Word of the Day
: February 5, 2026adulation
playWhat It Means
Adulation refers to extreme or excessive admiration, flattery, or praise.
// The triumphant players were greeted with shouts of adulation.
adulation in Context
“Curators focus on the sunnier side of Elvis's tragic story, yet Graceland still provides an intimate glimpse into superstardom and all that comes with it: the adulation, the opulence, the hangers-on and the darkness that counterbalances such a burst of light.” — Rick Rojas, The New York Times, 29 Nov. 2025
Did You Know?
If witnessing a display of adulation reminds you of a dog panting after its beloved person, you’ve picked up adulation’s etymological “scent”; the word ultimately comes from the Latin verb adūlārī, meaning “to fawn on” (a sense used specifically of the affectionate behavior of dogs) or “to praise insincerely.” Adulation has been in use in English since the 15th century. The verb adulate, noun adulator, and adjective adulatory followed dutifully behind.
Test Your Vocabulary with M-W Quizzes
Test Your Vocabulary
Rearrange the letters to form a word for one who praises those in power in order to gain their approval: POYNACSTH
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More Words of the Day
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Feb 04
diaphanous
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Feb 03
hornswoggle
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Feb 02
prescience
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Feb 01
gargantuan
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Jan 31
short shrift
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Jan 30
preeminent
