Do you remember the episode in FRIENDS when Joey was asked to write a letter for Chandler and Monica? He was supposed to sound ‘smart’ in his letter, so Ross suggested him to use the thesaurus-free online dictionary. To summarize, he wrote ‘they are warm nice people with big hearts’ as ‘they are humid prepossessing Homo sapiens with full-sized aortic pumps’. It turned out wrong but it highlighted the importance of using correct words.
As a writer, we understand the importance of words, using the correct vocabulary to weave a perfect story. Though we are already blessed with a great vocabulary—thanks to our reading habit, it is always good to have helped by our side. Unlike traditional writers, we don’t have to rely on Oxford’s dictionary and leap through the pages to find that word. The current internet era has been both a boon and bane for us writers. We have access to thousands of words at the tip of our fingers.
As people’s industries upgrade with time, these online dictionaries have upgraded too. So if you’re a writer, poet, or lexophile, these 10 best dictionaries are going to be at your aid. Not just these function as a traditional dictionary, it also offers other tools like synonyms, antonyms, and so much more.
Below is the list of the top 10 free online dictionaries, which are truly unique and extremely reliable to your aid
1. Wiktionary
We all are familiar with Wikipedia, following the same concept is Wiktionary where the users can create and edit together. Yes, it comes with the same downfalls, anyone can edit the page, and the accuracy rate is doubtful. But on the upside, there are dedicated writers like us who are always on the clock to make the Wiktionary as accurate as possible. If used responsibly, it can be one of the best free online dictionaries.
2. Dictionary.com
I was Impressed with the domain name, I mean how creative there is no room for doubt there! Dictionary.com could just be the best free dictionary with such a strong domain name. it offers definitions, pronunciations, word origins, word history and is known for the best mobile dictionary app.
3. Grammarly
This tool is a wonder in itself! A free/paid online writing tool that is a must-have for every writer. Honestly, I’ve rarely met a writer who has not used this tool. Grammarly offers two variants free/premium. The free tool is also very useful and can detect those tiny mistakes which often get overlooked. This is a must-have if you’re an online writer, it comes with an add-on feature, so you can cross-check your document in Word/Google docs/ email/ text message.
4. The Free Dictionary
A free dictionary allows us to search for endless words, characters, or text. It also provides us with multiple definitions, voice pronunciation, intransitive verbs, and thesaurus. Alongside, you can also translate words in French, German, and Greek language.
5. Merriam-Webster Online
Just like Oxford, the Merriam-Webster is a famous print dictionary that is also available online for free. This just resembles the traditional dictionary with a thesaurus, and translation in Spanish to English, and a medical dictionary. If you are not in search of some fancy dictionary, this free dictionary would work just fine.
6. Cambridge Dictionary Online
Another print dictionary available as a free online dictionary. The Cambridge Dictionary online is divided into four parts with Cambridge Dictionary of American English, the Cambridge Learner’s Dictionary, the Cambridge International Dictionary of Phrasal Verbs, and the Cambridge International Dictionary of Idioms. It is a big website so be careful before you get lost in the pool of words.
7. Wordia
Wordia makes learning new vocabulary entertaining. This is the perfect free dictionary you will find online. The online dictionary is filled with word-based games with interactive videos for learning. It is not recommended for people past middle school—but who said there are rules, it made me feel smarter, so say hello to increased self-esteem. Also, I would recommend it for people trying to learn English as a second language.
8. NetLingo
YOLO, FOMO, TTLY… do these words make you scratch your heads too? There have been several times I felt like a boomer who did not know what to reply. But NetLingo to the rescue. This free online dictionary will explain not just these lingoes but every acronym you have come across. Honestly just keep this handy or even you would reply with “Take care. LOL” to a person whose dog just died—in my defense I thought it meant Lots of Love.
9. Power Thesaurus
An augmented version of the classic thesaurus, the Power Thesaurus is a free, fast easy, and comprehensive online dictionary. It not only is house to thousands of words, but it also helps us with synonyms, antonyms, definitions, related phrases, and idioms.
10. Google Dictionary
Our generation already relies on google too much. This number one search engine also offers a specifically curated online dictionary that has several features like voice pronunciation, definitions, sentence examples, related phrases, and more—yes, google outdid itself again. With all these promising features Google dictionary can be termed as the best free online dictionary around.
I’m sure they’re more than the above-mentioned free online dictionaries but these, in my opinion, are the best and you must have them bookmarked ASAP. There will be new additions to the blog if we find something that would surpass this, till then happy surfing.
Also Read:- Tips to Help You Perfect Fiction Writing (5th will definitely help you)
