Dictionaries · head-to-head
Chinese Text Project vs Merriam-Webster
Chinese Text Project's JSON API resolves opaque CTP URNs into full text, titles, and subsection metadata across its library of pre-Qin and Han-era classical Chinese works, and underpins the site's own browser plugins for text lookup and annotation. Anonymous requests work without any key but are rate-limited; logged-in accounts get a higher ceiling, and academic institutions can arrange a subscription that issues API keys for extended, programmatic access.
Merriam-Webster's Dictionary API returns JSON definitions, pronunciations, and audio from the publisher's own Collegiate Dictionary and Thesaurus, plus specialized editions covering medical, learner's, Spanish-English, and grade-banded school dictionaries, each requiring a separate free API key. Keys are issued under a strict non-commercial license capped at 1,000 queries/day/key; using the service in a commercial product requires a separately negotiated agreement with Merriam-Webster.
| Chinese Text Project | Merriam-Webster | |
|---|---|---|
| Authentication | None | API Key |
| Pricing | freemium | free |
| Formats | JSON | JSON |
| CORS | yes | yes |
| HTTPS | Yes | Yes |
Chinese Text Project needs no API key, while Merriam-Webster requires API Key — pick Chinese Text Project to start without signup.