Merriam-Webster's Word of the Day

Merriam-Webster's Word of the Day for December 27, 2025 is: apropos • \ap-ruh-POH\ • preposition Apropos is used as a preposition to mean "with regard to." It is frequently used in the phrase "apropos of."// Sean interrupted our conversation about politics and, apropos of nothing, asked who we thought would win the basketball game.As an adjective, apropos describes something that is suitable or...

Merriam-Webster's Word of the Day for December 26, 2025 is: grandiose • \gran-dee-OHSS\ • adjective Grandiose is usually used disapprovingly to describe something that seems impressive or is intended to be impressive, but that is either not possible or practical.// The long-vacant historic building has finally been purchased, and the developer has announced grandiose plans to make it the center...

Merriam-Webster's Word of the Day for December 25, 2025 is: noel • \noh-EL\ • noun When capitalized, Noel refers to Christmas or the Christmas season. Uncapitalized, noel refers to a Christmas carol.// We were greeted at the door by a group of carolers singing noels. // Every year we send our family Christmas cards with our photo enclosed wishing everyone a joyous Noel.See the entry >...

Merriam-Webster's Word of the Day for December 24, 2025 is: hark back • \HAHRK-BAK\ • verb Harking back can be about turning back to an earlier topic or circumstance, as in "a storyteller harking back to his youth," or it can be about going back to something as an origin or source, as in "a style that harks back to the turn of the previous century."// The dinner conversation harked back to the...

Merriam-Webster's Word of the Day for December 23, 2025 is: bespoke • \bih-SPOHK\ • adjective Bespoke describes something that is custom-made—that is, made to fit the needs or requirements of a particular person.// As a tailor, Lana specialized in crafting bespoke clothing for her clients, each piece unique and suited to their tastes.See the entry > Examples: “The vehicles are bespoke machines...

Merriam-Webster's Word of the Day for December 22, 2025 is: temporize • \TEM-puh-ryze\ • verb To temporize is to avoid making a decision or giving a definite answer in order to have more time. // Pressured by voters on both sides of the issue, the congressman temporized.See the entry > Examples: "The question is, Did you eat the last piece of pie? And the politician who ate the last piece of...

Merriam-Webster's Word of the Day for December 21, 2025 is: hibernaculum • \hye-ber-NAK-yuh-lum\ • noun Hibernaculum (plural hibernacula) refers to a shelter occupied during the winter by a dormant animal, such as an insect, snake, bat, or marmot.// Local scientists are studying the longevity of bats who use bridges and other aboveground hibernacula versus that of bats who roost all winter in...

Merriam-Webster's Word of the Day for December 20, 2025 is: decorous • \DECK-er-us\ • adjective Decorous is a formal adjective used to describe an attitude or behavior characterized by propriety and good taste. // The ceremony was conducted with a decorous solemnity. See the entry > Examples: “... Elizabeth reveals, later, that she felt she never belonged to the decorous world of parties and...

Merriam-Webster's Word of the Day for December 19, 2025 is: veracity • \vuh-RASS-uh-tee\ • noun Veracity is a formal word that can refer to truth or accuracy, or to the quality of being truthful or honest.// The jury seemed not to doubt the veracity of the witness.See the entry > Examples: "Raise your hand if you've been questioning the veracity of real events, news stories and images posted...

Merriam-Webster's Word of the Day for December 18, 2025 is: jaunty • \JAWN-tee\ • adjective Something described as jaunty is lively in manner or appearance. Jaunty can also describe something, such as an article of clothing, that suggests a lively and confident quality. // The server whistled a jaunty tune as she wiped the tables and set out fresh flowers in preparation for the day’s diners.See...