Merriam-Webster's Word of the Day

Merriam-Webster's Word of the Day for January 31, 2026 is: short shrift • \SHORT-SHRIFT\ • noun Short shrift means “little or no attention or thought” or “quick work.” In religious use it refers to barely adequate time for confession before execution.// Certain neighborhoods have received short shrift from the city government. See the entry > Examples: “[Charlie] Caplinger echoed the concerns...

Merriam-Webster's Word of the Day for January 30, 2026 is: preeminent • \pree-EM-uh-nunt\ • adjective Preeminent is a formal word used to describe someone or something more important, skillful, or successful than their counterparts or peers. It is used synonymously with outstanding and supreme. // She's the preeminent chef in a city renowned for its cuisine. See the entry > Examples: "In this...

Merriam-Webster's Word of the Day for January 29, 2026 is: reciprocate • \rih-SIP-ruh-kayt\ • verb To reciprocate is to do something for or to someone who has done something similar for or to you. Reciprocate can also mean “to have (a feeling) for someone who has the same feeling for you.”// It was kind of my friend to give me a ride to the airport, and on the flight I was thinking of how to...

Merriam-Webster's Word of the Day for January 28, 2026 is: bombast • \BAHM-bast\ • noun Bombast is a formal word that refers to speech or writing that is meant to sound important or impressive but that is not sincere or meaningful.// You need less bombast and more substance in this speech.See the entry > Examples: “This is bombast that has not been thought through from a policy perspective. I...

Merriam-Webster's Word of the Day for January 27, 2026 is: fiduciary • \fuh-DOO-shee-air-ee\ • adjective Fiduciary is a formal word describing something relating to or involving trust, such as the trust between a customer and a professional.// The bank's fiduciary obligations are clearly stated in the contract.See the entry > Examples: "Banks and brokerage firms hold a fiduciary responsibility...

Merriam-Webster's Word of the Day for January 26, 2026 is: oaf • \OHF\ • noun Oaf is used to refer to someone as big, clumsy, and slow-witted.// The main character starts the movie as a tactless, bumbling oaf who is constantly causing offense to everyone around them, but eventually learns a valuable lesson about kindness and courtesy.See the entry > Examples: “Let me give you a rose. Well,...

Merriam-Webster's Word of the Day for January 25, 2026 is: resplendent • \rih-SPLEN-dunt\ • adjective Resplendent is a literary word used to describe someone or something as very bright and attractive.// She looked resplendent in her green evening gown.See the entry > Examples: “Her box braids were tied in a top bun that poked out of her green and gold headscarf... . Pretty as the braids were,...

Merriam-Webster's Word of the Day for January 24, 2026 is: garner • \GAHR-ner\ • verb Garner means "to acquire by effort; earn" or "to accumulate or collect."// The new research findings have garnered the attention of medical experts. // The group has garnered support from community organizations.See the entry > Examples: "The novel was already a favourite among literary critics but it's sure...

Merriam-Webster's Word of the Day for January 23, 2026 is: astrolabe • \A-struh-layb\ • noun An astrolabe is a compact instrument used to observe and calculate the position of celestial bodies before the invention of the sextant.// The new astronomy exhibit featured various gadgets and instruments, including an extensive collection of astrolabes.See the entry > Examples: “‘Renaissance...

Merriam-Webster's Word of the Day for January 22, 2026 is: disheveled • \dih-SHEV-uld\ • adjective A disheveled person or thing is not neat or tidy.// His wrinkled suit gave him a disheveled appearance.See the entry > Examples: “My mother is waking up. ... She dresses quickly. Her oblong, Scots-Irish face may be too idiosyncratic for the screen anyway, the hollow cheekbones and sharp eyes, the...