Report updated Apr 5, 2026

What Is Merriam-Webster Dictionary?

Merriam-Webster Dictionary is a leading reference app that leverages its long-standing brand authority to provide reliable linguistic data to students, educators, and writers. It currently holds a strong position as #43 in the Free Reference category in the US, though it has seen a recent decline in grossing rankings. Its primary value proposition is its reputation for accuracy and academic reliability.

What are the key features?

Dictionary SearchBasic

Access to comprehensive word definitions and meanings

Reference ToolsStandard

Standard reference materials and linguistic data

What do users think? iIndependent intel reports to help builders create better apps or enhance existing ones. Still in beta, accuracy and relevancy get better every day. For informational purposes only.

Gathering public signals...

Sentiment analysis will be available once enough user reviews are collected.

How is it ranked?

ChartRankChange
Free#474
Grossing#874
No rank history available for this chart.

What are the pros and cons?

Pros

  • Unrivaled brand authority and trust
  • High-quality, curated linguistic content
  • Strong organic brand recognition

Cons

  • Basic feature set compared to digital-native rivals
  • Lack of modern UI/UX design elements
  • Declining grossing performance

What is the market outlook?

Growth Opportunities

  • Gamification of vocabulary building
  • Integration of visual dictionary features
  • Enhanced 'Word of the Day' engagement hooks

Market Threats

  • Agile digital-first competitors like Dictionary.com
  • Niche reference tools siphoning specific use cases
  • Design-forward apps appealing more to younger demographics

Who competes with Merriam-Webster Dictionary?

Peers

WolframAlpha Classic

WolframAlpha Classic

Wolfram Group LLC

Provides computational knowledge and technical definitions that overlap with Merriam-Webster's reference utility.

+

Provides computational knowledge and technical definitions that overlap with Merriam-Webster's reference utility.

New Kids on the Block

Word of the Day by LookUp

Word of the Day by LookUp

Squircle Apps LLP

Captures the 'casual learner' segment through high-engagement push notifications and widget-based vocabulary building.

+

Captures the 'casual learner' segment through high-engagement push notifications and widget-based vocabulary building.

What are the key takeaways?

Merriam-Webster Dictionary is a divisive reference app that is completely free.

Best for: Students, educators, writers, and language learners seeking authoritative and reliable word definitions.

How much does it cost?

Model: free

Tiers:
Free version available

The app is positioned as a free reference tool, leveraging the brand's authority in the dictionary space to maintain high user volume without an immediate paywall.

iOS Price

Free

Independent intel to help builders create better apps.

No publisher influence. No third-party bias. Built with objectivity in mind to serve the builder community. Reports are continuously improved and refined. For informational purposes only.

Hope this helps & keep building! · Found an error?

Cite this report

Marlvel.ai. “Merriam-Webster Dictionary Intelligence Report.” Updated Apr 5, 2026. https://marlvel.ai/intel-report/reference/com-m-w-dictionary

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