What Is The Merriam-Webster Word Of The Year 2025?
The Merriam-Webster Word of the Year for 2025 is "slop." This term describes the surge of low-quality, AI-generated content flooding the internet. Chosen due to a massive spike in search interest, it reflects a global frustration with digital "junk" and a growing desire for authentic, human-made creativity in a tech-driven world.
Each year, the famous Merriam-Webster dictionary picks a special "Word of the Year". But what does this actually mean? It isn't just a random word chosen from a hat. Instead, it is a word that many people looked up throughout the year. Editors review search data to identify which words had a significant spike in interest. These words usually reflect the news, pop culture, or substantial changes in our world. By picking a winner, the dictionary creates a "time capsule" that captures what everyone was thinking at the time. A "Word of the Year" tells a story about our shared experiences. It helps us understand the mood of the past twelve months. From technology to social trends, these words capture the spirit of the times perfectly. Do you know which word was chosen by Merriam-Webster for 2025? In this article, we'll take a look at the surprising winner and why it defined our digital lives this year.
What Is The Merriam-Webster Word Of The Year 2025?
The Merriam-Webster Word of the Year for 2025 is "slop". While this word has been around since the 1700s to describe soft mud or pig food, it has taken on a brand-new digital meaning.
In 2025, "slop" refers to low-quality, junk content generated by artificial intelligence. This includes weird AI-generated videos, fake social media images, and poorly written AI books that flood our screens.
Merriam-Webster chose this word because searches for it spiked as people became frustrated with the "deluge" of fake content online. It was picked to highlight how AI is changing our lives and how we are now fighting back against "junk" data. By naming "slop" the winner, the dictionary acknowledges our collective desire for things that are real, human, and genuine.
Previous Merriam-Webster Words of the Year
Here is a look at the words that defined the years leading up to 2025:
2024: Polarisation
- Meaning: Division into two sharply distinct and opposing groups.
- Why it was chosen: It reflected the deep political and social divides seen during primary elections and global events throughout the year.
2023: Authentic
- Meaning: Not false or imitation; real and true to one's own personality.
- Why it was chosen: As AI and "deepfakes" became common, people started searching for what it truly means to be "real" in a digital world.
2022: Gaslighting
- Meaning: The act of grossly misleading someone, especially for one's own advantage.
- Why it was chosen: There was a massive rise in searches for this term due to its frequent use in discussions about relationships, politics, and fake news.
2021: Vaccine
- Meaning: A preparation used to stimulate the body's immune response against diseases.
- Why it was chosen: It was the most significant topic in the world as COVID-19 vaccination campaigns became part of everyday life.
Kriti Barua is a skilled digital journalist and communications professional with 4+ years of experience, currently writing for the General Knowledge section at Jagran New Media. She has established herself as a subject matter expert in History, Geography, Trending National and International News, Sports, Science, and Defence, producing clear, reliable, and search-optimised content that connects with readers worldwide.
Kriti holds a BA degree from Delhi University and a one-year diploma in TV Production and Journalism, an academic background that adds research depth and strong storytelling instincts to her writing. Her experience spans brand writing, content marketing, and digital media, giving her a sharp understanding of what makes content both helpful to readers and visible in search.
At Jagran New Media, she applies this expertise to national and international news coverage, query-based articles, and in-depth pieces across her specialist subject areas. Her content is defined by easy language, factual accuracy, strong keyword strategy, and reader-friendly storytelling.
