Moratorium

Today's Word Moratorium mor-uh-TOR-ee-um Definition (noun) A temporary suspension or delay of an activity, often by legal authority. Example The city announced a moratorium on new construction permits. Fun Fact Moratorium is often used in legal, governmental, or corporate settings to put a temporary halt to something controversial or under review—think eviction moratoriums or moratoriums on drilling. It originally comes from Latin morari, meaning “to delay.” You’ll often hear it in debates around environmental policy, legislation, and labor strikes—where it signals a pause, but not a solution.

Inexorable

Today's Word Inexorable in-EKS-uh-ruh-buhl Definition (adjective) Impossible to stop, persuade, or prevent. Example The inexorable advance of technology reshaped every industry. Fun Fact Inexorable is a favorite in literature and history writing—used to describe forces, people, or progress that cannot be swayed. It originally referred to people who wouldn’t respond to pleading, but now it also captures time, decay, destiny, or power. It’s often used to describe change that is slow but certain, like rising tides or demographic shifts.

Obloquy

Today's Word Obloquy OB-luh-kwee Definition (noun) Strong public criticism or verbal abuse. Example The whistleblower endured weeks of obloquy from former allies. Fun Fact Derived from Latin ob (against) and loqui (to speak), obloquy is more than just criticism—it’s reputation-damaging, widespread condemnation. Historically used in political and religious contexts, it now shows up in media scandals and cancel culture debates. What sets obloquy apart from “criticism” is its publicness and intensity—it’s the backlash you feel everywhere.

Heterodox

Today's Word Heterodox HET-er-uh-doks Definition (adjective) Not conforming to accepted or traditional beliefs or standards. Example Her heterodox views on education reform drew both criticism and applause. Fun Fact Heterodox blends Greek heteros (other) and doxa (opinion), and it’s long been used to describe those who break away from religious, political, or philosophical orthodoxy. Unlike “heretical,” which can imply moral wrongdoing, heterodox often signals intellectual bravery or innovation. It’s frequently used to describe economists, artists, and thought leaders who challenge convention without necessarily rejecting it entirely.

Disseminate

Today's Word Disseminate dih-SEM-uh-nayt Definition (verb) To spread information, ideas, or materials widely. Example he campaign aimed to disseminate accurate health information across rural communities. Fun Fact Disseminate shares roots with seed—from Latin seminare, “to sow.” The word began as a metaphor for planting ideas and has stayed that way across disciplines. Whether it’s sharing research, propaganda, memes, or medical advice, dissemination is what turns one person’s insight into a public idea. It’s especially common in academic, media, and public health circles.

Valedictory

Today's Word Valedictory val-uh-DIK-tuh-ree Definition (adjective/noun) Expressing farewell; a speech or statement made as a goodbye. Example Her valedictory remarks brought the entire auditorium to tears. Fun Fact Valedictory is most familiar during graduation season, but its use spans politics, literature, and public life. A valedictory address isn’t just a farewell—it often reflects on the past and sets a tone for the future. Famous political valedictories include presidential exit speeches, but even retiring CEOs deliver them. Its Latin roots—vale dicere, meaning “to say farewell”—give it a sense of ceremony and finality.

Labile

Today's Word Labile LAY-byle Definition (adjective) Likely to change rapidly, especially emotionally or chemically. Example The labile patient’s mood shifted from joy to tears within minutes. Fun Fact Labile comes from the Latin labilis, meaning “slippery”—fitting for a word used to describe volatility. In neuroscience, labile emotions refer to intense mood swings, such as in bipolar disorder. In chemistry, it applies to bonds or compounds that shift states easily. The word is also increasingly used in pop psychology to describe people whose reactions change without warning.

Guileless

Today's Word Guileless GAHYL-liss Definition (adjective) Innocent and without deception. Example Her guileless smile disarmed even the harshest critics. Fun Fact The word guileless flips the meaning of guile, which refers to cunning or deceit. While guile can imply clever manipulation, being guileless is about honesty—sometimes to a fault. In literature and psychology, guileless individuals are often seen as pure-hearted or naive, and their openness can leave them vulnerable to exploitation. But it also makes them deeply trustworthy.

Reticent

Today's Word Reticent RET-ih-sent Definition (adjective) Reluctant to speak or reveal one’s thoughts or feelings. Example He was reticent during the interview, offering only brief replies. Fun Fact Although reticent originally meant simply “silent,” its modern use is richer—it signals someone who’s hesitant to speak, often due to personal boundaries, social anxiety, or strategic restraint. In legal contexts, reticent witnesses might be protecting themselves. In fiction, reticent characters often hold secrets. It’s a favorite word when someone’s silence says more than words ever could.

Neologism

Today's Word Neologism NEE-uh-loh-jiz-um Definition (noun) A newly coined word or expression. Example The rise of social media has introduced countless neologisms into everyday conversation. Fun Fact From Shakespeare to TikTok, new words are always being born—and not all of them survive. Neologism comes from Greek—neo (new) and logos (word). Linguists study neologisms to understand cultural shifts, while marketers and technologists rely on them to brand entirely new ideas. The internet, especially meme culture and niche online communities, accelerates the pace at which neologisms appear—and disappear.