Merriam-Webster Names 'Polarisation' as 2024 Word of the Year

The term reflects deep divisions in politics, culture, and society, highlighted by the contentious U.S. presidential election.

'Polarisation' was chosen due to a significant increase in searches and usage, reflecting societal and political divides.
The word describes the tendency toward extremes and sharp divisions, particularly evident in the 2024 U.S. presidential election.
Merriam-Webster's editor noted its usage across political spectrums and in cultural and technological contexts.
Other top-searched words this year included 'demure,' 'fortnight,' and 'totality,' driven by viral moments and events.
This marks a continuation of Merriam-Webster's tradition of selecting culturally significant words, following 2023's 'authentic.'