 2026) focused only on bug fixes and A-Z browsing — indicates maintenance mode rather than innovation.
The SWOT
- Massive content library (2M+ definitions)
- High-quality editorial and linguistic deep-dives
- Strong brand authority and SEO funnel
- Modernize UI to match design-first competitors like LookUp
- Introduce a stable, ad-free subscription tier
- Expand offline dictionary access
Next best moves
Restore 'Favorites' and Saved Word data persistence
+ 2 more prioritized movesFeature gaps
Robust offline dictionary access (available in Merriam-Webster) +3
Since the last report: The app is undergoing a period of significant user dissatisfaction driven by aggressive ad-monetization and the removal of legacy premium features, leading to a decline in brand trust and competitive standing.
Bottom line
Dictionary.com is trading long-term brand equity for short-term ad revenue, resulting in a 'Terrible' sentiment profile that threatens its market leadership. To survive the challenge from Merriam-Webster and design-centric 'New Kids' like LookUp, the PM must prioritize restoring user trust by fixing the premium migration and returning core features like 'Favorites.'
Unlock 3 critical frictions, 3 market threats, 2 more prioritized moves and the analyst’s take.
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