Merriam-Webster Logo
Chatbot
  • Chatbot
  • Games
  • Word of the Day
  • Grammar
  • Word Finder
  • Slang
  • New Newsletters
  • Wordplay
  • Rhymes
  • Thesaurus
  • Join MWU
    • Games
    • Word of the Day
    • Grammar
    • Wordplay
    • Slang
    • Rhymes
    • Word Finder
    • Newsletters New
    • Thesaurus
    • Join MWU link icon
    • Shop
    • Books link icon
    • Merch link icon
      • Log In
      • Username
      • My Words
      • Recents
      • Account
      • Log Out
Est. 1828
Grammar & Usage

Commonly Confused

Democracy or Republic: What's the difference?

And which is the United States?

'Canceled' or 'cancelled'?

One L or two?

The Difference Between 'i.e.' and 'e.g.'

For example, the different ways to use them

Is it 'forty' or 'fourty'?

This is usage

'Awhile' vs. 'A While'

There are rules, but who's listening?

7 Pairs of Commonly Confused Words

We promise you're not the only one who has trouble with these words

When to Use It's vs. Its

A Simple Rule to Avoid Embarrassment

Getting with the ‘Program’ (or ‘Programme’)

Tune in to learn the difference.

Is it 'hung' or 'hanged'?

And does it matter?

'Bring' vs. 'Take'

We can bring it if you can take it.

Guidance on 'Advise' vs. 'Advice'

One letter makes all the difference

'Sneaked' or 'Snuck': Which is correct?

It's a Modern English Mystery

Snuffing Out Confusion Between 'Flare' and 'Flair'

Sorting them out with style.

All right or alright?

Why your English teacher might be at odds with James Joyce, Mark Twain – and Pete Townshend.

'Buck Naked' or 'Butt Naked'?

It's a natural question

'Complement' vs. 'Compliment'

The distinction is clear (now).

Is it 'autumn' or 'fall'?

Why does this season have two different names?

When To Use 'Then' and 'Than'

Here’s how to keep them straight.

What's the difference between 'sympathy' and 'empathy'?

You don't know how it feels

‘Blond’ and ‘Blonde’: Is there a difference?

They mean the same thing, but are used differently

'Nip it in the butt' or 'Nip it in the bud'?

We're gonna stop you right there

'Deduction' vs. 'Induction' vs. 'Abduction'

Mmm, logic

Is It 'jail' or 'prison'?

How they differ and overlap
1 of 5
  • 1
  • 2
  • 3
  • 4
  • 5
Play Quordle: Guess all four words in a limited number of tries.  Each of your guesses must be a real 5-letter word.

Can you solve 4 words at once?

Can you solve 4 words at once?

Word of the Day

acerbic

Listen to the pronunciation of acerbic

See Definitions and Examples »

Get Word of the Day daily email!

Merriam Webster

Learn a new word every day. Delivered to your inbox!

  • Help
  • About Us
  • Advertising Info
  • Contact Us
  • Privacy Policy
  • Terms of Use
  • Facebook
  • Twitter
  • YouTube
  • Instagram

© 2025 Merriam-Webster, Incorporated