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

What’s the difference between ‘cemetery’ and ‘graveyard’?

Graveyards are sometimes smaller, but not always.

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 'hung' or 'hanged'?

And does it matter?

'Awhile' vs. 'A While'

There are rules, but who's listening?

Is it 'forty' or 'fourty'?

This is usage

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

Tune in to learn the difference.

When to Use It's vs. Its

A Simple Rule to Avoid Embarrassment

Is it 'used to' or 'use to'?

You'll get used to it

Do you 'say your piece' or 'say your peace'?

The whole truth about a confusing idiom.

Is it 'doctor's appointment' or 'doctor appointment'?

The doctor is in, but whose appointment is it?

More Words You Always Have to Look Up

The dictionary is always here to help

'Gray' vs. 'Grey': What is the difference?

Spelling isn't all black and white

Words You Always Have to Look Up

The dictionary is here to help

Rack vs. Wrack

Choosing which one to use can be nerve-racking

Is It 'day today' or 'day-to-day'?

What about Day Tomorrow?

‘Cannot’ vs. ‘Can Not’: Is there a difference?

You can learn all about them

How to Use 'Lay' and 'Lie'

Tripping Up English Speakers for 700 Years

What's the difference between 'fascism' and 'socialism'?

In which we definitively answer a thoroughly uncontentious question

'Insure' vs. 'Ensure' vs. 'Assure'

Here's how to make sure

On 'Biweekly' and 'Bimonthly'

Sorry, not sorry

Homophones, Homographs, and Homonyms

The same, but different
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

doughty

Listen to the pronunciation of doughty

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