Each year, Merriam-Webster chooses a Word of the Year. These words are picked based on spikes in online dictionary searches. They show the news, culture, and emotions of the year.
From political events to pandemics and social change, the Word of the Year gives us a snapshot of the times.
A Brief History of Words of the Year
Merriam-Webster started the tradition in 2003. But, unlike other dictionaries that choose a word based on internal discussion, Merriam-Webster uses search data from its online dictionary. The word that gets the most attention—especially during key moments in the year—is chosen. Over time, this annual tradition has become a way to track our shared concerns and interests.
Complete List of Merriam-Webster’s Words of the Year (2003–2024)
2024: Polarization
Searches rose as deep political and social divides grew around the world. The word captured rising tensions in news, elections, and public debate.
2023: Authentic
AI and fake content raised questions about what’s real. So, people searched for a way to describe being genuine in a digital world.
2022: Gaslighting
Used to describe emotional manipulation, especially in relationships, media, and politics.
2021: Vaccine
COVID-19 vaccines sparked massive interest, debate, and public health campaigns.
2020: Pandemic
Searches exploded as COVID-19 changed the world.
2019: They
Recognized as a singular, gender-neutral pronoun, reflecting evolving views on identity.
2018: Justice
A key term in discussions on social, racial, and legal systems.
2017: Feminism
Surged after the Women’s March and the rise of #MeToo.
2016: Surreal
Spiked during events like terror attacks and the U.S. presidential election.
2015: -ism
A suffix that showed up in many popular terms, from racism to feminism to terrorism.
2014: Culture
Used in phrases like “pop culture” and “workplace culture,” it captured many topics at once.
2013: Science
Interest grew due to public discussions about education, policy, and climate change.
2012: Socialism and Capitalism (tie)
Both spiked during U.S. election season and economic debate.
2011: Pragmatic
Looked up often during political gridlock in Washington.
2010: Austerity
A popular term during global economic troubles, especially in Europe.
2009: Admonish
Rose in popularity after Rep. Joe Wilson’s “You lie!” outburst during Obama’s speech.
2008: Bailout
The financial crisis drove searches for this term as the government took action.
2007: W00t
A playful expression of joy, chosen as a nod to internet and gamer culture.
2006: Truthiness
Coined by comedian Stephen Colbert, meaning something that feels true but isn’t backed by facts.
2005: Integrity
Reflecting debates over ethics in politics, sports, and business.
2004: Blog
As online writing exploded, this word gained major attention.
2003: Democracy
Selected during a time of war, elections, and global political change.
Why It Matters
Each Word of the Year reflects what people care about. It’s more than a buzzword—it shows what we searched for, struggled with, and talked about. These words mark our collective memory.
Language changes as we change. This yearly tradition shows how much power one word can hold.