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word of the year 2018 woty behind the scenes
Words of the Year

2018 Word of the Year: Behind the Scenes

Editor Peter Sokolowski discusses 'justice' and the rest of our Word of the Year 2018 selections


How did we choose justice as our Word of the Year? Peter Sokolowski explains the data behind our decisions, and how this and the other Words of the Year reflect what was on people's minds this year.

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play word of the year 2018 woty behind the scenes
2018 Word of the Year: Behind the Scenes

 

How we chose 'justice'

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How Do You Pronounce 'Groceries'?

 

Is there one standard way?

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Healthy vs. Healthful

 

Why both words are equally good for you.

play video cynic
The History of 'Cynic'

 

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

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Why did Yankee Doodle call a feather 'macaroni'?

 

What's with his feathered cap?

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'Nip it in the butt' or 'Nip it in the bud'?

 

We're gonna stop you right there

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The Serial Comma Explained

 

Why don't they call it the Merriam-Webster comma?

Games & Quizzes

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Quordle Can you solve 4 words at once?
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Blossom Pick the best words!
Play Missing Letter: a crossword with a twist. Each of the 25 puzzle words start with a different letter of the alphabet. Which letter is missing?
Missing Letter A daily crossword with a twist
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Challenging Standardized Test Words 20 questions to help you score 1600
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