Merriam-Webster's Word of the Day

Merriam-Webster's Word of the Day for September 1, 2026 is: conscientious \kahn-shee-EN-shus\ adjective Conscientious describes someone who is concerned with doing things correctly. It can be used as a synonym for both [meticulous](https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/meticulous) and [careful](https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/careful). // She has always been a...

Merriam-Webster's Word of the Day for August 31, 2026 is: gumption \GUMP-shun\ noun Gumption refers to courage and confidence. // It took a lot of gumption to speak up for yourself like that. [See the entry >](https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/gumption) Examples: "Fourth graders devise machines powered by rubber bands and 10-year-old ingenuity, some of the mo...

Merriam-Webster's Word of the Day for August 30, 2026 is: illustrious \ih-LUSS-tree-us\ adjective Illustrious describes a person or deed that is highly admired and respected. // During the ceremony, the illustrious star of stage and screen was presented with a lifetime achievement award. [See the entry >](https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/illustrious) Examples:...

Merriam-Webster's Word of the Day for August 29, 2026 is: kith \KITH\ noun Kith is an old-fashioned term that refers to familiar friends, neighbors, or relatives. It is often used in the phrase “kith and kin,” which means “friends and relatives.” // Spending time with kith and kin at the end of the summer is the highlight of our year. [See the entry >](https://www.merriam...

Merriam-Webster's Word of the Day for August 28, 2026 is: cogent \KOH-junt\ adjective Cogent is a formal word that describes something that is very clear and easy for the mind to accept and believe. It is used as a synonym of [convincing](https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/convincing). // At the town meeting, citizens presented many cogent arguments in support of buil...