Merriam-Webster's Word of the Day
Free daily dose of word power from Merriam-Webster's experts
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Merriam-Webster's Word of the Day for November 17, 2025 is:
crucible • \KROO-suh-bul\ • noun
A crucible, in the word’s literal use, is a pot in which metals or other substances are heated to a very high temperature or melted. But crucible is more often encountered in figurative use referring to a difficult test ...
Merriam-Webster's Word of the Day for November 16, 2025 is:
writhe • \RYTHE\ • verb
To writhe is to twist one’s body from side to side. The word is often used when the body or a bodily part is twisting in pain.
// The injured player lay on the football field, writhing in pain.
// At the instruction of their t...
Merriam-Webster's Word of the Day for November 15, 2025 is:
radial • \RAY-dee-ul\ • adjective
Radial describes things that are arranged or have parts arranged in straight lines coming out from the center of a circle.
// Her mosaics echo radial patterns observed in nature, from succulents to sea urchins.
Merriam-Webster's Word of the Day for November 14, 2025 is:
heyday • \HAY-day\ • noun
Heyday refers to the period of one's greatest popularity, vigor, or prosperity. It is usually used in the singular.
// In its heyday, the circus was a major form of entertainment for the small town.
...
Merriam-Webster's Word of the Day for November 13, 2025 is:
peremptory • \puh-REMP-tuh-ree\ • adjective
Peremptory is a formal word used especially in legal contexts to describe an order, command, etc., that requires immediate compliance with no opportunity to show why one should not comply. It is also used disa...
Merriam-Webster's Word of the Day for November 12, 2025 is:
abide • \uh-BYDE\ • verb
If someone cannot abide someone or something bad, unpleasant, etc., they cannot tolerate or accept that person or thing. Abide can also mean "to accept without objection" and "to remain or continue."
// I just can't abide such ...
Merriam-Webster's Word of the Day for November 11, 2025 is:
doughty • \DOW-tee\ • adjective
Doughty is a word with an old-fashioned flair used to describe someone who is brave, strong, and determined.
// The monument celebrates the doughty townspeople who fended off invaders centuries ago.
...Merriam-Webster's Word of the Day for November 10, 2025 is:
temerity • \tuh-MAIR-uh-tee\ • noun
Temerity is the quality of being confident and unafraid of danger or punishment, especially in a way that seems rude or foolish. Temerity may also refer to a rash or reckless act.
// She had the temerity to ask me fo...
Merriam-Webster's Word of the Day for November 9, 2025 is:
improvident • \im-PRAH-vuh-dunt\ • adjective
Improvident is a formal word used to describe something that does not foresee or provide for the future, especially with regard to money. An improvident relationship, habit, or practice is financially unwise o...
Merriam-Webster's Word of the Day for November 8, 2025 is:
bromide • \BROH-myde\ • noun
A bromide is a statement intended to make someone feel happier or calmer, but too dull and unoriginal to be effective.
// Their speech had nothing more to offer than the usual bromides about how everyone needs to work togeth...
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