Merriam-Webster's Word of the Day

Merriam-Webster's Word of the Day for November 14, 2025 is: heyday • \HAY-day\ • noun Heyday refers to the period of one's greatest popularity, vigor, or prosperity. It is usually used in the singular.// In its heyday, the circus was a major form of entertainment for the small town.See the entry > Examples: "In its heyday, there were more than 200 Chi-Chi's nationwide; the last restaurant...

Merriam-Webster's Word of the Day for November 13, 2025 is: peremptory • \puh-REMP-tuh-ree\ • adjective Peremptory is a formal word used especially in legal contexts to describe an order, command, etc., that requires immediate compliance with no opportunity to show why one should not comply. It is also used disapprovingly to describe someone with an arrogant attitude, or something indicative of...

Merriam-Webster's Word of the Day for November 12, 2025 is: abide • \uh-BYDE\ • verb If someone cannot abide someone or something bad, unpleasant, etc., they cannot tolerate or accept that person or thing. Abide can also mean "to accept without objection" and "to remain or continue."// I just can't abide such blatant dishonesty.// Residents agree to abide by the dorm's rules. See the entry >...

Merriam-Webster's Word of the Day for November 11, 2025 is: doughty • \DOW-tee\ • adjective Doughty is a word with an old-fashioned flair used to describe someone who is brave, strong, and determined.// The monument celebrates the doughty townspeople who fended off invaders centuries ago.See the entry > Examples: “The film chooses to render our doughty heroes’ super-costumes as cerulean-blue...

Merriam-Webster's Word of the Day for November 10, 2025 is: temerity • \tuh-MAIR-uh-tee\ • noun Temerity is the quality of being confident and unafraid of danger or punishment, especially in a way that seems rude or foolish. Temerity may also refer to a rash or reckless act.// She had the temerity to ask me for another loan when she had yet to begin repaying the first one.// The students somehow...

Merriam-Webster's Word of the Day for November 9, 2025 is: improvident • \im-PRAH-vuh-dunt\ • adjective Improvident is a formal word used to describe something that does not foresee or provide for the future, especially with regard to money. An improvident relationship, habit, or practice is financially unwise or impractical.// The directors were blasted at the committee hearing for their...

Merriam-Webster's Word of the Day for November 8, 2025 is: bromide • \BROH-myde\ • noun A bromide is a statement intended to make someone feel happier or calmer, but too dull and unoriginal to be effective.// Their speech had nothing more to offer than the usual bromides about how everyone needs to work together.See the entry > Examples: “According to the old bromide, the grass is greener on...

Merriam-Webster's Word of the Day for November 7, 2025 is: vamoose • \vuh-MOOSS\ • verb Vamoose is an informal word that means "to depart quickly." // With the sheriff hot on their tails, the bank robbers knew they had better vamoose.See the entry > Examples: "... I spotted the culprit, a young racoon, attempting to dislodge one of my feeders. Caught in the act, he ran for his life when I...

Merriam-Webster's Word of the Day for November 6, 2025 is: conciliatory • \kun-SILL-yuh-tor-ee\ • adjective Something described as conciliatory is intended to reduce hostility or to gain favor or goodwill.// As the customer’s voice rose, the manager adopted a soothing, conciliatory tone and promised that the situation would be remedied.See the entry > Examples: “When I was younger, and my...

Merriam-Webster's Word of the Day for November 5, 2025 is: lout • \LOUT\ • noun A lout is an awkward brutish person.// It was difficult for us to focus on the movie due to the noise coming from the group of louts seated in front of us.See the entry > Examples: “Fortunately for Vince, Jake is about to sell their mother’s house, and the proceeds should cover his deep debts. As is often the case...