Comparison

WordBook (Universal) vs Dictionary.

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

Head to head
About

WordBook (Universal)

This comprehensive English dictionary and thesaurus offers extensive definitions, word origins, and pronunciation guides. It includes a built-in spell checker, bookmarking, and advanced search capabilities for word puzzles.

Highlights
  • Professionally recorded pronunciations
  • Word origin information (Etymologies)
  • Built-in spell checker
  • Bookmark and note management
  • Advanced word search and puzzle solver
  • 150,000+ entries with 220,000+ definitions
  • Words of the Day
Features
Currently charting
Read full description

FEATURES that make WordBook stand out from other dictionary apps: - Professionally recorded pronunciation for every single entry - Word origin information (Etymologies) - Built-in spell checker with pop-up spelling suggestions - User's bookmark and note management - Unmatched sounds-like and wild card search and a powerful word puzzle solver ==================================== WordBook is a comprehensive, quick and intuitive dictionary and thesaurus of the English language. It's a great combination of comprehensive contents and fast intuitive interface. FEATURES: * 150,000 entries with more than 220,000 definitions, 70,000 usage samples * 23,000 root word origins (etymologies) * 120,000 pronunciation guides in International Phonetic Alphabet (IPA) and other notations * Spoken pronunciations (for all entries) * Built-in thesaurus and word links connecting words semantically * Unmatched index, wildcard, anagram search capabilities * Bookmark (with user's notes) and history management * Words of the Day: you get to learn new words daily, shake the device for new random words * Browser-like definition content navigation, ability to tap on any word in the content to look up its definition * Extending up to 5 web dictionaries to supplement built-in contents * High resolution graphics for Retina display REVIEWS: * "Mobile dictionary and thesaurus at my fingertips. Lightning fast. The random words of the day are a terrific bonus" - Dane Cook, The Daily * “the best in the [inexpensive dictionary] category... This wealth of information is indispensable to the student, and even fun to use” - Jeff Phillips, Macworld * “One of 15 Best Apps for English Majors” - April Lentini, CollegeTimes.us * “None measure up to WordBook” Score: 10/10 - Michael Alexander, AppCraver.com * “WordBook leads the parade of free and low-cost dictionary options” - Ben Boychuk, MacWorld.com * “WordBook dictionary - the standard for reference apps” Rating: 5/5 - Steven Yaccino, appolicious.com NOTES: - WordBook does not required an internet connection except to view web dictionaries or to play online pronunciation voices. - WordBook includes entries of both American/British spellings. Definitions are written in American English.

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

WordBook (Universal)4 screens
Dictionary.4 screens

Verdict

The call

The clearest difference is price: Dictionary. at Free against WordBook (Universal)'s $2.99. Dictionary. also leads on ratings volume (15K vs 275). WordBook (Universal)'s advantage is in-app purchases (none vs 1) and ads (none vs shown). On rating, review sentiment, update cadence 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; WordBook (Universal) costs $2.99 up front. Dictionary. sells 1 one-off in-app purchase. WordBook (Universal) asks for nothing beyond the download.

ReceptionRating · Positive reviews · Number of ratings

On the App Store both sit at effectively the same score — 4.7 for WordBook (Universal) against 4.8 for Dictionary.. That said, the two scores are not equally well evidenced: Dictionary. has 15K ratings behind it against 275, so its average is the more settled of the two. Written reviews are what separate them: 88% of WordBook (Universal)'s written reviews are positive against 91% of Dictionary.'s.

UpkeepUpdate frequency

WordBook (Universal) ships an update every 4 months, Dictionary. every 3 months. The most recent releases landed on October 16, 2026 and October 19, 2026 respectively.

Scorecard7 real differences · 4 level
WordBook (Universal) versus Dictionary.: the parameters behind the verdict, then further details
ParameterWordBook (Universal)Dictionary.
Price$2.99Free — better
Rating4.7 (275 ratings)4.8 (15K ratings) — better
Positive reviews87.6% of reviews90.6% of reviews — better
Number of ratings27515K — better
Update frequencyEvery 4 monthsEvery 3 months — better
AdsNo — betterYes
In-app purchasesNo — betterYes
MonetizationPaidFree with in-app purchases — better
Best chart rank#114 — better—
DevicesiPhone, iPad, iPodiPhone, iPad, iPod
Requires iOS7.0 — better13.0
Further details — not scored
Size28 MB25 MB
Age rating9+4+
DeveloperTranCreative SoftwareFarlex, Inc.

Customer experience

WordBook (Universal)

All ratings275 ratings
Positive93.1%
Neutral2.9%
Negative4.0%
Written reviews170 reviews
Positive87.6%
Neutral5.3%
Negative7.1%

Dictionary.

All ratings14,555 ratings
Positive95.2%
Neutral2.2%
Negative2.7%
Written reviews2,169 reviews
Positive90.6%
Neutral2.7%
Negative6.7%

User reviews

WordBook (Universal)

From 275 App Store ratings

What we love

  • 👍 Comprehensive dictionary with detailed definitions
  • 🚀 Fast and efficient lookup
  • 💡 Helpful thesaurus and word origin features
  • 👍 Customizable web links for additional reference
  • 👍 Useful for crosswords and puzzles

Room to improve

  • 🐛 Some words missing or inaccurate definitions
  • 🔇 Pronunciation issues or missing audio
  • 🚫 Lack of updates and new features
  • 🚫 Limited vocabulary compared to other dictionaries
  • 🚫 Censored words and features

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

WordBook (Universal)

Reported bugs

3 issues
  • Crashes and freezes, especially on newer devices
  • Compatibility issues with recent iOS versions
  • Anagram solver not working as expected

Requested features

5 requests
  • Dark mode option
  • More comprehensive vocabulary
  • Improved pronunciation and audio support
  • Regular updates and new features
  • Better optimization for iPad and split-screen use

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

WordBook (Universal)

No in-app purchases

1 purchases

Dictionary.

One-time1
  • Ad-free upgrade$5.99

Questions

Is WordBook (Universal) free?
WordBook (Universal) costs $2.99, with no in-app purchases.
Is Dictionary. free?
Dictionary. is free to download, with in-app purchases available.
Which has better reviews, WordBook (Universal) or Dictionary.?
Dictionary. is rated higher. WordBook (Universal) averages 4.7 out of 5 from 275 ratings, while Dictionary. averages 4.8 from 15K ratings.
Do WordBook (Universal) or Dictionary. have ads?
Dictionary. shows ads; WordBook (Universal) does not.
Which is updated more often, WordBook (Universal) or Dictionary.?
WordBook (Universal) ships an update every 4 months, and Dictionary. every 3 months. Most recently, WordBook (Universal) was updated on October 16, 2026 and Dictionary. on October 19, 2026.

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