Best Free Dictionary & Thesaurus - Programs & Websites
Digital Resources for Writers and Word Enthusiasts
For those engaged in writing, or simply with a passion for language, dictionaries, thesauruses, and related reference materials can prove invaluable. Whether you are a professional author or enjoy word puzzles, a variety of tools are available to enhance your linguistic capabilities.
Traditional, printed dictionaries are increasingly being supplemented – and often surpassed – by dynamic digital resources. The internet offers access to significantly more current information than static books, eliminating the need for frequent and costly purchases of updated reference volumes.
Exploring Free Online and Offline Tools
Numerous programs and websites offer comprehensive reference tools at no cost. These resources can be instrumental in expanding vocabulary, discovering alternative phrasing, and even excelling at word-based games.
These digital tools facilitate more than just simple word definitions. They provide a pathway to a deeper understanding of language nuances and evolving usage.
Benefits of Utilizing Digital References
- Up-to-date Information: Online resources are continuously updated, reflecting current language trends.
- Accessibility: These tools are readily available on various devices, offering convenience and portability.
- Cost-Effectiveness: Many excellent resources are available completely free of charge.
- Enhanced Vocabulary: Exposure to synonyms and related terms broadens linguistic skills.
Whether you need to verify spelling, explore alternative word choices, or simply satisfy your curiosity about the English language, these digital tools represent a powerful and accessible resource.
Offline Desktop Software
A selection of software programs detailed below are designed for offline use, requiring you to download and install them directly onto your computer. Be aware that some of these downloads may be substantial in size, as they incorporate complete dictionaries for functionality without an internet connection.
Ultimate Dictionary
Ultimate Dictionary is a cost-free dictionary application for Windows, noted for its straightforward installation and operation. It boasts a comprehensive collection of approximately 61 dictionaries, encompassing dictionaries, thesauruses, and glossaries, with support for English, Spanish, French, and Polish languages.
Upon entering a term into the search field, Ultimate Dictionary simultaneously searches all contained dictionaries. Meanings are then displayed in the right-hand pane for each dictionary where the word is found. As you type, the program offers hints and suggestions for matching words. Navigation between different information sources – such as translations, encyclopedia entries, and glossaries – is simplified by clicking the 'Jump to Dictionary' button and selecting a desired reference from the list on the left.
WordWeb
WordWeb is a complimentary dictionary program available for Windows, providing both dictionary and thesaurus functionalities. Each entry includes synonyms, and where applicable, antonyms (words with opposite meanings), meronyms (parts of a whole), and hypernyms (more general terms). For instance, “car” and “airplane” serve as hypernyms for specific models like a Toyota Camry or Boeing 747.
A keyboard shortcut, defaulting to Ctrl + Right Click (customizable in Preferences), enables quick word lookups from anywhere on your computer. WordWeb also integrates with online resources like Wikipedia, Wiktionary, and WordWeb Online, granting access to web-based definitions. A search history is maintained, results can be copied, and clicking any word within WordWeb displays its definition.
While free to use, WordWeb operates under a unique licensing policy. Continued use may require purchasing WordWeb Pro, which offers 5000 additional definitions and expanded features.
TheSage English Dictionary and Thesaurus
TheSage is a free, offline dictionary and thesaurus featuring a substantial dictionary of over 210,000 definitions, alongside a comprehensive thesaurus with more than 1,400,000 relationships between definitions. These relationships include synonyms, antonyms, hyponyms, hypernyms, meronyms, and holonyms.
TheSage utilizes a tabbed interface, allowing simultaneous lookups of multiple words. Wildcard searches and a history of searched terms are also supported. The program integrates with Windows context menus, providing quick access to definitions from various applications.
Additional features include access to online references like Wikipedia and Google for definitions and translations, an anagram search, real-time searching, system tray integration, and the ability to run TheSage directly from a USB drive.
LingoPad
LingoPad is a free, offline dictionary for Windows, primarily focused on German-English translation, but supports additional dictionaries available for download. Users can import custom dictionaries, define their own entries, and create editable word lists.
The search function allows for partial word searches (beginning, ending, or middle), collocation searches, and displays a history of recent searches. A hotkey enables lookups of tagged words or content from the clipboard, with direct links to Wikipedia and various search engines.
Please note that LingoPad is currently only available for Windows, and future development will prioritize a cross-platform version compatible with Windows, Linux, and Mac OS X.
Artha Dictionary
Artha is a free, cross-platform (Windows and Linux) offline English Thesaurus built upon WordNet, a large lexical database of English developed at Princeton University. For each searched word, Artha displays related terms including Synonyms, Antonyms, Derivatives, Pertainyms, Attributes, Similar Terms, Domain Terms, Entails, Causes, Hypernyms, Hyponyms, Holonyms, and Meronyms.
Artha initiates searching as you type, presenting a list of potential matches. It also offers near-match suggestions for misspelled words. The program resides in the system tray upon launch, enabling word lookups from any open window via a pre-set hotkey, with options for passive notifications or balloon tips.
Artha maintains a search history with 'Previous' and 'Next' buttons for easy browsing.
Aard Dictionary
Aard Dictionary is a free, offline dictionary and thesaurus program that facilitates looking up definitions for challenging words using multiple dictionaries in various languages. Its database can be expanded with over 50 different dictionaries. Features include on-the-fly searching and filtering, a history of recent searches, zoom functionality, and rapid word lookups.
When words are found on Wikipedia, Aard Dictionary displays the full article and allows saving it as an HTML document. Numerous keyboard shortcuts are available for users who prefer keyboard navigation.
GoldenDict
GoldenDict is a free, feature-rich offline dictionary program compatible with Windows and Linux. It supports multiple dictionary formats, including Babylon, StarDict, and WordNet. It also allows looking up words on Wikipedia, Wiktionary, and other MediaWiki-based websites, and supports pronunciation guides from forvo.com.
Words selected in other applications or from the clipboard can be looked up using customizable hotkeys.
Lingoes
Lingoes is a free, user-friendly dictionary and text translation program offering lookup dictionaries, full text translation, and pronunciation in over 80 languages. Text selection in other programs, combined with a key combination, allows Lingoes to display results for the selected text.
Lingoes provides downloadable free dictionaries, thesauruses, and encyclopedias, with customizable configurations. In addition to offline resources, it supports online dictionary services and encyclopedias like Wikipedia. Tools such as a currency converter, international dialing codes, and time zone converters are also included, with options for downloading additional resources and games.
Mobysaurus Thesaurus
Mobysaurus Thesaurus is a free, offline English thesaurus containing 30,260 roots and over 2.5 million synonyms. It provides suggestions as you type, stores your search history, and allows bookmarking favorite words and phrases. Wildcard searches and online result access are also supported.
While freeware, Mobysaurus Thesaurus requires registration for a license key, which is free and valid for six months, renewable through their forum. After one year, a permanent license key can be obtained.
Mobysaurus Thesaurus requires .NET Framework 2.0 or later to function.
CleverKeys
CleverKeys is a free tool that provides access to definitions from Dictionary.com, synonyms from Thesaurus.com, facts from Reference.com, and more, directly from most Windows and Mac OS X programs, including word processors, web browsers, and email clients.
Features include the ability to add custom URLs, highly configurable hotkeys, and the option to open results in a new window. CleverKeys is compatible with popular web browsers like Firefox, Chrome, and Internet Explorer.
Online Dictionaries and Reference Resources
Numerous websites offer valuable online dictionaries and reference materials. These resources provide access to word definitions, synonyms, and a wealth of linguistic information.
Dictionary.com
Dictionary.com serves as a freely accessible, online dictionary integrated within the Reference.com network, alongside Thesaurus.com. It’s recognized as a dependable source for understanding word meanings and proper usage.
Boasting approximately 50 million monthly users globally, it stands as the largest and most authoritative free online dictionary and mobile reference tool.
The platform extends its usability to various mobile operating systems, including Android, iOS (iPhone and iPad), BlackBerry, Windows Phone, Nook, and Kindle Fire.
TheFreeDictionary.com
The Free Dictionary is a globally recognized, comprehensive, and free online dictionary. It offers dictionaries in multiple languages, alongside specialized dictionaries focusing on Medical, Legal, and Financial terminology.
Beyond basic definitions, it incorporates a Thesaurus, lists of Acronyms and Abbreviations, Idioms, an Encyclopedia, a Literature Reference Library, and a robust search engine.
Users can personalize The Free Dictionary as their homepage, customizing the layout by adding, removing, and rearranging content windows.
Integration with desktop applications is possible via a free Windows Desktop Assistant. Highlighting a word and pressing Alt + left click reveals its definition.
Browser add-ons for Firefox, Chrome, Internet Explorer, and Safari facilitate quick access to The Free Dictionary from virtually any webpage.
Wiktionary
Wiktionary is a collaborative, multilingual dictionary functioning as the lexical counterpart to Wikipedia. It includes a thesaurus, rhyme guide, phrase books, language statistics, and detailed appendices.
Definitions are often enriched with supplementary information, such as etymologies, pronunciations, illustrative quotations, synonyms, antonyms, and translations.
As a wiki, Wiktionary is editable by users. However, prospective contributors are advised to review the Help pages, as it operates under unique guidelines and maintains stringent criteria.
Merriam-Webster Online Dictionary
The Merriam-Webster Online Dictionary provides free access to a dictionary based on the print edition of Merriam-Webster's Collegiate® Dictionary, Eleventh Edition.
The online resource encompasses the A-Z listing of the Collegiate Dictionary, as well as sections dedicated to Abbreviations, Foreign Words and Phrases, Biographical Names, and Geographical Names.
Oxford Dictionaries Online
Oxford Dictionaries Online is a free website offering a comprehensive and current English dictionary. It also provides resources to improve writing skills, puzzles, games, and a language blog.
Bilingual dictionaries for French, German, Italian, and Spanish are also available.
A premium subscription, Oxford Dictionaries Pro (£42 annually), unlocks access to over 350,000 definitions, 600,000 synonyms and antonyms, and more than 1.9 million usage examples. This includes audio pronunciations, advanced search features, and specialized resources for writers and editors.
Collins Dictionary
The official online Collins Dictionary contains over 1 million entries, offering free access to definitions, translations, and usage examples.
The site also features word games, including crossword and cryptic crossword puzzles, a Scrabble Checker, and tips for improving crossword and Scrabble skills.
A widget is available to embed the Collins English Dictionary, French Dictionary, Spanish Dictionary, German Dictionary, or Italian Dictionary on websites or blogs.
Word-Net Online
Word-Net Online is a free English dictionary and thesaurus providing definitions, synonyms, antonyms, hypernyms, hyponyms, meronyms, holonyms, derived forms, and sample sentences.
A downloadable program for Windows desktops allows direct searching of WordNet-Online from your computer.
OneLook
OneLook functions as a search engine for words and phrases, directing users to online dictionaries that define or translate the searched term. It indexes over five million words across more than 1000 online dictionaries.
The platform supports searches with partial words using wildcards (* and ?), similar to a crossword puzzle dictionary.
Translation searches can also be performed, displaying a list of dictionary websites offering translations into other languages.
OneLook offers customization options to suit individual preferences.
A unique “Reverse Dictionary” feature allows users to describe a concept and receive a list of related words and phrases. Short, concise descriptions yield the most accurate results.
Urban Dictionary
Urban Dictionary is a web-based dictionary of slang terms and phrases. Definitions are submitted and rated by users (“thumbs up” or “down”) and moderated by volunteer editors.
As of September 6, 2012, it contained 6,743,306 definitions.
Users can submit definitions with a valid email address, which are then reviewed and approved by editors before becoming part of the dictionary.
Definitions focus on slang, cultural terms, and phrases not typically found in standard dictionaries. Multiple definitions and usage examples are common.
MetaGlossary.com
MetaGlossary is a comprehensive and highly organized dictionary and glossary. It’s a constantly updated repository of information, extracting definitions from across the web.
The platform precisely identifies the meanings of terms and phrases, providing concise and direct explanations. These meanings are also categorized by topic and usage.
Specialized Dictionary Resources: Programs and Websites
During our evaluation of both offline and online dictionaries, thesauruses, and related reference materials, several programs and websites designed for specific purposes also came to our attention.
These include resources focused on computer terminology, crossword puzzle assistance, and tools tailored for games like Scrabble and word searches.
Smadi Computer Dictionary
The Smadi Computer Dictionary serves as a concise reference tool, featuring a straightforward interface.
It provides definitions for over 86,000 acronyms and terms related to computers and technology.
Crossinary
Crossinary is a Windows application designed to aid in the creation and solving of crossword puzzles and other word-based challenges.
Its database contains more than a quarter of a million English words, including proper nouns, enabling rapid searches based on patterns like 'g-something-something-k'.
Free Scrabble Dictionary
The Free Scrabble Dictionary is a complimentary resource for Scrabble players seeking definitions and potential words to utilize during gameplay.
It boasts a collection of tens of thousands of words and over half a million definitions.
This tool is also applicable to other word games, such as Words with Friends, Scramble with Friends, and Hanging with Friends.
Additional resources like the Hasbro Scrabble Dictionary and Word Builder, alongside the Word Finder website, can further enhance your experience with word games like Scrabble®, Lexulous, Wordscraper, Scrabulous, Anagrammer, Literati, Text Twist, Jumble Words, and Words with Friends.
We welcome contributions from our readers.
If you have discovered any valuable dictionaries, thesauruses, reference resources, or word game tools not already included in this compilation, please share your findings with us.