The dictionary has different search modes that use four command characters: the dot, plus, minus and hash signs.
[ . + - # ] These were choosen for ease of use on mobiles.

Click on the examples to see how they work.

Return to this page using the dictionary or browser back button, or the Tips link.

The plus + sign represents any character(s) and broadens a search. Use it anywhere.

[ +agree]

[ agree+]

[ +agree+]

[ ag+r+e]

Two plus ++ signs together output a word list.

[ ag+r++e]

[ cup++]

Find missing letters or words in crosswords.

Use one dot . for each character. Four dots equals four characters.

[ ..xious]

[ el....nt]

The plus + sign after a dot .+ or dots ....+ outputs an alphabetical word list with words of a fixed length.

a midday meal (8 letters)

[ d......r]

[ d......+r]

Spoilt for choice, try a contextual search.

[ midday#meal]

[ meal#midday]

explore phrasal verbs

[ .... up]

[ ....+ up]

[ r++ up]

till the cows come home

[ ++ down]

[ ++ off]

[ ++ about]

The # sign initiates a highlighted contextual search.

Useful for information on a subject in general or related to it.

[ aircraft] 1 result.

[ aircraft#] 197 results

[ wife#Henry]

[ a#b#c]

[ 1603#]

Two minus -- signs after a words find its antonym.

[ like--]

[ agree--]