Head-to-head · September 2026
Glossary vs Smart Word Explainer
Smart Word Explainer comes out ahead, winning 3 of 5 head-to-head checks against Glossary.
Glossary
Given a collection of glossary definition pages, automatically creates links in your page and post content…
Smart Word Explainer
Smart Word Explainer is a lightweight and easy-to-use WordPress plugin that enhances the reading experience…
| Metric | Glossary | Smart Word Explainer |
|---|---|---|
| Active installs | 10+ | <10 |
| Downloads (30 days) | 76 | 37 |
| Download trend | +28.8% | +48% |
| Rating | — | — |
| Reviews | 0 | 0 |
| Health score | 31/100 | 36/100 |
| Last updated | 18 years ago | 10 months ago |
| Tested up to | — | WP 6.9.9 |
| Support resolved | — | — |
| Requires PHP | Any | 7.4+ |
| First released | Mar 2009 | Dec 2025 |
Daily downloads, last 90 days
GlossarySmart Word Explainer
Choose Glossary if…
You care most about active installs and downloads (30 days).
- Small user base (10+ active installs)
- Very few reviews so far
- No update in 17 years
Choose Smart Word Explainer if…
You care most about download trend, health score and last updated.
- Small user base (<10 active installs)
- Very few reviews so far
- Only tested up to WordPress 6.9 (latest is 7.1)
Both compete in: definitions
FAQ
Glossary vs Smart Word Explainer: quick answers
Straight answers, pulled from live WordPress.org data.
Live data from WordPress.org · checked Sep 30, 2026
Which is better, Glossary or Smart Word Explainer?
Smart Word Explainer comes out ahead, winning 3 of 5 head-to-head checks against Glossary. Choose Glossary if you care most about active installs and downloads (30 days). Choose Smart Word Explainer if you care most about download trend, health score and last updated.
Is Glossary more popular than Smart Word Explainer?
Glossary is the more popular of the two with 10+ active installs, compared with <10 for Smart Word Explainer.
Can I use Glossary and Smart Word Explainer together?
Both plugins cover definitions, so most sites only need one. Running two plugins that do the same job can cause conflicts and slow your site down — pick the one that fits best and remove the other.
Are Glossary and Smart Word Explainer free?
Yes. Both are free to download from the official WordPress.org plugin directory. Either may also offer paid upgrades from its developer.
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