| If you want… | Best free/legal option | | :--- | :--- | | | OneLook Reverse Dictionary – Describe a concept, get a list of words. It’s the digital heir to the RD book. | | Obscure & specific words | The Phrontistery – A massive free database of rare English words, organized by theme. | | Tip-of-tongue solving | Tip of My Tongue (Chambers) – Enter a scrambled definition, find the word. | | A physical book (cheap) | eBay or ThriftBooks – Search for “Reader’s Digest Reverse Dictionary” (1989 edition is the most common). Expect to pay ~$15–30. | A Final Word of Caution If you absolutely must have a scanned PDF, the only semi-reliable source is Internet Archive (archive.org) . Search there for “Reader’s Digest Reverse Dictionary.” They sometimes have digitized copies for “borrowing” (if the copyright status allows in their Open Library). Never download a PDF from a random blog or file-hosting site – the risk of malware far outweighs the convenience of finding the word deipnosophist (a person skilled in table talk).

The Reader’s Digest Reverse Dictionary is a brilliant, beloved book. But in 2024-2025, the free PDF is largely a ghost hunt. Use the free web tools above – they are faster, safer, and more up-to-date. And if you find a cheap physical copy at a garage sale? Buy it immediately. It’s a timeless treasure for your bookshelf.

If you’ve ever found yourself thinking, “What’s that word for when you can’t remember a word?” — you’ve already experienced the exact problem this book was designed to solve. The Reader’s Digest Reverse Dictionary is a cult classic among logophiles (word lovers). Unlike a normal dictionary (where you look up a word to find its meaning), a reverse dictionary lets you look up a meaning or a vague concept to find the precise word.

Font Licenses Explained

Desktop License

The licensed font can appear in unlimited commercial and personal projects including, but not limited to, physical end products, social media, broadcast, packaging, and paid ads.

Can be used for

  • Web app and website usage Only in rasterized form
  • Games Only in rasterized form
  • Design or Print-on-Demand applications Only the Licensee may use the font to create a completed end product

Cannot be used for

  • Embedding fonts files Must always be used in rasterized form

Webfont License

The licensed font can appear in multiple websites owned or controlled by the Licensee. Pageview limit agreed upon at checkout.

Can be used for

  • Web app and website usage Only displayed in the Licensee’s website(s), within the agreed upon pageview limit.
  • Embedding fonts Only within the Licensee’s website(s) and agreed upon pageview limit

Cannot be used for

  • Games
  • Design or Print-on-Demand applications
  • Desktop use

App License

The licensed font can appear in one application.

Can be used for

  • Games Font can be embedded, but not extractable
  • Embedding Fonts Font can be embedded in desktop apps, games, and mobile apps but cannot be extractable.

Cannot be used for

  • Web app and website usage
  • Design or Print-on-Demand applications

E-pub License

The licensed font can appear in one title.

Can be used for

  • Embedding Fonts Font can be embedded in epubs, but cannot be extractable

Cannot be used for

  • Web app and website usage
  • Games
  • Design or Print-on-Demand applications