Stan Carey at the blog Sentence First concludes that it operates "in such a thorough and unbiased way is what elevates MWDEU so far above the ordinary.
Each entry is presented in a much broader context than is typically the case in books that advise on English usage and style.
"[1] It is critically acclaimed by the linguist Geoffrey Pullum, who calls it "the best usage book I know of... utterly wonderful.
"[2] The Economist included it in its list "What to read to become a better writer," stating, "What distinguishes MWDEU is its relentless empiricism.
"[3] It is known for its historical scholarship, analysis, use of examples, and descriptive approach.