Merriam-Webster has chosen “slop” as its 2025 Word of the Year, the dictionary publisher announced on December, 14th 2025.
The term is defined by Merriam-Webster as low-quality digital content produced usually in quantity by means of artificial intelligence.
Editors said the word reflected the large amount of AI-generated material encountered during the year, including unrealistic images, deceptive online content, automated writing, and similar media appearing across digital platforms.
Merriam-Webster noted that the word’s tone was less fearful than mocking, often used to highlight the limits of artificial intelligence rather than express alarm.
The publisher also reported high public interest in other words during 2025, including gerrymander, performative, touch grass, and tariff, based on "lookup data".
One important thing to note is that Merriam-Webster doesn't explain their selection process clearly. We also couldn't find a recent official page showing how they chose the word this year.
Notes: This post was drafted with the assistance of AI tools and reviewed, edited, and published by humans. Image: DIW-Aigen
Read next: Only 44% Of UK Public Trust Tech Companies As 89% Support Independent AI Oversight
The term is defined by Merriam-Webster as low-quality digital content produced usually in quantity by means of artificial intelligence.
Editors said the word reflected the large amount of AI-generated material encountered during the year, including unrealistic images, deceptive online content, automated writing, and similar media appearing across digital platforms.
Merriam-Webster noted that the word’s tone was less fearful than mocking, often used to highlight the limits of artificial intelligence rather than express alarm.
The publisher also reported high public interest in other words during 2025, including gerrymander, performative, touch grass, and tariff, based on "lookup data".
One important thing to note is that Merriam-Webster doesn't explain their selection process clearly. We also couldn't find a recent official page showing how they chose the word this year.
Notes: This post was drafted with the assistance of AI tools and reviewed, edited, and published by humans. Image: DIW-Aigen
Read next: Only 44% Of UK Public Trust Tech Companies As 89% Support Independent AI Oversight
