Comparison

Chambers Thesaurus vs Dictionary.

Price, ratings, monetisation and update history for both apps, side by side — with what reviewers say about each.

Head to head
About

Chambers Thesaurus

This offline English thesaurus offers a vast collection of synonyms and antonyms for writers and language enthusiasts. It features intelligent word entry with spelling suggestions and advanced search capabilities, all accessible without an internet connection.

Highlights
  • Nearly 40,000 indexed words
  • 400,000 synonyms and antonyms
  • Intelligent spelling suggestions
  • Sounds-like and confused word suggestions
  • Fast pattern-matching search
  • Cross-reference to dictionaries
  • Offline access
Features
Read full description

The Chambers Thesaurus is the perfect reference for writers and word game enthusiasts, while all lovers of language will find it a pleasure to browse through. There are nearly 40 000 distinct indexed words, and a total of about 400 000 synonyms and antonyms. The intelligent word entry suggests possible correct spellings as you type, as well as listing words that sound the same or are often confused. Search features include: - Alphabetical listing - Spelling suggestions - Sounds-like and often-confused - Fast pattern-matching search - Cross-reference to offline and online dictionaries There are also standard bookmark, recent word and random word features. On newer iPads it supports Split View and Slide Over for easily viewing with other apps. With iOS 13+ it supports dark mode. No Internet connection is required. The Chambers Dictionary is also available as a separate app, and can easily be cross-referenced using the X-Ref button. Our WordWeb, Chambers and Oxford dictionaries are also available separately for Windows and Mac desktop (Collins coming soon).

About

Dictionary.

Access a comprehensive dictionary, thesaurus, and translation tool with millions of definitions and synonyms. Explore specialty dictionaries, learn new words daily, and play word games. This app offers offline access and integrates seamlessly with other applications.

Highlights
  • Offline dictionary and thesaurus
  • Millions of definitions and synonyms
  • Word of the Day and Idiom of the Day
  • Specialty dictionaries (medical, legal, etc.)
  • Translations into 40+ languages
  • Word games (Spelling Bee, Hangman)
  • In-app word lookup via sharing
Features
Read full description

The only Dictionary and Thesaurus with every word you search for. Plus Word of the Day, free offline dictionary access, and millions of definitions and synonyms from top sources, including: Webster's Dictionary Roget's Thesaurus The American Heritage Dictionary Plus FREE access to: English Offline Dictionary English Offline Thesaurus with synonyms and more Medical Dictionary English Idioms and Slang Dictionary Translations of English into 40+ languages Dozens of other translation options + Much more! The Free Dictionary is like getting 100+ apps in one easy-to-use interface. Rated #1 app in the App Store in the free reference category in 114 countries 2011–2019. (Source: https://www.appannie.com/apps/ios/app/379450383/app-ranking/#device=ipad&type=best-ranks) Here's what you can do with The Free Dictionary app: * Find every word you search for. Clear, accurate definitions from top dictionaries—online and offline. * Find synonyms fast. Free Thesaurus with simple interface makes it easy to find the perfect word. Browse synonyms, antonyms, and related words. * Learn something new every day. Word of the Day Idiom of the Day + Other daily content * Build your vocabulary. Don't just look up words—learn how to use them! Featuring: Audio pronunciations Example sentences Etymologies + More! The perfect dictionary app for word lovers and learners of all levels. * Explore topics in-depth. Multiple specialty dictionaries and encyclopedias: Medical dictionary Legal dictionary Science dictionary Financial dictionary Idioms and Slang dictionary Acronyms and Abbreviations + More! * Play word games. Spelling Bee, Hangman, and more. * See idioms in action. Watch idioms videos inside the app! Featuring animations of words and phrases from the idioms and slang dictionary. * Access dictionaries in 13 other languages. Spanish dictionary and thesaurus French dictionary and thesaurus German dictionary and thesaurus + Italian, Portuguese, Russian, Chinese, and more! * Translate English into Spanish, French, and 40+ languages. Or translate other languages into English. Access dozens of other translation options. * Access dictionaries and encyclopedias from these top publishers with just one search: McGraw-Hill Houghton Mifflin HarperCollins Random House Cambridge University Press + More! Here's why The Free Dictionary is the most user-friendly dictionary app: * Instantly look up words in apps or webpages! Just highlight the word you want to look up, tap "Share," then tap "More" in the bottom menu and turn on the "Define" option. You will then see a "Define" icon in the menu. Tap it to see the definition of the highlighted word! * Voice search. Look up a word just by saying it. * Advanced Search options. * Look up the definition of any word on the page. Just highlight and tap "Definition." * Save bookmarks with one tap and sync them to all your devices. * Customize your homepage: Move, add, or remove articles, games, even local weather. * Jump to Definition, Thesaurus, or Translations with one button. * Navigate the app in more than a dozen languages with the multilingual interface. * Adjust font size. * Share your favorite words via social networks, email, or text. EXCLUSIVE * Earn meals for hungry children through The Free Dictionary's partnership with the World Food Program—just by using the app! This is not a trial version—you get everything free and forever. Additional offline dictionaries in other languages are available in the Pro version. Seem too good to be true? The Free Dictionary app has been downloaded tens of millions times across multiple platforms, with top ratings after hundreds of thousands of reviews. Read reviews from real users to see why they say The Free Dictionary is the best dictionary app they've ever used. * For app developers: The Free Dictionary app can be accessed by other apps with API calls (Contact Farlex for instructions).

Screenshots

Chambers Thesaurus4 screens
Dictionary.4 screens

Verdict

The call

The clearest difference is price: Dictionary. at Free against Chambers Thesaurus's $4.99. Dictionary. also leads on ratings volume (15K vs 11) and update cadence (every 3 months vs every 8 months). Chambers Thesaurus's advantage is in-app purchases (none vs 1) and ads (none vs shown). On rating and device support there is nothing between them.

Scored on Price · Rating · Positive reviews · Number of ratings · Update frequency · Ads · In-app purchases · Monetization · Best chart rank · Devices · Requires iOS

CostPrice · In-app purchases · Ads · Monetization

Dictionary. is free to download; Chambers Thesaurus costs $4.99 up front. Dictionary. sells 1 one-off in-app purchase. Chambers Thesaurus asks for nothing beyond the download.

ReceptionRating · Positive reviews · Number of ratings

On the App Store both sit at effectively the same score — 4.9 for Chambers Thesaurus against 4.8 for Dictionary.. That said, the two scores are not equally well evidenced: Dictionary. has 15K ratings behind it against 11, so its average is the more settled of the two. Written reviews are what separate them: 77% of Chambers Thesaurus's written reviews are positive against 91% of Dictionary.'s.

UpkeepUpdate frequency

Chambers Thesaurus ships an update every 8 months, Dictionary. every 3 months. The most recent releases landed on September 26, 2026 and September 27, 2026 respectively.

Scorecard8 real differences · 2 level
Chambers Thesaurus versus Dictionary.: the parameters behind the verdict, then further details
ParameterChambers ThesaurusDictionary.
Price$4.99Free — better
Rating4.9 (11 ratings) — better4.8 (15K ratings)
Positive reviews76.7% of reviews90.7% of reviews — better
Number of ratings1115K — better
Update frequencyEvery 8 monthsEvery 3 months — better
AdsNo — betterYes
In-app purchasesNo — betterYes
MonetizationPaidFree with in-app purchases — better
DevicesiPhone, iPad, iPodiPhone, iPad, iPod
Requires iOS15.513.0 — better
Further details — not scored
Size18 MB25 MB
Age rating4+4+
DeveloperAntony LewisFarlex, Inc.

Customer experience

Chambers Thesaurus

All ratings11 ratings
Positive100.0%
Neutral0.0%
Negative0.0%
Written reviews86 reviews
Positive76.7%
Neutral4.7%
Negative18.6%

Dictionary.

All ratings14,555 ratings
Positive95.2%
Neutral2.2%
Negative2.7%
Written reviews2,164 reviews
Positive90.7%
Neutral2.7%
Negative6.6%

User reviews

Chambers Thesaurus

From 11 App Store ratings

What we love

  • 👍 Excellent tool overall
  • 📚 Comprehensive vocabulary
  • ✍️ Great for writers
  • crossword Perfect for crosswords
  • 💰 Good value for money

Room to improve

  • ❓ Incomplete vocabulary (missing common words)
  • 🔗 Faulty linking between words
  • 🐛 App crashes after updates
  • 💻 Not working on newer OS versions
  • 🖱️ Faulty interface (search field not immediate)

Dictionary.

From 15K App Store ratings

What we love

  • 🚀 Comprehensive and detailed definitions
  • 👍 Helpful thesaurus and translation features
  • 🎮 Fun word games and activities
  • 📚 Vast amount of information beyond just definitions
  • 🔍 Easy to use and navigate

Room to improve

  • 🔍 Cluttered interface with too many ads
  • 🐛 Occasional crashes and bugs
  • 🔍 Difficulty finding specific settings or features
  • 🔋 Drains battery life quickly

Bugs and requests

Chambers Thesaurus

Reported bugs

6 issues
  • App crashes when opening after update
  • App no longer works on older OS versions
  • Search field not immediately available
  • Latest update prevents download on iPhone
  • Index broken, making it less useful
Show 1 more
  • Search only for headwords, not synonyms or sub-collections

Requested features

8 requests
  • Switch between purchased dictionaries/thesauruses in tabs
  • Sell other desktop dictionaries on mobile
  • Consistent spacing and text placement across tabs
  • Use MacOS built-in support for graphics card acceleration
  • Display identifying headings ('Thesaurus'/'Dictionary')
Show 3 more
  • Allow changing background and text color for dyslexia
  • Update to the 3rd edition thesaurus
  • Visibly differentiate words with links

Dictionary.

Reported bugs

3 issues
  • Frequent login issues and lost user data
  • Inconsistent performance across devices
  • Incorrect or missing definitions for some words

Requested features

4 requests
  • Ability to create and organize custom word lists
  • More advanced vocabulary-building tools
  • Improved audio pronunciation quality
  • Offline access to full dictionary content

In-app purchases

None

Chambers Thesaurus

No in-app purchases

1 purchases

Dictionary.

One-time1
  • Ad-free upgrade$5.99

Questions

Is Chambers Thesaurus free?
Chambers Thesaurus costs $4.99, with no in-app purchases.
Is Dictionary. free?
Dictionary. is free to download, with in-app purchases available.
Which has better reviews, Chambers Thesaurus or Dictionary.?
Chambers Thesaurus is rated higher. Chambers Thesaurus averages 4.9 out of 5 from 11 ratings, while Dictionary. averages 4.8 from 15K ratings.
Do Chambers Thesaurus or Dictionary. have ads?
Dictionary. shows ads; Chambers Thesaurus does not.
Which is updated more often, Chambers Thesaurus or Dictionary.?
Chambers Thesaurus ships an update every 8 months, and Dictionary. every 3 months. Most recently, Chambers Thesaurus was updated on September 26, 2026 and Dictionary. on September 27, 2026.

Other comparisons