Word of the Day
Learn a new word every day! The Dictionary.com team of language experts carefully selects each Word of the Day to add some panache to your vocabulary.
a confused mixture, hodgepodge, medley
Farrago refers to a chaotic mixture of components — sometimes lively, sometimes baffling. It can describe anything from a jumbled argument to a meal of mismatched leftovers. When the pieces don't quite fit together, you might be looking at a farrago, for better or worse.
The report was a farrago of unrelated facts and figures, making it impossible to understand the main point.
merrymaking or jolly festivity
Jollification is a delightful word for joyful celebration. Its irresistibly bouncy rhythm suits everything from spontaneous dance parties to holiday cheer. For all your merrymaking needs, try a bit of jollification.
The annual company picnic always ended in a burst of jollification, with laughter and games filling the air.
mild or merciful in disposition or character
Clement describes someone who shows mercy, patience, or a soft touch. It often shows up when someone could be harsh, but chooses compassion instead. In tense moments or difficult decisions, a clement response can make all the difference.
The judge showed a clement attitude toward the first-time offender.
courage, nerve, determination
We have a lot of words for "courage" and "fortitude," but moxie is one of our favorites. The word started out as the name of a 19th-century soft drink that claimed to boost your nerve, but moxie was so catchy that people began using it to describe boldness of every flavor. If you're powering through a challenge or standing up for what's right, you've got moxie.
It takes a lot of moxie to start a new business.
pleasant in sound, agreeable to the ear
Euphonious describes sound that flows smoothly and delights the ear. It can be used for music, voices, names, and phrases that sound especially graceful or well-balanced. Whether you're choosing a band name or just savoring a lovely word, euphonious is all about how it sounds.
The euphonious melody of the cello filled the concert hall.