Calumny
Today's Word Calumny KAL-um-nee Definition (noun) A false and damaging statement meant to harm someone’s reputation. Example The candidate sued his rival for spreading calumny during the campaign. Fun Fact In ancient Rome, calumny was actually a punishable offense under the law. The word’s legal roots make it a favorite in political and journalistic commentary when false accusations fly.
Somnolent
Today's Word Somnolent SOM-nuh-lunt Definition (adjective) Sleepy or drowsy; inducing sleep. Example The somnolent atmosphere in the lecture hall was hard to resist. Fun Fact “Somnolent” doesn’t just describe people—music, lighting, or even a voice can be somnolent. It’s often used in travel writing and poetry to describe languid settings where time feels slow and eyes get heavy.
Acquiesce
Today's Word Acquiesce ak-wee-ESS Definition (verb) To accept something reluctantly but without protest. Example He acquiesced to the board’s decision, even though he disagreed. Fun Fact “Acquiesce” often appears in legal writing or formal agreements, describing passive consent. In pop culture, it shows up in scenes where characters silently give in—not out of agreement, but exhaustion, loyalty, or inevitability.
Expiate
Today's Word Expiate EK-spee-ayt Definition (verb) To atone for or make amends for wrongdoing. Example He volunteered at the shelter to expiate his earlier mistakes. Fun Fact “Expiate” often appears in religious or moral discussions, especially in literature. It’s a core theme in stories about redemption—whether a hero making things right or a villain seeking forgiveness. Think of Jean Valjean in Les Misérables.
Gourmand
Today's Word Gourmand GOOR-mahnd Definition (noun) A person who enjoys eating and often eats excessively. Example The festival attracted gourmands from around the world. Fun Fact While similar to “gourmet,” a gourmand is more about quantity than refinement. The word has French roots and once had a negative connotation—today it can imply either joyful indulgence or over-the-top appetite, depending on tone.
Protean
Today's Word Protean PROH-tee-un Definition (adjective) Able to change or adapt easily; versatile. Example His protean acting abilities allowed him to play both villain and hero convincingly. Fun Fact The word comes from Proteus, a Greek sea god who could change shape at will. In modern use, it’s often applied to creative talents, politicians, or technologies that constantly reinvent themselves.
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.