Customer Reviews (500)

Remy25 • 2025-03-28T16:51:02-07:00

I couldn’t find all the words that start with a I like I can’t find the list of the alphabets to go through each letter like A B C on the app

I love bible app…… • 2025-03-28T13:01:23-07:00

It gives off so much information about everything, I suggest you get the app!!

RMFWCF • 2025-03-26T11:56:55-07:00

Hasn’t failed me yet!

Summary of Key Insights

The Merriam-Webster Dictionary app is generally well-received, with a strong positive sentiment driven by its helpful definitions, thesaurus, pronunciation features, and educational games. However, intrusive advertising is a major pain point, causing frustration and leading some users to abandon the app. There are also concerns about missing words compared to the website version, broken widgets, and occasional crashes. While users appreciate the core dictionary functionality, addressing ad-related issues and improving feature parity with the website are crucial for maintaining a positive user experience. The rating distribution skews heavily positive with 69.8% of reviews being 5-star, but the 1-star reviews highlight critical issues that need addressing.

Key Strengths: Accurate definitions, thesaurus integration, audio pronunciations, offline access, and vocabulary-building quizzes. Key Weaknesses: Intrusive and sometimes inappropriate ads, missing words compared to the website, widget issues, occasional crashes, and issues with the ad-free subscription.

Overall Sentiment: Positive Overall Rating: Based on the score distribution provided: (5349 + 444 + 339 + 216 + 1*52) / 500 = 4.23 Score Distribution: 1 star - 10.4%, 2 star - 3.2%, 3 star - 7.8%, 4 star - 8.8%, 5 star - 69.8%

Data & Methodology Overview

Data Sample Size: 500 reviews Time Frame: Not specified, but likely represents a recent snapshot of user feedback. Analysis Methods: Manual review and categorization of user reviews to identify common themes, sentiment, and feature requests. Sentiment analysis was inferred from the star ratings and review text. Keyword extraction was used to identify frequently mentioned issues and features.

Key User Pain Points

  • Intrusive Advertising: The most frequently mentioned issue. Users complain about full-page ads, ads that are difficult to close, inappropriate ads (including pornography), and ads that interfere with the app's functionality (e.g., obscuring the search button). This is a major driver of negative reviews and app deletion. Some users report ads even after paying for the ad-free version.
  • Missing Words: Several users report that the app lacks definitions for words that are available on the Merriam-Webster website. This inconsistency undermines the app's credibility as a comprehensive dictionary.
  • Widget Issues: Users report problems with the "Word of the Day" widget, including display glitches, white borders, and content not loading.
  • App Crashes: Some users experience app crashes, particularly on iPads or when accessing saved words.
  • Login Issues: Users have experienced issues with logging into their accounts.
  • Repetitive Games: Some users have noted that the word games are repetitive.
  • Misleading or Difficult Ads: Ads that mimic system notifications or are difficult to close are a major source of frustration.
  • Ad-Free Subscription Issues: Users who paid for the ad-free version still see ads.
  • Inability to close ads: The X button to close ads is sometimes inaccessible (e.g., behind the battery indicator).

Frequently Requested Features

  • Dark Theme Mode: Several users request a dark theme option for easier reading in low-light conditions.
  • Spanish Translation: Some users want the ability to translate words to and from Spanish.
  • Spaced Repetition Function: A user suggested adding a spaced repetition function to help memorize words.
  • More Etymology Detail: Some users would like more in-depth etymology information.
  • Offline Spelling Suggestions: Users want the app to suggest correct spellings even when offline.
  • Integration with Saved Words in Games: Users want the games to incorporate saved words for better memorization.
  • Word of the Day Notifications: The ability to receive daily notifications for the "Word of the Day."
  • More Creative Options to Change the Colors of the Texts: Users would like more options to customize the appearance of the app.

Strengths and Positive Aspects

  • Accurate Definitions: Users consistently praise the app's accurate and comprehensive definitions.
  • Thesaurus Integration: The integrated thesaurus is a valuable tool for finding synonyms and related words.
  • Audio Pronunciations: Users appreciate the audio pronunciations, voiced by real English speakers.
  • Offline Access: The ability to access definitions and synonyms without an internet connection is a significant advantage.
  • Word of the Day: The "Word of the Day" feature is popular for vocabulary building.
  • Vocabulary-Building Quizzes: The quizzes are seen as a fun and engaging way to learn new words.
  • Easy to Use Interface: Many users find the app easy to navigate and use.
  • Helpful for School/Homework: Students find the app helpful for completing assignments and improving their vocabulary.
  • Etymology Information: The inclusion of "History and Etymology" is appreciated by users who want to understand the origins of words.
  • Example Sentences: Users find example sentences helpful for understanding how words are used in context.

Prioritized Action Recommendations

High Priority:

  • Address Intrusive Advertising: Implement stricter ad policies to prevent inappropriate ads, ensure ads are easily closable, and eliminate full-page ads that disrupt the user experience. Investigate and resolve reports of ads appearing for users who have paid for the ad-free version. (Impact: High, Frequency: High)
  • Improve Feature Parity with Website: Ensure that all words available on the Merriam-Webster website are also included in the app. (Impact: High, Frequency: Medium)
  • Fix Widget Issues: Resolve the display glitches and loading problems with the "Word of the Day" widget. (Impact: Medium, Frequency: Medium)
  • Address App Crashes: Investigate and fix the reported app crashes, particularly on iPads and when accessing saved words. (Impact: High, Frequency: Low)
  • Address Login Issues: Investigate and fix the issues preventing users from logging in. (Impact: High, Frequency: Low)

Medium Priority:

  • Implement Dark Theme Mode: Add a dark theme option to improve readability in low-light conditions. (Impact: Medium, Frequency: Medium)
  • Add Spanish Translation: Consider adding a Spanish translation feature to broaden the app's appeal. (Impact: Medium, Frequency: Low)
  • Increase Game Variety: Add more variety to the word games to prevent them from becoming repetitive. (Impact: Low, Frequency: Medium)
  • Improve Spelling Suggestions: Enhance the app's ability to suggest correct spellings, even when the user's initial input is significantly misspelled.

Low Priority:

  • More Etymology Detail: Provide more in-depth etymology information for users who are interested in word origins.
  • Offline Spelling Suggestions: Implement offline spelling suggestions.
  • Integration with Saved Words in Games: Integrate saved words into the games for better memorization.
  • Word of the Day Notifications: Add the ability to receive daily notifications for the "Word of the Day."
  • More Creative Options to Change the Colors of the Texts: Users would like more options to customize the appearance of the app.

Opportunities for Startup Ideas

  • Ad-Free Dictionary App with User-Contributed Definitions: A dictionary app that relies on community contributions for definitions, moderated for accuracy, and offers a completely ad-free experience through a one-time purchase.
  • Vocabulary Learning App with Spaced Repetition and Personalized Content: An app that combines a dictionary with a spaced repetition system, allowing users to create personalized flashcards and track their vocabulary progress.
  • Dictionary App with Advanced Search and Filtering: A dictionary app that allows users to filter search results by etymology, part of speech, usage examples, and other criteria.
  • AI-Powered Dictionary App: A dictionary app that uses AI to provide context-aware definitions and suggest appropriate word choices based on the user's writing style and audience.

Trends and Observations

  • Ad Intrusiveness is a Major Detractor: The recurring theme of intrusive advertising highlights the importance of balancing monetization with user experience.
  • Users Value Accuracy and Comprehensiveness: The app's reputation for accurate definitions is a key strength, but missing words can erode trust.
  • Educational Features are Popular: The "Word of the Day" and quizzes are well-received, indicating a demand for educational content.
  • Widget Functionality is Important: Users rely on the "Word of the Day" widget for quick access to new vocabulary.
  • Subscription Model Concerns: Users are wary of subscription models, particularly if they feel they are not receiving adequate value or if they have previously paid for the app.
  • Some Users Want More Than Just Definitions: The requests for translation, spaced repetition, and more etymology detail suggest that some users are looking for a more comprehensive language learning tool.

Conclusion

The Merriam-Webster Dictionary app is a valuable resource for vocabulary building and language reference. However, the negative impact of intrusive advertising cannot be ignored. Addressing this issue, along with improving feature parity with the website and fixing reported bugs, is essential for maintaining user satisfaction and preventing churn. By focusing on these areas, Merriam-Webster can solidify its position as a leading dictionary app.

Overall Recommendation: Prioritize addressing ad-related issues and improving the core dictionary functionality. Explore opportunities to enhance the app with additional educational features and language learning tools.

Original App Link

https://apps.apple.com/us/app/merriam-webster-dictionary/id399452287?uo=2