C++ - Efficient container for large amounts of searchable data? <p>I am implementing a text-based version of Scrabble for a College project.</p> <p>My dictionary is quite large, weighing in at around 400.000 words (<code>std::string</code>).</p> <p>Searching for a valid word will suck, big time, in terms of efficiency if I go for a <code>vector&lt;string&gt;</code> ( O(n) ). Are there any good alternatives? Keep in mind, I'm enrolled in freshman year. Nothing TOO complex!</p> <p>Thanks for your time!</p> <p>Francisco</p>