Merriam-Webster's Word of the Day

Nov 20 2024 10 ep. 2 mins 16.7k

Merriam-Webster's Word of the Day Podcast artwork

Build your vocabulary with Merriam-Webster's Word of the Day! Each day a Merriam-Webster editor offers insight into a fascinating new word -- explaining its meaning, current use, and little-known details about its origin.

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tenacious

Nov 20 2024 2 mins

Merriam-Webster's Word of the Day for November 21, 2024 is: tenacious \tuh-NAY-shus\ adjective Something described as tenacious cannot easily be stopped or pulled part; in other words, it is firm or strong. Tenacious can also describe something—such as a myth—that continues or persists for a long time, or someone who is determined to do something. // Caleb was surprised by th

snivel

Nov 19 2024 2 mins

Merriam-Webster's Word of the Day for November 20, 2024 is: snivel \SNIV-ul\ verb To snivel is to speak or act in a whining, sniffling, tearful, or weakly emotional manner. The word snivel may also be used to mean "to run at the nose," "to [snuffle](https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/snuffle)," or "to cry or whine with snuffling." // She was unmoved by the millionaires sn

moot

Nov 18 2024 2 mins

Merriam-Webster's Word of the Day for November 19, 2024 is: moot \MOOT\ adjective Moot typically describes something that is no longer important or worth discussing. It can also describe something that is argued about but not possible for people to prove. // I think they were wrong, but the point is moot. Their decision has been made and it can't be changed now. // Perhaps they

denigrate

Nov 17 2024 1 mins

Merriam-Webster's Word of the Day for November 18, 2024 is: denigrate \DEN-ih-grayt\ verb To denigrate someone is to criticize them heavily and often unfairly. Denigrate can also mean "to make something seem less important or valuable." // Her essay denigrates her mentor as a person and as a teacher. // Though initially quick to denigrate the work that had been done, the group q

grandiloquence

Nov 16 2024 2 mins

Merriam-Webster's Word of the Day for November 17, 2024 is: grandiloquence \gran-DIH-luh-kwunss\ noun Grandiloquence is a formal word that refers to the use of extravagantly colorful or pompous language often in order to sound impressive and important. // He was known for the [flowery](https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/flowery) grandiloquence of his speeches which, his

steadfast

Nov 15 2024 1 mins

Merriam-Webster's Word of the Day for November 16, 2024 is: steadfast \STED-fast\ adjective Someone described as steadfast is very devoted or loyal to a person, belief, or cause. Steadfast is also used to describe something, such as support, that remains unchanging. // Despite the singer’s recent change in creative direction, his true fans have remained steadfast. // She remai

cachet

Nov 14 2024 1 mins

Merriam-Webster's Word of the Day for November 15, 2024 is: cachet \ka-SHAY\ noun Cachet is used as a synonym of [prestige](https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/prestige) to refer to the respect and admiration someone or something receives for being successful or important. It can also be used to refer to a characteristic feature or quality that confers such prestige. // Hi

raddled

Nov 13 2024 2 mins

Merriam-Webster's Word of the Day for November 14, 2024 is: raddled \RAD-uld\ adjective Someone described as raddled is in a confused or befuddled state (as from drinking). Raddled can also describe things that are broken-down or worn. // We were met at the door by a raddled old man who turned out to be the actor’s father, and who in his day had also been an estimable presence

bevy

Nov 12 2024 2 mins

Merriam-Webster's Word of the Day for November 13, 2024 is: bevy \BEV-ee\ noun A bevy is a large group of people or things. Bevy is usually used in the singular form and accompanied by the word of. // The new streaming platform featured a bevy of new movies to choose from. [See the entry ](https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/bevy) Examples: “Among several ‘movin

labile

Nov 11 2024 1 mins

Merriam-Webster's Word of the Day for November 12, 2024 is: labile \LAY-byle\ adjective Someone or something described as labile is readily open to change. Labile can also be used as a synonym of [unstable](https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/unstable) to describe things that are readily or continually undergoing chemical, physical, or biological change or breakdown. // Th