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 July 18, 2025 is:
meritorious • \mair-uh-TOR-ee-us\ • adjective
Meritorious is a formal adjective used to describe something that is deserving of honor, praise, or esteem.
// She was honored for her meritorious service to the city.
Examples:
...
Merriam-Webster's Word of the Day for July 17, 2025 is:
fugitive • \FYOO-juh-tiv\ • noun
Fugitive refers to a person who runs away to avoid being captured or arrested.
// The FBI regularly updates and circulates its list of most wanted fugitives, and asks communities where they might be seen to be careful and ...
Merriam-Webster's Word of the Day for July 16, 2025 is:
abject • \AB-jekt\ • adjective
Abject usually describes things that are extremely bad or severe. It can also describe something that feels or shows shame, or someone lacking courage or strength.
// Happily, their attempts to derail the project ended in abj...
Merriam-Webster's Word of the Day for July 15, 2025 is:
tantalize • \TAN-tuh-lyze\ • verb
To tantalize someone is to cause them to feel interest or excitement about something that is very attractive, appealing, etc.
// She was tantalized by the prospect of a big promotion.
Examples...
Merriam-Webster's Word of the Day for July 14, 2025 is:
nuance • \NOO-ahnss\ • noun
A nuance is a very small difference in something, such as color, tone, meaning, etc.
// Amy’s musical ear makes it easy for her to detect the subtle nuances in sampled music.
Examples:
“Whether ...
Merriam-Webster's Word of the Day for July 13, 2025 is:
contrite • \kun-TRYTE\ • adjective
Contrite is a formal adjective used to describe someone who feels regret for their bad behavior, or something, such as an apology, that shows such regret.
// Although the mayor appeared contrite about the most recent scan...
Merriam-Webster's Word of the Day for July 12, 2025 is:
impunity • \im-PYOO-nuh-tee\ • noun
Impunity, usually used in the phrase "with impunity," refers to exemption or freedom from punishment, harm, or loss.
// They mistakenly believe that they can break the camp's rules with impunity.
...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// Given the appeal court’s recent decision, it is likely that the law will be rescinded.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...
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