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Dictionary.com VS Wordnik

Compare Dictionary.com VS Wordnik and see what are their differences

Dictionary.com logo Dictionary.com

Dictionary.com is the worldโ€™s leading digital dictionary. We provide millions of English definitions, spellings, audio pronunciations, example sentences, and word origins.

Wordnik logo Wordnik

the biggest online English dictionary, by number of words
  • Dictionary.com Landing page
    Landing page //
    2023-09-20
  • Wordnik Landing page
    Landing page //
    2019-03-07

Dictionary.com features and specs

  • Comprehensive Definitions
    Dictionary.com provides extensive and detailed definitions for a wide range of words, including modern slang and technical terms.
  • User-Friendly Interface
    The website is designed with a clean and intuitive interface that makes it easy to search for and find word definitions quickly.
  • Additional Learning Tools
    It includes various learning tools, such as synonyms, antonyms, word origins, example sentences, and pronunciation guides.
  • Mobile App Availability
    Dictionary.com offers a mobile app, allowing users to access its resources on smartphones and tablets.
  • Regular Updates
    The site frequently updates its word database and content to include newly coined terms and reflect changes in language usage.

Possible disadvantages of Dictionary.com

  • Ads and Pop-Ups
    The free version of Dictionary.com contains numerous advertisements and pop-ups, which can be distracting and reduce the overall user experience.
  • Limited Free Features
    Some features, such as advanced search tools and personalized learning resources, are locked behind a paywall or require a subscription.
  • Occasional Inaccuracies
    While generally reliable, there can be occasional inaccuracies or outdated information, particularly with less common or highly specialized terms.
  • Internet Dependency
    Accessing Dictionary.com requires an internet connection, which may not be convenient for all users, especially when using the web version.
  • Data Privacy Concerns
    Like many online services, Dictionary.com may collect user data for advertising and analytics purposes, raising potential privacy concerns.

Wordnik features and specs

  • Comprehensive Word Database
    Wordnik offers a vast and diverse collection of words, including rare and obscure terms, which can be highly beneficial for writers, linguists, and language enthusiasts.
  • User Contributions
    The platform allows users to contribute by adding new words, definitions, and examples, fostering a collaborative approach to building a comprehensive dictionary.
  • Examples from Real Usage
    Wordnik provides examples of words used in actual texts, helping users understand context and improving their ability to use words effectively.
  • Diverse Sources
    Definitions and examples are sourced from a variety of dictionaries and texts, offering users multiple perspectives on word meanings and usage.
  • Open Source API
    Developers can access Wordnikโ€™s open API, allowing them to integrate its data into applications or research projects, enhancing the utility of the platform beyond its website.

Possible disadvantages of Wordnik

  • Inconsistency in Quality
    Since the platform allows user contributions, there can sometimes be inconsistencies or errors in definitions or examples which may affect reliability.
  • Limited Editorial Oversight
    Compared to traditional dictionaries, Wordnik might not have the same level of editorial oversight and accuracy checks, which could lead to variations in data quality.
  • Interface Complexity
    The interface might be overwhelming for first-time users due to its vast database and variety of features, potentially making it less user-friendly for casual users.
  • Ad-Supported
    As an ad-supported platform, the presence of advertisements can detract from the user experience, especially for users looking for a clean, distraction-free browsing environment.
  • Fragmented User Experience
    Despite its extensive data, the way information is presented can sometimes feel fragmented, requiring users to navigate through different sections to gather comprehensive word knowledge.

Analysis of Dictionary.com

Overall verdict

  • Yes, Dictionary.com is considered a good resource for those seeking reliable definitions and language tools. It supports various learning needs and is accessible to a wide audience, making it a valuable tool for students, writers, and anyone looking to improve their language skills.

Why this product is good

  • Dictionary.com is a well-established online dictionary that provides users with comprehensive definitions, synonyms, antonyms, and usage examples. It is frequently updated to include new words and meanings, ensuring its relevance and accuracy. Additionally, the platform offers language resources like grammar articles, word origins, and quizzes that can enhance vocabulary and language understanding.

Recommended for

  • Students researching word meanings or preparing for exams.
  • Writers or content creators looking for accurate definitions and synonyms.
  • Individuals looking to learn new words and improve their vocabulary.
  • Teachers seeking educational resources for language lessons.
  • Anyone interested in language and its correct usage.

Dictionary.com videos

Dictionary.com - App Review - Speak The Words Your Want To Define

More videos:

  • Review - Thesaurus Rex by Dictionary.com Review
  • Review - Dictionary.com(Review Application for Learning English)
  • Review - Android APP Review - Dictionary.com
  • Review - Dictionary.com

Wordnik videos

The Linguistics of JavaScript - Erin McKean (Wordnik) keynote

More videos:

  • Review - Leveraging OpenAPI for Awesome APIs by Erin McKean, Founder of Wordnik
  • Review - Live Stream #13: Wordnik and NYTimes API in JavaScript with p5.js

Category Popularity

0-100% (relative to Dictionary.com and Wordnik)
Dictionary
84 84%
16% 16
Languages
100 100%
0% 0
Education & Reference
0 0%
100% 100
Online Dictionary
83 83%
17% 17

User comments

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Social recommendations and mentions

Based on our record, Dictionary.com seems to be a lot more popular than Wordnik. While we know about 877 links to Dictionary.com, we've tracked only 3 mentions of Wordnik. We are tracking product recommendations and mentions on various public social media platforms and blogs. They can help you identify which product is more popular and what people think of it.

Dictionary.com mentions (877)

  • What's Going on with 'Nonplussed'?
    American Heritage is much better. They respond to usage, but much more conservatively. And their entries will actually have brief explanations from their "usage panel" about ambiguous or changing meanings. https://dictionary.com. - Source: Hacker News / about 2 years ago
  • Sam Harris #1 quote about Free Will
    I don't know what to say. The act of making a choice is just to "select from two or more possibilities," as dictionary.com puts it. We do that. Cats and dogs and birds do that. Single cell amoebas do that. Trees can even be said to do that. And certainly computers do that. Even the problem Sam Harris is stating above is in the form of an if-then statement, the fundamental conditional statement upon which... Source: over 2 years ago
  • Was beast mode weaker then robot mode?
    Yeah, here's what dictionary.com says about the phrase's origins:. Source: over 2 years ago
  • Hanging vines
    My wife set up a bunch of her mature vines hanging down from our entrance staircase (both sides). On the left is about a five year old String of Hearts, then Monstera (only a couple of years old), then Pothos (about five years old). The String of Hearts is about 10 feet long, but seems to still get nutrients and moisture to the end. The pothoses (strangely, that is what dictionary.com says is the plural of... Source: over 2 years ago
  • what's the meaning of imminent
    This word is very interesting. I came across it in a comic. Oxford Advanced Learner's Dictionary's definition seems like a synonym of immediate, but dictionary.com's definition seems more suitable for the comic. Source: almost 3 years ago
View more

Wordnik mentions (3)

  • Sub for complaining about words that should exist but don't?
    *Defined/recognised by a more reliable source than wordnik.com. Source: over 3 years ago
  • Why are so many Greek restaurants in the US named The Mad Greek?
    "The Latin temperament is โ€œHot,โ€ wide eyed and accentuated with drama, which makes pouring a cup of coffee feel like a grand finale" - This is the current example sentence for the use of the word temperament at wordnik.com RIGHT NOW - https://www.wordnik.com/words/temperament. Source: almost 4 years ago
  • blithely. I love it. What do you think?
    I've found some words on wordnik.com that weren't in my regular dictionary, so I'm using it if they aren't in there, but I really use TheFreeDictionary.com for everyday use. It has a pretty good thesaurus plus legal and medical stuff too. Source: almost 4 years ago

What are some alternatives?

When comparing Dictionary.com and Wordnik, you can also consider the following products

GoldenDict - The program has the following features: Use of WebKit for an accurate articles' representation, complete with all formatting, colors, images and links.

Glosbe - Huge collaborative massively multilingual dictionary.

Google Translate - Google's free service instantly translates words, phrases, and web pages between English and over 100 other languages.

VerbAce - VerbAce-Pro is an easy-to-use Desktop Translation Software. Translate in a mouse click

Wiktionary - Open Source wiki-dictionary by the Wikimedia foundation

Visuwords - The fun and free way to look up definitions. THE graphical dictionary and visual thesaurus.