Merriam-Webster's Word of the Day

Merriam-Webster's Word of the Day for May 24, 2026 is: onus • \OH-nuss\ • noun Onus is a formal word typically used to refer to a responsibility, obligation, or burden. It is usually preceded by the word the.// Management has made it clear that the onus is on employees to ask for further training if they don’t understand the new procedures.See the entry > Examples: “The [London Book Fair]...

Merriam-Webster's Word of the Day for May 23, 2026 is: expedite • \EK-spuh-dyte\ • verb To expedite something is to cause it to happen faster. // We’ll do what we can to expedite the processing of your application.See the entry > Examples: “The new task force ... is required to submit an initial report in 60 days and final report in 90 days with recommendations to simplify, improve and...

Merriam-Webster's Word of the Day for May 22, 2026 is: fraught • \FRAWT\ • adjective Fraught describes something that causes or involves a lot of emotional stress or worry. When fraught is used in the phrase “fraught with,” it means “full of something bad or unwanted.”// The siblings had a fraught relationship.// The paper was poorly researched and fraught with errors.See the entry > Examples:...

Merriam-Webster's Word of the Day for May 21, 2026 is: lacuna • \luh-KOO-nuh\ • noun Lacuna is a formal word that refers to a gap or blank space in something—in other words, a missing part. When used with respect to biology, lacuna also refers to a small cavity, pit, or discontinuity in an anatomical structure.// The absence of hemlock pollen from one stretch of the fossil record is a notable...

Merriam-Webster's Word of the Day for May 20, 2026 is: cordial • \KOR-jul\ • adjective Cordial describes someone or something that is politely pleasant and friendly.// All the guests were assembled and given a cordial greeting by the host.See the entry > Examples: “The Burnside post office is a small one-­room wooden building profusely planted with flowers all around it. ... One enters a tiny...

Merriam-Webster's Word of the Day for May 19, 2026 is: demeanor • \dih-MEE-ner\ • noun Demeanor refers to someone’s outward manner and behavior toward others. // The teacher’s calm demeanor put the classroom at ease.See the entry > Examples: “At home, your demeanor impacts your family more than you realize. Your kids feed off your energy. If you’re engaged, positive, and present, they feel...

Merriam-Webster's Word of the Day for May 18, 2026 is: vindicate • \VIN-duh-kayt\ • verb To vindicate someone is to show that they are not guilty. Vindicate can also mean “to show that someone or something that has been criticized or doubted is correct, true, or reasonable.”// A series of testimonies helped vindicate the defendant. // Their much-maligned approach to the problem has now been...

Merriam-Webster's Word of the Day for May 17, 2026 is: affable • \AF-uh-bul\ • adjective Affable describes someone who is friendly and easy to talk to. It can also describe something, such as someone’s personality, that is characterized by ease and friendliness.// The restaurant’s affable owner can be seen most nights welcoming his guests and making light conversation.// In the hallways, the...

Merriam-Webster's Word of the Day for May 16, 2026 is: kiki • \KEE-kee\ • noun Kiki is a slang term used for an informal gathering among close friends, especially to share lively gossip or frank conversation. It can also refer more broadly to gossipy conversation. Kiki is especially used in and associated with LGBTQ+ and Black communities.// The performers had a kiki backstage before the show.See...

Merriam-Webster's Word of the Day for May 15, 2026 is: tortuous • \TOR-chuh-wus\ • adjective Tortuous describes something that has many literal or figurative twists and turns.// The tortuous mountain path rewards climbers with a stunning view of the town below.// Getting approval for a project of this magnitude is a tortuous process.See the entry > Examples: “Christopher Nolan’s latest epic is...