brazen

brazen

From Merriam-Webster's Word of the Day by Merriam-Webster

April 16, 2026 · 3 min

About this episode

This episode discusses the word 'brazen', its meaning, and usage in context.

Merriam-Webster's Word of the Day for April 16, 2026 is: brazen • \BRAY-zun\  • adjective Brazen describes someone who is acting, or something that is done, in a very open and shocking way without shame or embarrassment. // The opposition party’s campaign has not been shy in assailing the brazen corruption of the incumbent for funneling public funds into private coffers . See the entry > Examples: “There are no coyotes on Block Island. However, they have a presence in all of Rhode Island’s other communities. ... This all makes sense, because Rhode Island, for the most part, is a heavily wooded area. Furthermore, rabbits, berries, mice and voles are in plentiful supply; add to this a burgeoning population, eventually food may become an issue. This is where the clever coyote is perhaps becoming more brazen and bold while hunting for food in certain neighborhoods.” — J. V. Houlihan, The Block Island (Rhode Island) Times , 30 Jan. 2026 Did you know? The oldest meaning of brazen , which traces back to the Old English word for “ brass ,” bræs , is a literal one: “made of brass” (you might on occasion encounter “brazen cups” or “brazen doors” in something you’re…

Topics covered

  • language
  • education
  • word of the day

Keywords

  • brazen
  • adjective
  • corruption
  • shocking
  • shame

Mentioned in this episode

Places: Block Island, Rhode Island’s, Rhode Island

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