I like to have a dictionary app to look up words while I read.

I’ve been using Dictionary.com but the ads are just too invasive. Many of the dictionary apps are free with pro/ad IAPs for full featured use.

I get that a dictionary (service) is very complicated and intensive to create and maintain, so I’m not mad that they’re not free. It’s just that there’s so much garbage to sort through, with a lot of really slow or buggy apps, even among the big names.

Does anyone have recommendations? What works for you? This is def a tiny issue but looking for advice. Thanks!

I’m excited to share that I have recently created not just a dictionary app, but an entire dictionary from the ground up. It’s completely free without ads. I call it Lngo: The People's Dictionary.

Why did I do this? I have a profound love for language, and I was continually frustrated with cancer-level ads on other dictionary apps, and the extortion of subscription fees. The free app alternatives often had outdated definitions, clunky designs, and missing features like saving or syncing words.

I know a dedicated dictionary app might not be for everyone. Many people use a browser or iPhone’s Spotlight search. This app is tailored for those who love diving deep into word definitions, exploring etymology, and actively trying to expand their vocabulary by saving words for future study and review.

I teamed up with a small group of software engineers and those with backgrounds in linguistics, to build this app. We all shared the same grievance with the lackluster dictionary options available on the Apple ecosystem. So we sifted through open-source dictionaries, cleaned up the clutter, removed duplicates, used AI to revise, and manually reviewed as many definitions as possible.

Here’s what makes this app stand out:

• 250,000+ unique words

• Fully offline access

• The most comprehensive synonym and antonym search found on any app or website

• In-depth etymology and word history

• Multi-platform compatibility for iPhone, iPad, and Mac (Apple silicon only)

• iCloud sync for your saved words across all devices

• Integrated flashcard system for studying

• Specialized vocabulary sections for ACT, SAT, and GRE preparation that provide exposure to new words

• Modern user interface utilizing the full capabilities of SwiftUI

• Includes slang and curse words

• IPA pronunciation

• Export options (e.g., load saved words into Anki)

A quick comparison of other English dictionary apps:

WordBook: Great app and my previous go-to, but it lacks a Mac version, flashcards, and word antonyms. That was a dealbreaker for me.

LookUp: A beautifully designed app, but requires a subscription and doesn’t sync saved words across devices. Also lacks offline access and rich synonyms/antonyms.

WordWeb: Basic definitions with no antonyms, no sync, and no Mac version.

The Free Dictionary: Outdated interface and no Mac app.

Merriam-Webster, Dictionary.com, Oxford: Quality definitions, but the ads are insane, and the subscription fees are equally ridiculous. Additionally, they all require online access, and they don’t have Mac apps for syncing favorites.

Please use the app and enjoy! If you find it helpful, I'd appreciate it if you could leave a review and help spread the word. :)