The Merriam-Webster dictionary update highlights the word authentic as a focal point for 2023, reflecting changes in how people interpret truth in an era shaped by artificial intelligence. Peter Sokolowski, the editor at large for Merriam-Webster, discussed the development in an interview with a major news agency, clarifying that the selection process centers on real usage and public interest rather than marketing trends alone.
Authentic, as defined by the dictionary, encompasses several nuances. It can mean genuine, real, valid, or factual, while also signaling something that closely mirrors its original form or carries the essential traits that define it. Sokolowski emphasized a growing awareness of authenticity across many spheres, noting that the more society questions what is true, the more value it places on verifiable reality. The official Word of the Year announcement was planned for a later date, underscoring the ongoing evaluation by the editorial team.
One recurring observation from the editor is a shift in trust. People increasingly question the origin of information, the authorship of student work, and the statements attributed to public figures. This climate of skepticism has heightened the significance of originality and accuracy as essential criteria in discourse. While the team does not claim to unpack every reason behind a term’s popularity, the emphasis on authenticity as a critical concern has become unmistakable.
The criteria for naming a Word of the Year involve an extensive analysis of search queries and usage patterns on the dictionary’s website. Throughout 2023, interest in the term authentic remained high, with broad engagement rather than distinct peaks marking particular moments. This pattern suggests that the concept itself has grown in relevance as people seek reliable signals in a world saturated with information and digital content.
During the year, Merriam-Webster weighed a wide range of alternatives before finalizing its choice. Popular candidates such as love and impact, along with terms tied to contemporary online culture and recent entertainment releases, were considered and ultimately not chosen. The field included terms tied to modern communication platforms and media projects, illustrating how cultural discourse and technology intersect in shaping common vocabulary. The selection process also reflected a balancing act between everyday language and terms that capture broader social dynamics.
The previous year brought a different focal point. Gaslighting, a term describing psychological manipulation, received attention for its descriptive power in describing patterns of behavior that affect perception and trust. This example highlights how Word of the Year selections can capture timely social phenomena while also offering readers a lens into evolving language use in response to real-world events.
Overall, the Merriam-Webster Word of the Year serves as a barometer of linguistic change. It reflects ongoing conversations about truth, credibility, and how technology reshapes the way people communicate. The 2023 choice, authentic, invites readers to consider how they evaluate information, recognize genuine sources, and distinguish between appearance and substance in an age of rapid digital transformation. As language continues to adapt to new tools and new kinds of evidence, the dictionary team remains attentive to how readers use words in daily life and in scholarly or professional contexts. The role of editorial judgment in highlighting a term that resonates across cultures and sectors underscores the enduring importance of clear and precise language in public discourse.