Surfeit
Today's Word Surfeit SUR-fit Definition (noun) An excessive amount of something. Example After the holidays, I had a surfeit of sweets and no desire to eat another cookie. Fun Fact “Surfeit” was frequently used in 18th-century medical writing, when overindulgence in food and drink was thought to cause all kinds of imbalances. Today, the word is often used playfully to describe streaming queues, inboxes, or overbooked calendars.
Upbraid
Today's Word Upbraid up-BRAYD Definition (verb) To scold or criticize sharply. Example She upbraided her son for breaking the vase and lying about it. Fun Fact “Upbraid” was common in Elizabethan English, and Shakespeare used it over a dozen times in plays like Othello and Hamlet. It’s harsher than a gentle rebuke but often used where correction is needed more than punishment.
Iniquity
Today's Word Iniquity in-IK-wih-tee Definition (noun) Gross injustice or wickedness. Example The novel portrayed a society plagued by corruption and iniquity. Fun Fact “Iniquity” is often used in religious texts and classical literature to describe moral failings on a large scale—as in “dens of iniquity.” It’s more than just wrongdoing; it implies a system or culture that is deeply unjust.
Resplendent
Today's Word Resplendent rih-SPLEN-dent Definition (adjective) Shining brilliantly; richly colorful or impressive. Example The ballroom was resplendent with gold trim and crystal chandeliers. Fun Fact “Resplendent” often appears in historical novels and fantasy epics, describing radiant appearances, lavish outfits, or glowing landscapes. It’s a go-to word for royalty, pageantry, and those magical movie scenes that take your breath away.
Obsequious
Today's Word Obsequious uhb-SEE-kwee-uhs Definition (adjective) Excessively eager to please or obey; overly submissive. Example His obsequious praise of the boss was more irritating than impressive. Fun Fact “Obsequious” people often appear in political dramas, sitcoms, and Shakespearean tragedies. Think of the advisor who flatters the king just to stay in power. The word describes behavior that looks respectful on the surface but often hides selfish motives.
Efficacious
Today's Word Efficacious ef-ih-KAY-shus Definition (adjective) Effective in producing the desired result. Example The vaccine proved highly efficacious in preventing disease. Fun Fact While “effective” and “efficacious” are similar, the latter is usually used in formal, academic, or scientific contexts. For instance, in pharmaceutical trials, a drug must be “efficacious” before it can be deemed “effective” for general use. It’s a favorite in public health and policy.
Boon
Today's Word Boon boon Definition (noun) A thing that is helpful or beneficial. Example The new community center was a boon to families in the neighborhood. Fun Fact Originally associated with blessings or requests in Old English and Norse mythology, a “boon” once referred to a favor granted by a king or god. Today, it’s still used to describe anything that feels like a fortunate benefit—whether it’s a job perk, a technological breakthrough, or a surprise day off.
Mawkish
Today's Word Mawkish MAW-kish Definition (adjective) Overly sentimental or emotional to the point of being unpleasant. Example The movie’s mawkish ending drew eye-rolls rather than tears. Fun Fact Mawkish originally referred to a nauseating or spoiled taste, stemming from the Middle English mauk, meaning “maggot.” Over time, the meaning shifted from physical disgust to emotional excess. Today, it’s used to describe songs, movies, or writing that lay on the sentiment so thick it turns people off.
Rectitude
Today's Word Rectitude REK-ti-tood Definition (noun) Morally correct behavior or thinking; righteousness. Example Her rectitude was admired even by her fiercest opponents. Fun Fact Rectitude is an old-school word that appears in documents like the U.S. Declaration of Independence, which refers to “a decent respect to the opinions of mankind” and “the rectitude of our intentions.” It comes from Latin rectus, meaning “straight” or “right,” and it’s often used to describe people with uncompromising principles.
Taciturn
Today's Word Taciturn TAS-i-turn Definition (adjective) Reserved or uncommunicative in speech. Example The taciturn detective revealed little, even under pressure. Fun Fact Taciturn comes from the Latin taciturnus, meaning “not talkative.” It often appears in literature to describe mysterious or stoic characters—think Clint Eastwood’s cowboy or Mr. Darcy from Pride and Prejudice. Unlike shy or introverted, taciturn implies intentional silence, not just social discomfort.