Vocabulary.com
An adaptive vocabulary trainer and dictionary for grades 5–12 and adults that teaches word meanings through multiple-choice questions in context, with a free basic account and a paid learner subscription.
What is Vocabulary.com?
Vocabulary.com is an online dictionary and adaptive vocabulary trainer. It was founded in 2010, and IXL Learning bought it in 2020. Students answer multiple-choice questions that show a word in real sentences. The trainer then chooses the next word based on what each learner knows and misses.
The core idea is learning a word's meaning in context, not drilling a definition. Common Sense Media's review summed it up as a site that "emphasizes word comprehension over memorization."
How it works
You can start with the VocabTrainer, which serves a mix of new words and review, or pick a list. Lists cover SAT words, roots, and words from specific novels and textbooks. You can also build your own list in the list maker.
A typical session for a teen:
- Open a list tied to the book they're reading, or let the trainer choose.
- Answer 10 to 20 questions, using hints and example sentences.
- Review missed words, which come back later until mastered.
- Look up any word in the dictionary, with audio pronunciation.
Students work on their own. Parents don't need to teach anything, though you may want to check progress now and then.
What it covers
| Area | What you get |
|---|---|
| Word bank | Thousands of learnable words with question sets |
| Lists | Curated lists for test prep, literature and roots, plus your own |
| Dictionary | Definitions, example sentences, audio |
| Activities | VocabTrainer, Vocabulary Jams, the Vocabulary Bowl |
| Grades | Best for grades 5–12 and adults |
It does not teach phonics, grammar or writing. Treat it as a vocabulary add-on to a full language arts plan.
Who it's best for
Vocabulary.com fits middle and high schoolers who read well and want to grow academic vocabulary, especially before the SAT or ACT. It is also a handy independent routine for homeschool teens and adult learners.
If your child is still learning to decode words, start with a phonics program from our reading programs or phonics pages instead. Younger kids who want a playful vocabulary app may prefer Mrs Wordsmith.
Pricing at a glance
The basic account is free and includes 10 trainer questions a day. As of October 2026, the learner subscription costs $12.99 a month, $39.99 every 6 months or $59.99 a year. Teachers can buy classroom licenses starting at 25 students. Cancel any time from My Account; paid access runs to the end of the billing cycle.
Can a scholarship or ESA pay for it?
Possibly. Arizona's ESA law allows curricula and supplementary materials, and several ESA and scholarship programs treat online learning subscriptions the same way. Rules differ, so check your own state, such as Arizona or Florida. You can save Vocabulary.com to your wishlist and apply once on Edulist to the programs that fit.
How it compares
- Mrs Wordsmith uses cartoons, books and the Word Tag game, and suits ages 7–13.
- ReadTheory focuses on reading comprehension passages rather than word lists.
- IXL covers vocabulary inside a much broader skills platform.
- SpellingCity is stronger for spelling lists in elementary school.
You can also browse test prep and middle school reading options.
Who Vocabulary.com is for (and who it isn’t)
Best for
- Middle and high schoolers building academic vocabulary
- SAT, ACT and high school test-prep word practice
- Homeschoolers who want an independent daily vocabulary routine
- Adult learners and English language learners at an intermediate level
Look elsewhere if
- Early readers still learning phonics
- Kids who need colorful games and characters to stay motivated
- Families wanting a full language arts curriculum
Vocabulary.com pros and cons
Pros
- Generous free tier with a full dictionary and word lists
- Adaptive questions teach meaning in context, not rote memorization
- Inexpensive annual plan
- Works on web, iOS and Android with synced progress
Cons
- Free accounts are capped at 10 trainer questions a day
- Text-heavy format can feel dry for younger students
- Parent reporting is limited compared with classroom accounts
- Student reviews on Common Sense Media are mixed
What’s included
- Adaptive VocabTrainer that picks words based on your answers
- Free dictionary with example sentences and audio pronunciations
- Curated vocabulary lists, including test-prep and literature lists
- List maker for your own word lists
- Vocabulary Jams and the Vocabulary Bowl competition
- iOS and Android app; progress syncs with the website
How much does Vocabulary.com cost?
A free basic account includes the dictionary, list library, list maker, Vocabulary Jams and 10 VocabTrainer questions a day. The individual learner subscription unlocks unlimited VocabTrainer practice for $12.99 a month, $39.99 every 6 months or $59.99 a year, as listed on Vocabulary.com in October 2026. Teachers buy classroom licenses separately, starting at 25 students.
| Plan | Price | Billed | Per month |
|---|---|---|---|
| Basic (free) | Free | Monthly | Free |
| Learner, monthly | $12.99/mo | Monthly | $12.99/mo |
| Learner, 12 months | $59.99/yr | Yearly | $5/mo |
Free trial: No separate trial is listed on the plans page; the free basic account lets you try the trainer with 10 questions a day.
Prices from the provider, checked 2026-10-13. Always confirm on the official site.
Future opening updates
Applications are not open on Edulist. Saving a product does not subscribe you or establish eligibility. Visit your wishlist to opt in for updates.
View wishlistWhat parents say
A summary of public parent feedback we read on forums, app stores and review sites. It is not a set of Edulist family reviews.
Common Sense Media's editors gave Vocabulary.com four stars and praised its focus on word comprehension over memorization, though those reviews are more than a decade old. Teacher reviews on Common Sense Education praise the adaptive levels and progress tracking. Kid reviews are mixed, with some calling word choices confusing, and a few teachers note that quizzes end if a student leaves or refreshes the page.
Common praise
- Adaptive questions keep words at the right level
- Example sentences and audio pronunciations
- Useful SAT and literature word lists
Common complaints
- Some students find the format repetitive or confusing
- Leaving or refreshing a page can end a quiz
- Occasional reports of slow support
Sources: commonsensemedia.org · vocabularycom · commonsense.org · vocabularycom · apps.apple.com · id815218412
Vocabulary.com family reviews
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Vocabulary.com FAQs
Is Vocabulary.com free?
Yes, partly. A free basic account includes the dictionary, word lists, the list maker and 10 VocabTrainer questions a day. A paid learner subscription removes the daily cap.
How much does Vocabulary.com cost?
As of October 2026, the learner subscription is $12.99 a month, $39.99 every 6 months or $59.99 a year. Classroom licenses for teachers are priced separately and start at 25 students.
Who owns Vocabulary.com?
IXL Learning acquired Vocabulary.com in 2020. Since 2025, IXL's Language Arts site licenses for schools include Vocabulary.com tools.
What grade level is Vocabulary.com for?
It works best for grades 5–12 and adults. The words and question style assume a confident reader, so it is not designed for early elementary students.
Is there a Vocabulary.com app?
Yes. The free Vocabulary.com app is available for iPhone, iPad and Android, and progress syncs with the website.
How do I cancel a Vocabulary.com subscription?
Open My Account, go to Subscription Plan, click Cancel My Subscription and confirm. You keep paid access through the end of the billing cycle, then the account returns to free mode.
Is Vocabulary.com good for homeschool?
Many homeschool families use it as an independent vocabulary routine for middle and high school. It pairs well with literature study because you can study lists tied to specific books.
Sources and last checked
Checked 2026-10-13 against these sources:
- vocabulary.com · plans
- vocabulary.com · subscription plan faq
- vocabulary.com · managing your subscription plan
- vocabulary.com · subscribe
- vocabulary.com · app
- apps.apple.com · id815218412
- ixl.com · IXL Acquires Vocabulary com.pdf
- blog.ixl.com · vocabulary com resources are now available on ixl
- commonsensemedia.org · vocabularycom
- commonsense.org · vocabularycom
- azleg.gov · 02402.htm