Merriam-Webster's Word of the Day
Free daily dose of word power from Merriam-Webster's experts
Episodes
Merriam-Webster's Word of the Day for December 4, 2025 is:
frowsy • \FROW-zee\ • adjective
Something described as frowsy has a messy or dirty appearance.
// The lamp, discovered in a neglected corner of a frowsy antique store, turned out to be quite valuable.
Examples:
“Footag...
Merriam-Webster's Word of the Day for December 3, 2025 is:
alchemy • \AL-kuh-mee\ • noun
Alchemy refers to a power or process that changes or transforms something in a mysterious or impressive way.
// They practiced their alchemy in the kitchen, turning a pile of vegetables and legumes into an extravagant meal.
...Merriam-Webster's Word of the Day for December 2, 2025 is:
cajole • \kuh-JOHL\ • verb
To cajole someone is to use flattery or gentle urging to persuade them to do something or to give you something. Cajole can also mean “to deceive with soothing words or false promises.” It is often used with the word into.
// ...
Merriam-Webster's Word of the Day for December 1, 2025 is:
pseudonym • \SOO-duh-nim\ • noun
A pseudonym is a name that someone (such as a writer) uses instead of their real name.
// bell hooks is the pseudonym of the American writer Gloria Jean Watkins.
Examples:
“Edgar Wright,...
Merriam-Webster's Word of the Day for November 30, 2025 is:
iconoclast • \eye-KAH-nuh-klast\ • noun
Iconoclast originally referred to someone who destroys religious images or who opposes their veneration. It is now used to refer broadly to anyone who criticizes or opposes beliefs and practices that are widely ac...
Merriam-Webster's Word of the Day for November 29, 2025 is:
exculpatory • \ek-SKUL-puh-tor-ee\ • adjective
Something described as exculpatory serves to prove that someone is not guilty of doing something wrong.
// Their lawyer presented insurmountable exculpatory evidence at the trial.
...Merriam-Webster's Word of the Day for November 28, 2025 is:
sustain • \suh-STAYN\ • verb
To sustain someone or something is to provide what is needed for that person or thing to exist or continue. Sustain also means "to hold up the weight of," "to suffer or endure," or "to confirm or prove." In legal contexts, t...
Merriam-Webster's Word of the Day for November 27, 2025 is:
cornucopia • \kor-nuh-KOH-pee-uh\ • noun
A cornucopia, also known as a horn of plenty, is a curved, hollow goat’s horn or similarly shaped receptacle (such as a horn-shaped basket) that is overflowing, especially with fruit and vegetables. The image of ...
Merriam-Webster's Word of the Day for November 26, 2025 is:
unabashed • \un-uh-BASHT\ • adjective
Someone who is unabashed is not embarrassed or ashamed about openly expressing strong feelings or opinions.
// Unabashed by their booing and hissing, the artist continued with the musical performance.
Merriam-Webster's Word of the Day for November 25, 2025 is:
perdition • \per-DISH-un\ • noun
Perdition refers to hell, or to the state of being in hell forever as punishment after death—in other words, damnation. It is usually used figuratively.
// Dante’s Inferno details the main character’s journey through ...
Popular Podcasts
Current and classic episodes, featuring compelling true-crime mysteries, powerful documentaries and in-depth investigations. Follow now to get the latest episodes of Dateline NBC completely free, or subscribe to Dateline Premium for ad-free listening and exclusive bonus content: DatelinePremium.com
In 1997, actress Kristin Davis’ life was forever changed when she took on the role of Charlotte York in Sex and the City. As we watched Carrie, Samantha, Miranda and Charlotte navigate relationships in NYC, the show helped push once unacceptable conversation topics out of the shadows and altered the narrative around women and sex. We all saw ourselves in them as they searched for fulfillment in life, sex and friendships. Now, Kristin Davis wants to connect with you, the fans, and share untold stories and all the behind the scenes. Together, with Kristin and special guests, what will begin with Sex and the City will evolve into talks about themes that are still so relevant today. "Are you a Charlotte?" is much more than just rewatching this beloved show, it brings the past and the present together as we talk with heart, humor and of course some optimism.
If you've ever wanted to know about champagne, satanism, the Stonewall Uprising, chaos theory, LSD, El Nino, true crime and Rosa Parks, then look no further. Josh and Chuck have you covered.
The Clay Travis and Buck Sexton Show. Clay Travis and Buck Sexton tackle the biggest stories in news, politics and current events with intelligence and humor. From the border crisis, to the madness of cancel culture and far-left missteps, Clay and Buck guide listeners through the latest headlines and hot topics with fun and entertaining conversations and opinions.
Does hearing about a true crime case always leave you scouring the internet for the truth behind the story? Dive into your next mystery with Crime Junkie. Every Monday, join your host Ashley Flowers as she unravels all the details of infamous and underreported true crime cases with her best friend Brit Prawat. From cold cases to missing persons and heroes in our community who seek justice, Crime Junkie is your destination for theories and stories you won’t hear anywhere else. Whether you're a seasoned true crime enthusiast or new to the genre, you'll find yourself on the edge of your seat awaiting a new episode every Monday. If you can never get enough true crime... Congratulations, you’ve found your people. Follow to join a community of Crime Junkies! Crime Junkie is presented by audiochuck Media Company.