# Merriam-Webster API

> Merriam-Webster returns dictionary definitions, thesaurus data, and Word of the Day entries as a workflow and API.

Merriam-Webster (MW) Define word returns pronunciation, definitions, examples, and word history for a word or phrase you provide. Get synonyms returns meanings, synonyms, antonyms, and related words for a word you provide. Get word of the day returns a word, meaning, pronunciation, example, and background note; provide a date for an archive entry or omit it for today.

- Page: https://fous.com/workflows/merriam-webster
- Handle: `@merriam-webster`
- Category: [Education](https://fous.com/workflows/category/education)
- Source website: https://merriam-webster.com
- Last verified: Sep 30, 2026
- Fous is not affiliated with Merriam-Webster.

## Methods

### Define word

Operation `define_word`, version 1. 1 credit per call.

Look up a word or phrase in Merriam-Webster’s dictionary and return pronunciation, meanings, examples, and word history. Only publicly listed dictionary entries are included.

**Input**

| Field | Type | Required | Example | Description |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| `word` | string | yes | `"run"` | The word or phrase to look up, for example serendipity. |

**Input schema**

```json
{
  "type": "object",
  "required": [
    "word"
  ],
  "properties": {
    "word": {
      "type": "string",
      "description": "The word or phrase to look up, for example serendipity.",
      "examples": [
        "run",
        "serendipity"
      ]
    }
  },
  "additionalProperties": false,
  "examples": [
    {
      "word": "run"
    },
    {
      "word": "serendipity"
    }
  ]
}
```

**Output**

| Field | Type | Example | Description |
|---|---|---|---|
| `word` | string | `"serendipity"` | Dictionary headword. |
| `entries` | array |  | Dictionary entries in page order. |
| `entries[].etymology` | string or null | `"Serendip, variant of Sarandīb, Persian and Arabic name for Sri Lanka + -ity; from its possession by the heroes of the P` |  |
| `entries[].definitions` | array |  | Numbered definitions in displayed order. |
| `entries[].part_of_speech` | string | `"noun"` |  |
| `entries[].first_known_use` | string or null | `"1754"` |  |
| `entries[].example_sentences` | array |  |  |
| `pronunciation` | string or null | `"ˌser-ən-ˈdi-pə-tē"` | Pronunciation shown for the headword. |
| `merriam_webster_link` | string | `"https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/serendipity"` | Page for this dictionary word. |
| `pronunciation_audio_link` | string or null | `"https://media.merriam-webster.com/audio/prons/en/us/mp3/s/serend02.mp3"` | Link to the pronunciation audio when available. |

**Example input**

```json
{
  "word": "serendipity"
}
```

**Example output**

```json
{
  "word": "serendipity",
  "entries": [
    {
      "etymology": "Serendip, variant of Sarandīb, Persian and Arabic name for Sri Lanka + -ity; from its possession by the heroes of the Persian fairy tale The Three Princes of Serendip",
      "definitions": [
        "1. the ability to find valuable or agreeable things not sought for",
        "1. also: luck that takes the form of such finding"
      ],
      "part_of_speech": "noun",
      "first_known_use": "1754",
      "example_sentences": [
        "… materials researchers, who now rely mostly on rules of thumb, trial-and-error and serendipity for developing new materials.",
        "As they leapfrog from South Africa to Singapore in search of local delicacies, the authors prove again and again that serendipity is the traveler's strongest ally: many of their most memorable meals i…",
        "… the pleasure of wandering while lost and discovering by serendipity interesting new places."
      ]
    }
  ],
  "pronunciation": "ˌser-ən-ˈdi-pə-tē",
  "merriam_webster_link": "https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/serendipity",
  "pronunciation_audio_link": "https://media.merriam-webster.com/audio/prons/en/us/mp3/s/serend02.mp3"
}
```

### Get synonyms

Operation `get_synonyms`, version 1. 1 credit per call.

Get a word’s thesaurus meanings, examples, synonyms, antonyms, and related words from its public Merriam-Webster page.

**Input**

| Field | Type | Required | Example | Description |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| `word` | string | yes | `"happy"` | A word to look up in the thesaurus, for example happy. |

**Input schema**

```json
{
  "type": "object",
  "required": [
    "word"
  ],
  "properties": {
    "word": {
      "type": "string",
      "minLength": 1,
      "description": "A word to look up in the thesaurus, for example happy.",
      "examples": [
        "happy",
        "light"
      ]
    }
  },
  "additionalProperties": false,
  "examples": [
    {
      "word": "happy"
    },
    {
      "word": "light"
    }
  ]
}
```

**Output**

| Field | Type | Example | Description |
|---|---|---|---|
| `word` | string | `"happy"` | The word shown on the thesaurus page. |
| `meanings` | array |  | Meanings in the order they appear on the page. Similar words appear under synonyms; related words are included only when shown separately. |
| `meanings[].meaning` | string | `"experiencing pleasure, satisfaction, or delight"` |  |
| `meanings[].antonyms` | array |  |  |
| `meanings[].synonyms` | array |  |  |
| `meanings[].page_link` | string | `"https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/happy#thesaurus-entry-1-1"` |  |
| `meanings[].related_words` | array |  |  |
| `meanings[].part_of_speech` | string | `"adjective"` |  |
| `meanings[].example_sentence` | string or null | `"made bread for the first time and was happy with the tasty result"` |  |
| `thesaurus_link` | string | `"https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/happy"` | Link to the word’s thesaurus page. |

**Example input**

```json
{
  "word": "happy"
}
```

**Example output**

```json
{
  "word": "happy",
  "meanings": [
    {
      "meaning": "experiencing pleasure, satisfaction, or delight",
      "antonyms": [
        "unhappy",
        "sad",
        "dissatisfied"
      ],
      "synonyms": [
        "delighted",
        "pleased",
        "glad"
      ],
      "page_link": "https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/happy#thesaurus-entry-1-1",
      "related_words": [],
      "part_of_speech": "adjective",
      "example_sentence": "made bread for the first time and was happy with the tasty result"
    },
    {
      "meaning": "coming or happening by good luck especially unexpectedly",
      "antonyms": [
        "unhappy",
        "unfortunate",
        "unlucky"
      ],
      "synonyms": [
        "lucky",
        "fortunate",
        "convenient"
      ],
      "page_link": "https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/happy#thesaurus-entry-1-2",
      "related_words": [],
      "part_of_speech": "adjective",
      "example_sentence": "a happy discovery, finding the letter that would prove her innocence"
    },
    {
      "meaning": "feeling that one's needs or desires have been met",
      "antonyms": [
        "unhappy",
        "dissatisfied",
        "displeased"
      ],
      "synonyms": [
        "satisfied",
        "pleased",
        "contented"
      ],
      "page_link": "https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/happy#thesaurus-entry-1-3",
      "related_words": [],
      "part_of_speech": "adjective",
      "example_sentence": "has been much happier ever since she moved"
    }
  ],
  "thesaurus_link": "https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/happy"
}
```

### Get word of the day

Operation `get_word_of_the_day`, version 1. 1 credit per call.

Get Merriam-Webster’s Word of the Day for today or a past archive date, with its meaning, example, pronunciation, and background note. Dates without a published entry are unavailable.

**Input**

| Field | Type | Required | Example | Description |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| `date` | string | no | `"2025-02-15"` | Day to look up (YYYY-MM-DD), such as 2025-02-15. Omit for today. |

**Input schema**

```json
{
  "type": "object",
  "properties": {
    "date": {
      "type": "string",
      "format": "date",
      "description": "Day to look up (YYYY-MM-DD), such as 2025-02-15. Omit for today.",
      "examples": [
        "2025-02-15",
        "2006-08-31",
        "2026-09-15"
      ]
    }
  },
  "additionalProperties": false,
  "examples": [
    {},
    {
      "date": "2025-02-15"
    },
    {
      "date": "2006-08-31"
    }
  ]
}
```

**Output**

| Field | Type | Example | Description |
|---|---|---|---|
| `date` | string | `"2026-09-28"` | Publication date. |
| `link` | string | `"https://www.merriam-webster.com/word-of-the-day/fungible-2026-09-28"` | Word of the Day page link. |
| `word` | string | `"fungible"` | Word of the Day. |
| `definition` | string or null | `"Fungible describes things, such as currency, goods, and commodities, that can be exchanged for something else of the sa` | Meaning in plain text. |
| `did_you_know` | string or null |  | Did You Know? note in plain text. |
| `pronunciation` | string or null | `"FUN-juh-bul"` | Pronunciation shown on the page. |
| `part_of_speech` | string or null | `"adjective"` | Part of speech shown on the page. |
| `example_sentence` | string or null | `"A dollar bill is considered fungible because it can easily and acceptably be traded for ten dimes, four quarters, twent` | Usage example in plain text. |

**Example input**

```json
{}
```

**Example output**

```json
{
  "date": "2026-09-28",
  "link": "https://www.merriam-webster.com/word-of-the-day/fungible-2026-09-28",
  "word": "fungible",
  "definition": "Fungible describes things, such as currency, goods, and commodities, that can be exchanged for something else of the same kind or value. In broader usage, fungible can also mean “interchangeable,” as …",
  "did_you_know": "Before expectations about the origins of fungible mushroom into mycological fantasy: no, fungible has no relation to the noun fungus and its plural fungi. The fungi in fungible is there because of the…",
  "pronunciation": "FUN-juh-bul",
  "part_of_speech": "adjective",
  "example_sentence": "A dollar bill is considered fungible because it can easily and acceptably be traded for ten dimes, four quarters, twenty nickels, or one hundred pennies, as well as any other dollar bill."
}
```

## Quick start

Call the API with a Fous API key (`FOUS_API_KEY`). To create one, turn on Developer mode in Fous Studio, then open Keys & connections → API keys (https://app.fous.com/keys).

```bash
# First set your key: export FOUS_API_KEY='YOUR_FOUS_API_KEY'
: "${FOUS_API_KEY:?Set FOUS_API_KEY before running this example}"

curl 'https://api.fous.com/v1/query' \
  --fail-with-body --silent --show-error --max-time 120 \
  -H "Authorization: Bearer $FOUS_API_KEY" \
  -H 'Content-Type: application/json' \
  --data-raw '{
  "api": "@merriam-webster",
  "visibility": "public",
  "operation": "define_word",
  "version": 1,
  "input": {
    "word": "run"
  },
  "response": {
    "format": "json"
  }
}'
```

```python
# Save as fous.py and run with python3 fous.py. No packages needed.
# First set your key: export FOUS_API_KEY='YOUR_FOUS_API_KEY'
import json
import os
import urllib.error
import urllib.request

api_key = os.environ.get("FOUS_API_KEY")
if not api_key:
    raise RuntimeError("Set FOUS_API_KEY before running this example")

body = json.loads("{\n  \"api\": \"@merriam-webster\",\n  \"visibility\": \"public\",\n  \"operation\": \"define_word\",\n  \"version\": 1,\n  \"input\": {\n    \"word\": \"run\"\n  },\n  \"response\": {\n    \"format\": \"json\"\n  }\n}")
request = urllib.request.Request(
    "https://api.fous.com/v1/query",
    data=json.dumps(body).encode("utf-8"),
    headers={
        "Authorization": f"Bearer {api_key}",
        "Content-Type": "application/json",
    },
    method="POST",
)
try:
    with urllib.request.urlopen(request, timeout=120) as response:
        result = json.load(response)
except urllib.error.HTTPError as error:
    raise RuntimeError(f"HTTP {error.code}: {error.read().decode('utf-8', errors='replace')}") from error
if result.get("success") is False:
    raise RuntimeError(result.get("error", {}).get("message", "Request failed"))
print(json.dumps(result["data"]["output"], indent=2))
```

```typescript
// Save as fous.mts and run with npx tsx fous.mts.
// First set your key: export FOUS_API_KEY='YOUR_FOUS_API_KEY'
const apiKey = process.env.FOUS_API_KEY;
if (!apiKey) throw new Error("Set FOUS_API_KEY before running this example");

const response = await fetch("https://api.fous.com/v1/query", {
  method: "POST",
  headers: {
    "Authorization": `Bearer ${apiKey}`,
    "Content-Type": "application/json",
  },
  signal: AbortSignal.timeout(120_000),
  body: JSON.stringify({
  "api": "@merriam-webster",
  "visibility": "public",
  "operation": "define_word",
  "version": 1,
  "input": {
    "word": "run"
  },
  "response": {
    "format": "json"
  }
}),
});
type ApiResult = { success: boolean; data?: { output: unknown }; error?: { message: string } };
const result: ApiResult = await response.json();
if (!response.ok || result.success === false) {
  throw new Error(result.error?.message ?? `HTTP ${response.status}`);
}
if (!result.data) throw new Error("Missing API response data");
console.log(result.data.output);
```

Or describe the data in plain language: send `{"api":"@merriam-webster","prompt":"Describe the data you need, with every detail"}` to the same URL. Fous fills in the input, runs the method that fits and returns only the fields you asked for; `data.route.calls[].request` is the exact call it made. Routing is free; the run costs the same.

## Use cases

- Check definitions and word histories while editing educational materials.
- Compare synonyms and antonyms to choose precise wording.
- Find example sentences for a word.
- Share the daily featured word with learners.
- Review archived Word of the Day entries by date.

## FAQ

### Is Fous affiliated with Merriam-Webster?

No. Fous is not affiliated with Merriam-Webster. This workflow reads the public merriam-webster.com website and returns its data.

### How much does it cost?

Each run costs 1 credit. With pay-as-you-go, a credit costs 1¢; monthly plans cost less per credit.

### Do I need a Merriam-Webster account?

No. You only need a Fous account.

### How current is the data?

Fous gets the data from merriam-webster.com when you run it; repeating the same request within a day may return the saved result. Fous checks this workflow automatically; it last passed a check on Sep 30, 2026.

### What does a word mean?

Use Define word with a word or phrase to get its meanings, pronunciation, examples, and word history.

### What are synonyms or antonyms for a word?

Use Get synonyms with a word to see its meanings, synonyms, antonyms, and related words.

### What is today’s Word of the Day?

Use Get word of the day without a date for today’s entry, or provide a date for an archive entry.

## Related

- [Dictionary.com API](https://fous.com/workflows/dictionary-com.md): Dictionary.com provides definitions, pronunciations, audio, examples, and word origins, plus ranked synonyms and antonyms for public Thesaurus.com entries; some word details may be unavailable.
- [Wiktionary API](https://fous.com/workflows/wiktionary.md): A free, multilingual dictionary with word meanings and language information.
- [Cambridge Dictionary API](https://fous.com/workflows/cambridge-dictionary.md): Cambridge Dictionary provides English definitions, examples, grammar labels, and available UK and US pronunciations, plus translations and paired examples for supported languages, reflecting details shown on its pages.
- [Urban Dictionary API](https://fous.com/workflows/urban-dictionary.md): Urban Dictionary provides crowdsourced slang definitions and examples, plus up to 30 newest Words of the Day with featured dates.
- [Etymonline API](https://fous.com/workflows/etymonline.md): Origins and histories of English words from the Online Etymology Dictionary.
- [WordReference API](https://fous.com/workflows/wordreference.md): Dictionary translations and language reference.
- [RhymeZone API](https://fous.com/workflows/rhymezone.md): RhymeZone finds rhymes, similar-sounding words, and related words, including synonyms, opposites, descriptions, and associations; some results lack relevance scores or syllable and part-of-speech details.
- [Wikipedia API](https://fous.com/workflows/wikipedia.md): Wikipedia returns article summaries, images, facts, relevant search matches, readable text and daily historical events, plus human-view counts from July 2015 onward.
- [All Education workflows](https://fous.com/workflows/category/education)