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'Preventive' or 'Preventative'?

Why not both?

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Odd Habits and Quirks Quiz

Test your knowledge of strange human behaviors.

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Trump: Den of Thieves and 'Lowlifes'

'a person of low moral character'

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Going Greek: 7 Words from the Greek Alphabet

When English borrows from another alphabet

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2017 Word of the Year: Behind the Scenes

How we chose 'feminism'

Videos

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The Serial Comma

Why don't they call it the Merriam-Webster comma?

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2016 Word of the Year: Behind the Scenes

How we chose 'surreal'

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Alright vs. All Right

Is 'alright' all right?

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Is None Singular or Plural?

Or both? Or neither?

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Drive Safe: In Praise of Flat Adverbs

You don't have to end all your adverbs in -ly to talk right.

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Grammar and Usage

Word History

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  1. lowlife 'a person of low moral character'

  2. kakistocracy 'government by the worst people'

  3. slimeball 'a morally repulsive or odious person'

  4. salacious 'arousing or appealing to sexual desire'

  5. oligarch 'government in which a small group exercises control'

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Test Your Vocabulary

Odd Habits and Quirks Quiz

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  • Which of the following best describes an easily irritated person?
True or False

Test your knowledge - and maybe learn something along the way.

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Word Winder's CrossWinder

Test Your Knowledge - and learn some interesting things along the way.

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Words at Play

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Words from Letters in the Greek Alphabet

When English borrows from another alphabet

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'Preventive' or 'Preventative'?

Why not both?

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Words We're Watching: 'Bluebeard,' the Verb

No, it's not a coiffure trend

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Where 'Cliff-hangers' Come From

You're on the edge of your seat

Word Games

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Odd Habits and Quirks Quiz

Test your knowledge of strange human behaviors.

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More Confusing Words—Quiz

How many of these commonly confused words do you know?

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True or False?

Test your knowledge - and maybe learn something along the way.

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Word Winder's CrossWinder
Word Winder's CrossWinder

A game of winding words.

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