# Chambers Dictionary — user reviews > 113 indexed App Store user reviews of Chambers Dictionary by Antony Lewis, rated 4.80/5 from 13 ratings. - Source: https://appshunter.io/ios/app/chambers-dictionary/id314269183/reviews - App overview in markdown: https://appshunter.io/ios/app/chambers-dictionary/id314269183.md - Rating breakdown: 5★ 10 · 4★ 3 · 3★ 0 · 2★ 0 · 1★ 0 ## Newest reviews (18 of 113) ### 4/5 — Excellent reference, one item… *2026-07-11, version 8.4* The ability to access the dictionary and thesaurus through the share menu in various apps would be a tremendous help. ### 3/5 — Fine app, terrible UI *2026-06-09, version 8.2* It hurts my soul how badly messed up the UI is in this app. The latest refresh, picking up iOS 26 controls a mere 11 months after it was released, has managed to make the UI even worse. ### 3/5 — Now disappointing *2026-06-07, version 8.2* This was absolutely great until a recent update which means it it looks worse and annoyingly needs more taps to use. Was simple and easy, you would think it would be hard to mess that up. ### 3/5 — Words not defined *2026-01-05, version 5.8* I have been using the Dictionary and thesaurus for some months. Today I typed in ‘carnal’ and no results found. Also the list of definitions for words is limited and not as comprehensive as I expected. Very disappointing to use for crosswords when it’s the recommended resource. ### 4/5 — Perfect except for one thing *2023-11-29, version 5.6* Great app! but why cant i paste??? ### 5/5 — For Chambers lovers… *2023-01-01, version 5.1* As a lover of the Chambers physical dictionary, which I particularly rely on for crosswords, I held off from buying this for a long time, confused by the strange mixture of reviews, and the price. But I am so glad I bought this. Seems to have everything the physical Chambers has, and in many ways is easier to use; the multiple meanings are laid out more clearly than in the book! And the price is cheaper than the physical book was, so I’m delighted that I finally took the chance! The only thing I have so far found missing compared with the book are some of the odd sections at the end, like “Some first names”. ### 3/5 — Where is random word feature? *2022-08-29, version 4.3* Love chambers dictionary and its crisp definitions. But where is the random work feature for the app? Or even word of the day feature? ### 3/5 — A fine dictionary with sub-par UX *2022-08-02, version 4.3* I’ve used this app and its Thesaurus companion for many years. They’re worth the price. But the truth is, the interface is dated. Useful features go un-signposted. Settings are buried in opaque menus and behind unclear icons. In short, it’s old-fashioned and idiosyncratic. Seems like a one-person project where nobody has challenged a single one of the many arbitrary design decisions. It’s a testament to the quality of the dictionary that I still consider this an essential purchase. ### 5/5 — MY FAITHFUL CHAMBERS *2022-07-06, version 4.3* As a prolific writer of lengthy “letters to the editor”, I am often dipping into both Chambers Dictionary & Thesaurus to add more literary variety - “colour” - to my pieces. Occasionally I will refer to the Oxford Dictionary, but Chambers has been my favourite word reference source for many years now. I also like the access both the apps give (I bought the apps separately a few years ago) to the handy free WordWeb app - which also offers an international audio pronunciation facility. However, when looking up a word in the dictionary, it would be nice to see the identifying heading “Dictionary” (or its abbreviation) at the top of each page - likewise with the pages of the thesaurus. When flipping back and forth, via either app, it is not always immediately obvious as to whether one is reading from the dictionary or the thesaurus - especially when researching at speed. Identifying headings would also look good. UPDATE: Still enjoying the Chambers dictionary and thesaurus apps, but I notice that one definition in the dictionary needs to be modified slightly. “Armageddon” is defined a little vaguely as: “The great symbolical battlefield of the Apocalypse, scene of the final struggle between the powers of good and evil (Bible).” To be totally, and biblically, accurate, “Armageddon” is in fact: the symbolic global battlefield where the real, and catastrophic, final war between, specifically, human governments and God will take place (“The war of the great day of God the Almighty” - Revelation 16:14). This discriminate end of worldly governments and the wicked is prophesied in the Bible many times (eg Daniel 2: 44). I hope this is corrected in an otherwise excellent dictionary. ### 5/5 — This *2022-07-04, version 4.3* It’s pretty confusing that such an elegant masterpiece has not been well-known in decades. As an ESL learner, it took me a while to find a concisely defined dictionary using relatively simple vocabulary. The vast majority of famous contemporary dictionaries tend to become wordy in terms of definitions. But the Chambers has rid me of that kind of annoyance. Three years ago, I purchased the same app on the google play store. And now I'm more than happy to invest in it again. ### 3/5 — Censored content *2021-07-15, version 4.1* The dictionary seems to be censoring rude words like “b*st*rd” and there is no obvious way to disable this. Can you please fix this? ### 5/5 — Excellent, comprehensive - best dictionary available *2020-11-22, version 4.1* I have use paper versions of Chambers dictionaries for 60 years and they improve with every edition. This iPad version is superb; comprehensive and easy to use. Contains many words not in the OED which makes it indispensable when doing crosswords with its anagram and missing letters functions alongside the word definitions. Also useful for Scrabble players. As a registered owner of the hard-back paper version, a separate subscription to this App was waived. Highly recommended. ### 5/5 — Superb *2020-11-14, version 4.1* I’ve had this dictionary (and the thesaurus) since the app first appeared, and I use it all the time. I’m posting this review now because I realise I’ve never thanked the developers for this product I take so much for granted - thank you. Other apps come and go but this is one of the fixtures on my iPhone and iPad. Shame it won’t do for Scrabble, but as a (very occasional!) crossword helper it’s excellent. Long may it continue. ### 4/5 — Nice app. Annoying new name *2020-11-12, version 4.1* The app works fine. Unfortunately, it now seems to have been renamed ‘Chambers’ instead of ‘[Chambers] Dictionary’, which means you can’t find and launch it by searching for the word ‘dictionary’ in the iOS search tool. You have to search for the word ‘Chambers’ instead, which makes no sense at all. ### 5/5 — Best English Language Dictionary Ever *2020-09-21, version 4.1* Clear, concise, and occasionally hilarious, the Chambers is the best English dictionary in existence. I’ve bought it in several forms over the years and this app does it justice. ### 4/5 — OS 14 *2020-09-20, version 3.85* OS 14 appears to have broken this app and the Thesaurus. Any advice? ### 4/5 — Where are “settings” on iPhone - offensive words blocked *2020-06-05, version 3.85* It’s a great app which I use all the time on my iPhone and iPad. Where are the settings on the iPhone though?? It’s blocking certain “adult” words so there must be a child lock somewhere which I can’t disable. Thanks ### 4/5 — Alright for a basic dictionary *2020-04-16, version 3.85* You seem to be missing HAWK sense 2, in the app. It goes from sense one, the bird, to sense 3, to bring up phlegm. Sense 2, to peddle or tout, is missing. Couldn’t find any other way of letting you know. ## Most critical reviews (10 lowest-rated) ### 1/5 — App not working *2019-11-13, version 3.85* I have a purchased Chambers Dictionary and Thesaurus apps that have stopped working. When I go to App Store it displays that I have purchased the apps. This has been for several weeks now. Not acceptable! ### 1/5 — International English is not US English! *2018-02-15, version 3.61* Extremely disappointed with this - it’s the awful and hideous US English. Words that end in ‘ise’ such as recognise, organise, etc., are listed ONLY in the US equivalent. The Thesaurus, which I also purchased, suggests American spellings as well. For example, the Thesaurus entry for ‘distinguish’ suggests words such as ‘particularize’ and ‘characterize’. There is no option to switch off ‘US English’ for the excellent British English. I don’t know why they say International English in the description, which is misleading... International English is British English and not the disgusting ‘US English’. Anyway, I asked iTunes for a refund which they’ve given me. ### 1/5 — hasbeen *2017-01-10, version 3.3* This dictionary with all the wonders of technology suffers from the classic dictionary complaint! "how can i find the word, if i don't know how to spell it" I use the net because a search engine offers some alternative suggestions to what you are trying to enter in the search. ### 1/5 — Beware!!! *2014-12-23, version 3.1* I've always been an aficionado of the bookshelf version of the Chambers Dictionary and have probably, in my time, owned seven or eight successive editions. So, hearted by experience, I ordered the iPad version of the Dictionary and Thesaurus bundle and paid the full £6.99. But when I came to try and activate the thesaurus I discovered I had to pay another £6.99 for the privilege. Oh, and the promised anagram facility just isn't there. What a pity this long trusted publisher has such a grasping, untrustworthy IT division. ### 1/5 — What's Wrong With An Attractive and Informative Icon? *2013-10-17, version 2.4* I may be petty, but I'm going to pan every app that follows John Ive's knuckledragging example and "flattens" their icon. This is not my all time favorite dictionary (and I use several regularly) but it's very close to the top of my list. ### 1/5 — Should have been satisfied with Oxford *2011-09-01, version 1.9* Dictionary for Kindergartners. Refund please. ### 1/5 — Why only one star? *2011-07-12, version 1.9* In most respects this is a first rate dictionary app - easy to use, clear, functional etc. I wish I could give it 5 stars. So why only one? The reason is because it fails in the most basic requirement of a dictionary - giving accurate meanings for words. A couple of examples of errors: "synonymous" the correct meanings are given, BUT it then says "closely associated". This is wrong. Or how about "prodigal"? Again, correct meanings are given, but it then says "A wanderer returned"!!! Whaaaat? This is rubbish!!! I can understand the need for languages to evolve, but encouraging the sort of poor English that sloppy journalists use is unforgivable in a dictionary. I have a gloomy feeling that I'd find the same "aawww, whatevs" attitude in the printed version. I'm going to have to hang on to my Chambers 20th Century for as long as possible. ### 1/5 — Perhaps only good for crossword lovers *2010-07-12, version 0* Very simple short explanations; No sample sentences. I have never tried the paper version of this dictionary before. ### 2/5 — Used to be really good… *2026-06-23, version 8.4* But their new version is clunky and the layout makes definitions harder to read. I’ll be using an alternative app from now on. Dylan ### 2/5 — Return colour format to white not grey *2026-06-06, version 8.2* Please put return the look to a white not grey format, hate the update ## Most praised reviews (10 highest-rated) ### 5/5 — First rate *2026-06-14, version 8.3* The best for crosswords and word puzzles. ### 5/5 — Excellent app for puzzlers *2026-06-10, version 8.3* My long-time go-to app for crosswords and other word puzzles. Life is too short to spend ages on unscrambling anagrams so let this app do the work. And a very extensive vocabulary of obscure words to back up the excellent search options. Worth every penny! ### 5/5 — No “cataphatic” *2026-03-10, version 5.8* Great app! Thank you, especially for the etymology. However (there’s always a ‘but’), I couldn’t find the word ‘cataphatic’ which I had only just come across. No big deal but it would be nice to have it included in an update. And yes, it IS a word. 😁 ### 5/5 — Issue with sharing *2025-02-27, version 5.7* I chose to share an entry via the messages app. I used the “Copy to clipboard” sharing feature. The resulting text was unusable, full of character encoding defects. ### 5/5 — Simply the Best *2025-01-19, version 5.7* I’ve been using this for years. It’s fantastic. ### 5/5 — As it should be *2024-11-25, version 5.7* A dictionary should be Accurate Complete - with all definitions and relevant info Refined - concise in language This dictionary app contains most features you would expect: Going to previous word Dark mode Advanced word searching Etymology / derivation / origin And a few unexpected features. But does not have: audio pronunciation example sentences Free version - which is why there are so few users ### 5/5 — Brilliant *2024-07-26, version 5.7* I’ve used this app for years, along with the thesaurus and love it. Simple and easy to use. As well as working fully offline. I use it most days. Thanks! ### 5/5 — Good User Interface *2024-06-15, version 5.7* It’s nice when something works well, even down to small details - I like how when re-activating the app by unlocking the phone, it goes back (from a previous look-up) to an empty search box so you can immediately type in a word. This only seems to happen on the iPhone app though, not on the iPad app… ### 5/5 — Staple *2024-02-25, version 5.7* I’ve had this for years and rely on it. Thanks🙏🏻 ### 5/5 — Great app *2023-12-28, version 5.6* Used this for years and still useful to this day. My go to whenever I’m doing crosswords --- *Data collected daily from the US App Store and indexed by [AppsHunter](https://appshunter.io/). User reviews are verbatim App Store reviews. Ratings, prices and chart positions refresh continuously; this snapshot is from 2026-09-01.*