What is Merriam-Webster’s 2024 word of the year? Explained

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What is Merriam-Webster’s 2024 word of the year? Explained

The 2024 Word of the Year chosen by Merriam-Webster is “polarization,” a concept that encapsulates the profound divisions influencing political, social, and cultural spheres. Described as the “division into two sharply distinct opposites,” this term mirrors the increasing tendency of viewpoints and concerns moving towards extreme opposites. There was a notable rise in searches for this term on Merriam-Webster.com as individuals in the United States looked for understanding amidst the intricacies of both national and global affairs. Various media platforms emphasized the prevalence of polarization in diverse settings, ranging from the U.S. presidential election to divisions in workplace cultures.