Merriam-Webster's Word of the Day

Merriam-Webster's Word of the Day for June 28, 2026 is:

gainsay • \gayn-SAY\  • verb

To gainsay something is to deny or disagree with it, or to show or say that it is not true. Gainsay is a formal word usually used in negative statements.

// Although the defendant initially denied involvement in the incident, there was no gainsaying the evidence that the prosecutor presented at the trial.

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Examples:

“Whatever you think of it, there’s no gainsaying the fact that ‘The Sound of Music’ is a remarkably durable vehic...

Merriam-Webster's Word of the Day for June 27, 2026 is:

oracular • \aw-RAK-yuh-ler\  • adjective

Oracular is a formal word that can describe something used to forecast or prophesize, or something that resembles or relates to something used for such purposes. Oracular can also describe something that resembles an oracle—a person (such as a priestess of ancient Greece) through whom a deity is believed to speak; in this sense, an oracular statement, voice, etc. conveys wisdom or solemnity.

// A few recordings of the famous speaker still exist, and though his language is formal to the point of soun...

Merriam-Webster's Word of the Day for June 26, 2026 is:

symbiosis • \sim-bee-OH-sis\  • noun

Symbiosis is a formal word that refers to a relationship between two people or groups that work with and depend on each other. In biology, symbiosis refers to the relationship between two different kinds of living things that live together and depend on each other.

// The new playground is the result of symbiosis between multiple stakeholders, including residents, donors, and town officials.

// The bacteria exist in symbiosis with the plant’s roots.

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Merriam-Webster's Word of the Day for June 25, 2026 is:

jaundiced • \JAWN-dist\  • adjective

Jaundiced means “showing or influenced by feelings of distrust, distaste, or hostility.” Someone described as jaundiced, or as possessing jaundiced opinions or views, is typically understood to feel that way because of negative past experiences.

// She developed a jaundiced view of politics after years of chairing her local school board committee and witnessing all kinds of petty shenanigans.

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Examples:

“Now, I’m not accusing the mayor of anything. I’m saying that all of these ac...

Merriam-Webster's Word of the Day for June 25, 2026 is:

jaundiced • \JAWN-dist\  • adjective

Jaundiced means “showing or influenced by feelings of distrust, distaste, or hostility.” Someone described as jaundiced, or as possessing jaundiced opinions or views, is typically understood to feel that way because of negative past experiences.

// She developed a jaundiced view of politics after years of chairing her local school board committee and witnessing all kinds of petty shenanigans.

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Examples:

“Now, I’m not accusing the mayor of anything. I’m saying that all of these ac...

Merriam-Webster's Word of the Day for June 24, 2026 is:

pantheon • \PAN-thee-ahn\  • noun

Pantheon usually refers to a group of famous or notable people or things. It also refers to the officially recognized gods of a particular people, as well as to the Roman Pantheon, the domed temple begun in 27 B.C. and rebuilt circa 118-128 A.D.

// With her induction into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, the distinguished bassist and songwriter joined a pantheon of musical legends.

// His research is primarily dedicated to the Greek and Roman pantheons.

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Merriam-Webster's Word of the Day for June 23, 2026 is:

quail • \KWAIL\  • verb

To quail is to feel afraid and often to show your fear in a way that can be clearly seen.

// Although giving a 5-minute speech was a requirement for passing the class, a few students quailed at the thought of public speaking, seeming to shrink behind their desks.

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Examples:

“Several came to protest but didn’t want their own voices cited. A woman holding a sign reading ‘I’M A 77 YEAR OLD GRANNY FOR FR...

Merriam-Webster's Word of the Day for June 22, 2026 is:

cavalcade • \kav-ul-KAYD\  • noun

Cavalcade most often refers to a series of related things. An older meaning, still in use, is “a procession of riders or carriages”; vehicles or ships in a procession can be referred to as a cavalcade too.

// Since the high-powered console’s debut late last year, video game companies have steadily unveiled a cavalcade of new games that showcase its groundbreaking graphics.

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Examples:

“The event opened with a cavalcade of musicians, dancers and local chi...

Merriam-Webster's Word of the Day for June 21, 2026 is:

assiduous • \uh-SIJ-uh-wus\  • adjective

Assiduous is a formal word that means “showing great care, attention, and effort.”

// Thanks to the assiduous efforts of the local land trust over many years, a substantial amount of whip-poor-will habitat is now protected from development.

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Examples:

“My mom was also assiduous about what we would today call food safety, avoiding anything that could possibly cause illness, especially raw meat: ‘Well done’ was the norm for everything, and anything that could possibly go bad...

Merriam-Webster's Word of the Day for June 20, 2026 is:

longueur • \lawn-GUR\  • noun

Longueur refers to a boring part of something (such as a book or play). It is usually used in the plural form.

// Though not without its longueurs, the opera came to life in the last act.

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Examples:

“Game 3 of the World Series was a stone-cold thriller, with peaks of high drama and longueurs of exquisitely tense tedium ...” — Steve Rushin, The Atlantic, 2 Nov. 2025

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Merriam-Webster's Word of the Day for June 19, 2026 is:

indomitable • \in-DAH-muh-tuh-bul\  • adjective

Indomitable is a formal word used to describe something that is impossible to defeat or discourage.

// Juneteenth celebrates the abolition of slavery in the United States, and honors the indomitable spirit of African Americans past and present fighting for justice, liberation, and the fulfillment of this nation’s ideals.

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Examples:

“During his legendary NBA career, Michael Jordan was renowned not only for his athleticism and skill but also for his indomitable will to win.”...