Merriam-Webster Declares “Authentic” as the 2023 Word of the Year

Merriam-Webster has unveiled "authentic" as its Word of the Year for 2023, citing a significant surge in searches for the term throughout the year. The online dictionary attributes this increase to heightened discussions and narratives surrounding artificial intelligence (AI), celebrity culture, identity, and social media.

The multifaceted term "authentic" carries various meanings, including "not false or imitation" and "true to one's own personality, spirit, or character," as stated on Merriam-Webster's official website. The choice reflects the word's versatility in capturing the essence of genuine expression and sincerity.

The dictionary highlighted instances where "authentic" was used. . .