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 September 25, 2025 is:
anomaly • \uh-NAH-muh-lee\ • noun
Anomaly is a somewhat formal word that refers to something that is remarkable in its deviation from what is usual or expected.
// Last summer’s storm was an anomaly for this area.
// We were unable to explain the ano...
Merriam-Webster's Word of the Day for September 24, 2025 is:
brandish • \BRAN-dish\ • verb
To brandish something, such as a weapon, is to wave or swing it in a threatening or excited manner.
// Squeals of laughter erupted as three children brandishing squirt guns rounded the corner of the house.
Merriam-Webster's Word of the Day for September 23, 2025 is:
nonpareil • \nahn-puh-REL\ • adjective
Nonpareil describes that which has no equal because it is better than any other.
// To this day, the band's debut album is still considered nonpareil, raising the bar for every rock group to follow.
Merriam-Webster's Word of the Day for September 22, 2025 is:
catch-22 • \KATCH-twen-tee-TOO\ • noun
Catch-22 typically refers to a difficult situation for which there is no easy or possible solution. In the narrowest use of the term, it refers to a problematic situation for which the only solution is denied by a...
Merriam-Webster's Word of the Day for September 21, 2025 is:
lugubrious • \loo-GOO-bree-us\ • adjective
Lugubrious is a formal word used chiefly to describe something that is very sad especially in an exaggerated or insincere way. The word can also describe something that shows or expresses gloom.
// The movie’...
Merriam-Webster's Word of the Day for September 20, 2025 is:
enmity • \EN-muh-tee\ • noun
Enmity is a formal word that refers to a very deep unfriendly feeling, such as hatred or ill will, that is often felt mutually.
// Having to collaborate on the project only increased the bitter enmity between the two cowor...
Merriam-Webster's Word of the Day for September 19, 2025 is:
succumb • \suh-KUM\ • verb
Succumbing is about yielding to something: someone who succumbs to a pressure or emotion stops trying to resist that pressure or emotion, and someone who succumbs to an injury or disease dies because of that injury or disease...
Merriam-Webster's Word of the Day for September 18, 2025 is:
rationale • \rash-uh-NAL\ • noun
Rationale refers to an explanation or reason for something said or done. It is often used with for, behind, or of.
// City council members who oppose the zoning change should be ready to explain their rationale for vot...
Merriam-Webster's Word of the Day for September 17, 2025 is:
jovial • \JOH-vee-ul\ • adjective
Jovial describes people as well as moods, attitudes, etc., that are cheerful and jolly.
// The audience was in a jovial mood as the headlining comedian walked onto the stage.
Examples:
...
Merriam-Webster's Word of the Day for September 16, 2025 is:
debunk • \dee-BUNK\ • verb
To debunk something (such as a belief or theory) is to show that it is not true.
// The influencer remained enormously popular despite having the bulk of their health claims thoroughly debunked.
...
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