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. // His research in Antarctica gave him a certain cachet among other scientists. [See the entry...

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 on the London stage. // Louisa was delighted to discover a raddled old radio in her grandparents’ attic, even...

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 ‘moving murals’ currently displayed on select CTA trains is the picture of a young girl standing among daffodils,...

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. // The director was known for being exacting but also labile, open to actors' interpretations of characters. [See...

Merriam-Webster's Word of the Day for November 11, 2024 is: armistice \AHR-muh-stus\ noun An armistice is an agreement to stop fighting a war, or in other words, a [truce](https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/truce). // Both sides in the conflict agreed to an armistice. [See the entry >](https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/armistice) Examples: "The year is 1918, and the armistice is just around the corner, but no one on the front line can possibly know that...

Merriam-Webster's Word of the Day for November 10, 2024 is: truncate \TRUNG-kayt\ verb To truncate something—such as a discussion or essay—is to make it shorter. // The interview was truncated and edited for clarity. [See the entry >](https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/truncate) Examples: “I am a scholar and a student of the Arabic poetic tradition. I study poets from [Imru’ al-Qays](https://www.britannica.com/biography/Imru-al-Qays-Arab-poet) to [Mahmoud...

Merriam-Webster's Word of the Day for November 9, 2024 is: inchoate \in-KOH-ut\ adjective Inchoate is a formal adjective that describes something that is not completely formed or developed yet. // In the podcast, the author described the process by which she took a series of inchoate vignettes and shaped them into her best-selling novel. [See the entry >](https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/inchoate) Examples: "Graffiti inserts itself like the blade of a knife between...

Merriam-Webster's Word of the Day for November 8, 2024 is: feign \FAYN\ verb To feign something (such as surprise, ignorance, or sleep) is to pretend to feel or be affected by it. // I would never feign illness just to get out of a test. [See the entry >](https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/feign) Examples: “After Eric’s betrayal, Harper has landed at a fund dedicated to so-called impact investing in eco-friendly companies, a real-life financial trend that dovetails...

Merriam-Webster's Word of the Day for November 7, 2024 is: dedication \ded-ih-KAY-shun\ noun Dedication refers to devotion, loyalty, or commitment to a person or cause. It can also refer to a message at the beginning of a book, song, etc., that expresses affection or gratitude for someone, or to a ceremony to mark the official completion or opening of something, such as a building. // It took a lot of hard work and dedication, but we managed to finish the project on time. // Her novel...

Merriam-Webster's Word of the Day for November 6, 2024 is: a cappella \ah-kuh-PEL-uh\ adverb or adjective When a song is performed a cappella, it is sung unaccompanied by instrumental music. // A hush fell over the audience as a voice from offstage began singing a cappella. // Several a cappella groups are slated to perform during the celebration. [See the entry >](https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/a%20capella) Examples: "In a video posted to Twitter ......

Merriam-Webster's Word of the Day for November 5, 2024 is: psephology \see-FAH-luh-jee\ noun Psephology is the scientific study of elections. // Brianna was excited to learn that a course on psephology on the schedule for next semester will coincide with local and state elections. [See the entry >](https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/psephology) Examples: "The high school-aged participants of the program partake in various aspects of psephology, from gaining support...

Merriam-Webster's Word of the Day for November 4, 2024 is: amalgamate \uh-MAL-guh-mayt\ verb Amalgamate is a formal verb meaning "to unite (two or more things) into one thing." // The band became famous for amalgamating different musical styles into a unique, signature sound. [See the entry >](https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/amalgamate) Examples: "Place the cornmeal in a bowl, and sift in the flour, salt, baking powder and baking soda. Stir the mixture with a spoon...

Merriam-Webster's Word of the Day for November 3, 2024 is: cursory \KER-suh-ree\ adjective Something described as cursory has been done or made quickly. // We were disappointed that the mayor gave only a cursory glance at our report. [See the entry >](https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/cursory) Examples: “After a few cursory questions … one of the owners offered me the job on the spot and I said yes without asking about the pay, which caused the other one to laugh and...

Merriam-Webster's Word of the Day for November 2, 2024 is: extricate \EK-struh-kayt\ verb To extricate someone or something is to free or remove that person or thing from an entanglement or difficulty, such as a trap or a difficult conversation. // She hasn't been able to extricate herself from her legal problems. // It took all afternoon to extricate the tractor from the mud. [See the entry >](https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/extricate) Examples: “When you've...

Merriam-Webster's Word of the Day for November 1, 2024 is: hatching \HATCH-ing\ noun Hatching refers to the drawing or engraving of lines close together as a method of shading, or to a pattern so created. // The artist uses hatching to breathe life into her comics. // The hatching adds depth to the illustration. [See the entry >](https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/hatching) Examples: "During the second half of the 19th century, drawing achieved a higher status. No...

Merriam-Webster's Word of the Day for October 31, 2024 is: hallowed \HAL-oad\ adjective Hallowed describes something, such as a memorial, considered holy or blessed, or something that is highly respected and revered. // The church stands on hallowed ground. // Community service is one of the organization’s most hallowed traditions. [See the entry >](https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/hallowed) Examples: "Writing these words, I’m sitting in the living room of my...

Merriam-Webster's Word of the Day for October 30, 2024 is: syncretism \SING-kruh-tiz-um\ noun Syncretism refers to the combining of different forms of belief or practice. // As a scholar of religion, Laila is especially interested in the syncretism of [Manichaeism](https://www.britannica.com/topic/Manichaeism), which was influenced by Christianity, Buddhism, and [Zoroastrianism](https://www.britannica.com/topic/Zoroastrianism). [See the entry...

Merriam-Webster's Word of the Day for October 29, 2024 is: omniscient \ahm-NISH-unt\ adjective Omniscient describes someone or something with unlimited knowledge or understanding. // "You'll need to tell me when you don't understand something I've explained," Maria said. "I'm not omniscient, you know." [See the entry >](https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/omniscient) Examples: "The Abrahamic faiths conceive of God as an omniscient creator and generally...

Merriam-Webster's Word of the Day for October 28, 2024 is: disbursement \diss-BERSS-munt\ noun A disbursement is a payout of money from a fund that has been created for a special purpose. Disbursement can also refer to the money that is paid out. // The company has made large disbursements for research. [See the entry >](https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/disbursement) Examples: “Constructing and reserving White Stadium for the benefit of Boston Public Schools...

Merriam-Webster's Word of the Day for October 27, 2024 is: usurp \yoo-SERP\ verb To usurp something (such as power) is to take and keep it by force and without the right to do so. Usurp can also mean "to take the place of by or as if by force." // Some people have accused city council members of trying to usurp the mayor’s power. // We cannot allow lies to usurp the truth. [See the entry >](https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/usurp) Examples: “[Kazimierz] Pułaski,...

Merriam-Webster's Word of the Day for October 26, 2024 is: categorical \kat-uh-GOR-ih-kul\ adjective Categorical is a synonym of [absolute](https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/absolute) and [definite](https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/definite) that describes something that is said in a very strong and clear way. It can also mean "of, relating to, or constituting a [category](https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/category)" or "involving, according with, or considered...

Merriam-Webster's Word of the Day for October 25, 2024 is: euphoria \yoo-FOR-ee-uh\ noun Euphoria refers to a feeling of great happiness and excitement. // The initial euphoria following their championship victory has since subsided. [See the entry >](https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/euphoria) Examples: “Ciara picked up the crown where it had landed. It was warm, but more than that, the metal seemed to pulse somehow, like it was a living thing with a heartbeat of...

Merriam-Webster's Word of the Day for October 24, 2024 is: garnish \GAHR-nish\ verb To garnish food or drink is to add decorative and tasty touches to it, such as a spiral of lemon peel. // Aditi likes to garnish her mashed potatoes with chives and a dollop of sour cream. // Slivers of dark chocolate garnished the cake. [See the entry >](https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/garnish) Examples: “For the more modern [power](https://bit.ly/4dKFFIt) diner, attuned to the...

Merriam-Webster's Word of the Day for October 23, 2024 is: palaver \puh-LAV-er\ noun Palaver is an informal word that usually refers to unimportant or meaningless talk. It can also refer to misleading or deceptive speech, or to a conference or discussion. In British English the word is sometimes used as a synonym of fuss to refer to unnecessary excitement about something. // Enough of this palaver. We have more important things to discuss. [See the entry...