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 December 30, 2025 is:
charisma • \kuh-RIZ-muh\ • noun
Charisma refers to a special magnetic charm or appeal that causes people to feel attracted and excited by someone. A person with charisma is captivating and often admired.
// The young singer has the kind of charisma th...
Merriam-Webster's Word of the Day for December 29, 2025 is:
nefarious • \nih-FAIR-ee-us\ • adjective
Nefarious is a formal word that describes something as evil or immoral.
// Authorities suspect that the recovered materials were going to be used for nefarious purposes.
Examples:
...
Merriam-Webster's Word of the Day for December 28, 2025 is:
yen • \YEN\ • noun
A yen is a strong desire, urge, or craving for something.
// After dinner, the family went out for ice cream to satisfy their yen for something sweet.
// Students with a yen to travel should consider studying abroad.
Merriam-Webster's Word of the Day for December 27, 2025 is:
apropos • \ap-ruh-POH\ • preposition
Apropos is used as a preposition to mean "with regard to." It is frequently used in the phrase "apropos of."
// Sean interrupted our conversation about politics and, apropos of nothing, asked who we thought would wi...
Merriam-Webster's Word of the Day for December 26, 2025 is:
grandiose • \gran-dee-OHSS\ • adjective
Grandiose is usually used disapprovingly to describe something that seems impressive or is intended to be impressive, but that is either not possible or practical.
// The long-vacant historic building has finall...
Merriam-Webster's Word of the Day for December 25, 2025 is:
noel • \noh-EL\ • noun
When capitalized, Noel refers to Christmas or the Christmas season. Uncapitalized, noel refers to a Christmas carol.
// We were greeted at the door by a group of carolers singing noels.
// Every year we send our family Christma...
Merriam-Webster's Word of the Day for December 24, 2025 is:
hark back • \HAHRK-BAK\ • verb
Harking back can be about turning back to an earlier topic or circumstance, as in "a storyteller harking back to his youth," or it can be about going back to something as an origin or source, as in "a style that harks back...
Merriam-Webster's Word of the Day for December 23, 2025 is:
bespoke • \bih-SPOHK\ • adjective
Bespoke describes something that is custom-made—that is, made to fit the needs or requirements of a particular person.
// As a tailor, Lana specialized in crafting bespoke clothing for her clients, each piece unique an...
Merriam-Webster's Word of the Day for December 22, 2025 is:
temporize • \TEM-puh-ryze\ • verb
To temporize is to avoid making a decision or giving a definite answer in order to have more time.
// Pressured by voters on both sides of the issue, the congressman temporized.
Examples...
Merriam-Webster's Word of the Day for December 21, 2025 is:
hibernaculum • \hye-ber-NAK-yuh-lum\ • noun
Hibernaculum (plural hibernacula) refers to a shelter occupied during the winter by a dormant animal, such as an insect, snake, bat, or marmot.
// Local scientists are studying the longevity of bats who use b...
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