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 August 20, 2025 is:
salient • \SAIL-yunt\ • adjective
Something described as salient is very important or noticeable.
// The assignment was to write down the most salient points made in the article.
// One salient feature of the band's music is the variety of different ge...
Merriam-Webster's Word of the Day for August 19, 2025 is:
euphemism • \YOO-fuh-miz-um\ • noun
A euphemism is a mild or pleasant word or phrase that is used instead of one that is unpleasant or offensive.
// The HR department advises using the euphemism “let go” instead of saying that someone was fired.
Merriam-Webster's Word of the Day for August 18, 2025 is:
ostentatious • \ah-stun-TAY-shus\ • adjective
Ostentatious describes someone or something that displays wealth, knowledge, power, etc., in a way that is meant to attract attention, admiration, or envy. Things that are ostentatious tend to stand out as ove...
Merriam-Webster's Word of the Day for August 17, 2025 is:
glitch • \GLITCH\ • noun
Glitch is an informal word referring to an unexpected and usually minor problem. It is used especially for a minor problem with a machine or device, such as a computer.
// The email went out to everyone in the company because of ...
Merriam-Webster's Word of the Day for August 16, 2025 is:
tempestuous • \tem-PESS-chuh-wus\ • adjective
Tempestuous is used to describe something that is related to or resembles a violent storm. In its literal (and often literary) use tempestuous is synonymous with turbulent and stormy. Figuratively, tempestuous...
Merriam-Webster's Word of the Day for August 15, 2025 is:
meander • \mee-AN-der\ • verb
To meander is to follow a winding or intricate course—that is, one with a lot of turns and curves—or to walk slowly without a specific goal, purpose, or direction.
// We spent the afternoon meandering around the seaside town...
Merriam-Webster's Word of the Day for August 14, 2025 is:
immutable • \ih-MYOO-tuh-bul\ • adjective
Immutable is a formal adjective used to describe something that is unable to be changed.
// It is hardly an immutable fact that cats and dogs are sworn enemies; over the years our golden retriever has grown both ...
Merriam-Webster's Word of the Day for August 13, 2025 is:
calculus • \KAL-kyuh-lus\ • noun
Calculus refers to an advanced branch of mathematics that deals mostly with rates of change and with finding lengths, areas, and volumes. The word can also be used more broadly for the act of calculating—that is, estimatin...
Merriam-Webster's Word of the Day for August 12, 2025 is:
ramshackle • \RAM-shak-ul\ • adjective
Ramshackle describes things that are in a very bad condition and need to be repaired, or that are carelessly or loosely constructed.
// Toward the back of the property stood a ramshackle old shed.
// The book had a...
Merriam-Webster's Word of the Day for August 11, 2025 is:
stipulate • \STIP-yuh-layt\ • verb
To stipulate is to demand or require something as part of an agreement.
// The rules stipulate that players must wear uniforms.
Examples:
“Nilsson’s reputation preceded her. The New Yor...
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