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 July 11, 2025 is:
rescind • \rih-SIND\ • verb
To rescind something, such as a law, contract, agreement, etc., is to end it officially. Rescind can also mean “to take back; to cancel.”
// Given the appeal court’s recent decision, it is likely that the law will be rescinded.
...Merriam-Webster's Word of the Day for July 10, 2025 is:
boffo • \BAH-foh\ • adjective
Boffo is an informal word that describes things that are extremely good or successful.
// The most recent film in the long-running franchise has done boffo business at the box office, a testament to the series’ enduring popula...
Merriam-Webster's Word of the Day for July 9, 2025 is:
simulacrum • \sim-yuh-LAK-rum\ • noun
A simulacrum is a superficial likeness of something, usually as an imitation, copy, or representation. The plural of simulacrum is either simulacrums or simulacra.
// The surprise still succeeded, thanks to the simulacr...
Merriam-Webster's Word of the Day for July 8, 2025 is:
exemplary • \ig-ZEM-pluh-ree\ • adjective
Something described as exemplary is extremely good and deserves to be admired and copied.
// Our research team was awarded for our exemplary work on the project.
Examples:
“[Direc...
Merriam-Webster's Word of the Day for July 7, 2025 is:
procrastinate • \pruh-KRASS-tuh-nayt\ • verb
To procrastinate is to be slow or late about doing something that should be done, or about doing or attending to things in general.
// Tickets to the event are selling swiftly, so don't procrastinate—buy yours to...
Merriam-Webster's Word of the Day for July 6, 2025 is:
antic • \AN-tik\ • noun
Antic refers to an attention-drawing, often wildly playful or funny act or action. It is usually used in its plural form, and is often used disapprovingly.
// It wasn't clear which students were ultimately responsible for the antics...
Merriam-Webster's Word of the Day for July 5, 2025 is:
cantankerous • \kan-TANK-uh-rus\ • adjective
A cantankerous person is often angry and annoyed, and a cantankerous animal or thing is difficult or irritating to deal with.
// Although the former postman was regarded by some townspeople as a scowling, cantank...
Merriam-Webster's Word of the Day for July 4, 2025 is:
Yankee • \YANG-kee\ • noun
Yankee can refer broadly to anyone born or living in the U.S., more narrowly to only those in the northern U.S., or even more narrowly to only those in the states of New England. The broadest use is especially common outside the U....
Merriam-Webster's Word of the Day for July 3, 2025 is:
desultory • \DEH-sul-tor-ee\ • adjective
Desultory is a formal word used to describe something that lacks a plan or purpose, or that occurs without regularity. It can also describe something unconnected to a main subject, or something that is disappointing i...
Merriam-Webster's Word of the Day for July 2, 2025 is:
galumph • \guh-LUMF\ • verb
To galumph is to move in a loud and clumsy way.
// I could hear them galumphing around in the attic in search of old family photo albums.
Examples:
“Dragons! Dragons roaring! Dragons squawking! D...
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