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CANCEL
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Word History

The History of 'Cynic'

How an ancient philosophical movement devoted to the pursuit of virtue came to describe eye-rolling criticism.

How an ancient philosophical movement devoted to the pursuit of virtue came to describe eye-rolling criticism.

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play video cynic
The History of 'Cynic'

 

How an ancient philosophical movement devoted to the pursuit of virtue came to describe eye-rolling criticism.

play peter-sokolowski-indict-graphic
Video: Why is there a 'c' in 'indict'?

 

And who put it there, anyway?

play video his or her
Is singular 'they' a better choice?

 

The awkward case of 'his or her'

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Hot Mess

 

Our research turned up two archaic literal meanings

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Sneaked vs. Snuck

 

How the irregular 'snuck' sneaked into the dictionary

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How a Word Gets into the Dictionary

 

What our editors are looking for when they enter words in Merriam-Webster.

play video lay vs lie
Lay vs. Lie

 

Editor Emily Brewster clarifies the difference.

Games & Quizzes

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Quordle Can you solve 4 words at once?
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The Missing Letter A daily crossword with a twist
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Quiz: Name That Hat! Time to put on your thinking cap.
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