Browbeat

Today's Word Browbeat BROW-beet Definition (verb) To intimidate or bully someone into doing something through stern or aggressive words. Example The boss browbeat the team into agreeing with his plan. Fun Fact The word browbeat originally referred to the act of literally scowling or glaring someone into submission—beating them down with your brow. It later took on verbal dimensions, often describing intimidation by authority figures like bosses, interrogators, or even overly intense coaches. You’ll find it in legal dramas and political commentary, especially when someone is pressured into compliance without physical force.

Repudiate

Today's Word Repudiate rih-PYOO-dee-ate Definition (verb) To reject, deny, or disown something, especially publicly or formally. Example She publicly repudiated the rumors that had been circulating online. Fun Fact Repudiate has a sharp tone, often used in legal, political, and personal crises—from leaders distancing themselves from policies to celebrities denying rumors. It carries more weight than “disagree” or “criticize”—it’s a total severance. The word originally referred to rejecting a spouse or family member in Roman law. Today, it’s often about drawing a hard line and making sure people know where you stand.

Egalitarian

Today's Word Egalitarian ee-gal-ih-TAIR-ee-uhn Definition (adjective) Based on or supporting the belief that all people are equal and deserve equal rights and opportunities. Example The candidate’s egalitarian policies appealed to a wide range of voters. Fun Fact Egalitarian ideas rose to prominence during the Enlightenment, but the term is still used today in conversations about workplace equity, access to education, and systemic reform. It’s often contrasted with hierarchical systems, and used by activists, economists, and political scientists. Whether you’re talking about equal pay or universal voting, egalitarianism is the language of leveling the field.

Obviate

Today's Word Obviate OB-vee-ayt Definition (verb) To remove or prevent the need for something by anticipating and addressing it. Example Installing motion sensors obviated the need for manual lighting controls. Fun Fact Obviate is a favorite in engineering, policy, and tech, where the goal is to solve issues before they arise. It differs from similar words like “prevent” or “avoid” by implying action taken early enough to render something unnecessary altogether. It’s problem-solving through preemption.

Vaunt

Today's Word Vaunt vahnt Definition (verb) To boast or speak proudly about something, often in a showy or self-important way. Example The brand vaunted its eco-friendly practices in every ad campaign. Fun Fact Vaunt dates back to the 15th century and shares a root with vain. It was once used almost poetically in Shakespearean language, but now it often shows up in marketing critiques and political commentary. Whether you’re vaunting your skills on LinkedIn or your dinner on Instagram, the word carries a whiff of self-promotion—sometimes admired, sometimes eye-roll-inducing.

Hauteur

Today's Word Hauteur oh-TUR Definition (noun) Arrogant pride or disdainful superiority. Example She answered with the hauteur of someone used to always being right. Fun Fact Borrowed from French, hauteur literally means “height,” and it still carries a high-and-mighty vibe. Think of characters in period dramas with tilted chins and cutting remarks. It’s a word often used in fashion and film reviews to describe people who seem polished—but too aware of it.

Acrimonious

Today's Word Acrimonious ak-ruh-MOH-nee-us Definition (adjective) Bitter and angry in tone or nature. Example Their acrimonious debate ended in silence and slammed doors. Fun Fact Acrimonious is often used in legal cases (an acrimonious divorce) or political reporting (an acrimonious exchange on the floor). It’s not just disagreement—it’s hostility wrapped in sharp words. The root “acer” also gives us “acid,” and you can feel it burn in the tone.

Quiescent

Today's Word Quiescent kwee-ESS-unt Definition (adjective) In a state of quiet inactivity or dormancy. Example The volcano remains quiescent, but scientists are watching closely. Fun Fact Quiescent is often used in science and medicine—describing dormant cells, inactive phases, or sleeping systems. But it also applies metaphorically to ideas, conflicts, or people in a pause—quiet, but not dead. In stories, a quiescent moment often comes just before something big happens.

Germane

Today's Word Germane jer-MAYN Definition (adjective) Relevant or appropriate to the subject at hand. Example The volcano remains quiescent, but scientists are watching closely. Fun Fact Quiescent is often used in science and medicine—describing dormant cells, inactive phases, or sleeping systems. But it also applies metaphorically to ideas, conflicts, or people in a pause—quiet, but not dead. In stories, a quiescent moment often comes just before something big happens.

Natty

Today's Word Natty NAT-ee Definition (adjective) Neat, stylish, and fashionable in appearance. Example He arrived at the party looking especially natty in a velvet jacket and bow tie. Fun Fact Though natty may sound like a nickname, it’s actually been around since the 18th century to describe someone with an impeccable sense of style. Originally tied to British street fashion and military uniforms, it’s since become a word often used in style reviews, especially for men’s tailoring and vintage aesthetics.