As we approach the tail end of the year, it’s time to start thinking about your Word of the Year for 2024. These 250+ Word of the Year Ideas will help you be more intentional about 2024.
I was first introduced to the idea of a Word of the Year 8 or 10 years ago. I’ve always been someone who sets goals and makes new years resolution, but thought that maybe there was something to this word of the year thing. And there is!
The changes that have occurred in my personal life and professional life have been nothing short of amazing. I think this is one of the best ways to point your thoughts in the right direction.
As a certified life coach, I regular talk about the importance of your thoughts! And choosing a word to focus on is a powerful way to help train your brain to focus on the positive.
I now choose a focus word for the upcoming year and set yearly goals.
What is a Word of the Year?
For those of you who haven’t picked a word of the year in the past, this is how it works. You choose a single word to focus on for the year. I like to choose a positive word that will help me in my daily life.
This inspirational word can take the place of traditional new year’s resolutions or be used in conjunction with them.
There are variations on the word of the year that some people choose. Some people choose a few motivational words or a motivational phrase of the year. Some people choose a yearly theme and they choose an overarching word that will help keep you focused on your theme for the entire year. Other people choose a word of the month.
You can do this however it works for you. Maybe you want to choose different words for different areas of your life.
Keep Your Word In Sight (and In Mind)
You’ve probably heard the phrase, “Out of sight, out of mind.” and that is often true with your word. If you’re not looking at it and thinking about it regularly, it probably won’t impact your life much.
Some people choose to tack their word to the bathroom mirror or place it in the center of their vision board. Maybe you’d rather write it on a sticky note and place it in your planner. Just make sure you place it somewhere that you will see it often so that it can serve as a gentle reminder of what you’re focusing on.
My husband made me this awesome Word of the Year Keychain and I absolutely love it. You can get your very own Word of the Year Keychain Wristlet personalized with your word here.
How To Choose Your Word
While I think it’s important to put some thought into choosing your word, I don’t think there’s just one perfect word for each year.
If you take a look at the different goals you have for this next year, consider choosing a powerful word that will keep you on the right track when it comes to your goals.
Last year, I narrowed my word for the year down to three words that were similar in my mind, but when I looked up the definitions, I was amazed at how different they actually were! So this year I decided to update the list and add definitions as well.
When you read through the list of words, you may have one word jump out immediately. Maybe you’ll have a few words that will resonate.
If you have a few words, write them down and think over them for a few days to see what resonates most.
While I haven’t chosen a word every year since I learned about choosing one word, I’ve chosen quite a few. And in the process, I’ve put together a pretty extensive list of words.
As I’ve looked back at words from previous years, I’ve been reminded of the personal growth I’ve experienced over the years. Having a word to focus on for the whole year has been a great way to improve in my professional life and my home life.
I originally posted this list in 2018 and have updated it with additional words every year since then.
If you’d like a printable to look at and work though, you can sign up to get your Word of the Year Printable below! This is one of my favorite New Years Activities to do with kids. It’s fun watching them choose and hearing why they made the choice they did.
If you don’t want a printable, that’s totally cool too!
Here are your 250+ Word of the Year Ideas!
absolve
absolve – set or declare someone free from blame, guilt, or responsibility.
abundance
abundance – a very large quantity of something.
abundant
abundant – existing or available in large quantities; plentiful.
accept
accept – consent to receive or undertake something offered.
acceptance
acceptance – the action of consenting to receive or undertake something offered.
achieve
achieve – to successfully bring about or reach a desired objective, level, or result by effort, skill, or courage.
achievement
achievement – a thing done successfully with effort, skill, or courage.
act
act – take action; do something.
action
action – the process or state of acting or doing something; typically refers to the fact or process of doing something, typically to achieve an aim.
adapt
adapt – to make something suitable for a new use or purpose; modify. It can also refer to becoming adjusted to new conditions.
adventure
adventure – an unusual and exciting or daring experience. It can also refer to engagement in hazardous and exciting activities, especially the exploration of unknown territory.
alignment
alignment – arrangement in a straight line or in correct relative positions. In a broader sense, it can also mean a position of agreement or alliance.
alive
alive – living, not dead. It can also refer to being alert and active; animated.
allow
allow – to give permission for someone to do something or to permit something to happen.
always
always – at all times; on all occasions. It can also mean forever, perpetually, or invariably.
ambition
ambition – a strong desire to do or achieve something, typically requiring determination and hard work.
animate
animate – to bring to life or give life to; it can refer to making something lively or full of energy.
appreciate
appreciate – to recognize the full worth of something or to be grateful for something. It can also mean to understand a situation fully; recognize the full implications of.
ascend
ascend – to go up or climb or rise through the air.
aspire
aspire – to direct one’s hopes or ambitions toward achieving something.
attention
attention – notice taken of someone or something; the regarding of someone or something as interesting or important.
authentic
authentic – of undisputed origin and not a copy; genuine. It can also refer to being made or done in the traditional or original way.
awe
awe – a feeling of reverential respect mixed with fear or wonder.
balance
balance – a condition in which different elements are equal or in the correct proportions.
be
be – exist; occur; take place.
beauty
beauty – a combination of qualities, such as shape, color, or form, that pleases the aesthetic senses, especially the sight.
believe
believe – accept something as true; feel sure of the truth of.
belong
belong – be a member or part of a particular group, organization, or class.
benevolence
benevolence – the quality of being well meaning; kindness.
bliss
bliss – perfect happiness; great joy.
bloom
bloom – produce flowers; be in flower.
bold
bold – showing an ability to take risks; confident and courageous.
boss
boss – a person in charge of a worker or organization.
boundaries
boundaries – a line that marks the limits of an area; a dividing line.
brave
brave – ready to face and endure danger or pain; showing courage.
breathe
breathe – take air into the lungs and then expel it, especially as a regular physiological process.
bridge
bridge – a structure carrying a road, path, railroad, or canal across a river, ravine, road, railroad, or other obstacle.
build
build – construct something, typically a building, by putting parts or material together over a period of time.
calm
calm – not showing or feeling nervousness, anger, or other strong emotions.
celebrate
celebrate – publicly acknowledge a significant or happy day or event with a social gathering or enjoyable activity.
challenge
challenge – a call to someone to participate in a competitive situation or fight to decide who is superior in terms of ability or strength.
change
change – make or become different.
chill
chill – relax or cause to relax. {This is on my list of purchases to make this year, so maybe this will be my word.}
comfort
comfort – a state of physical ease and freedom from pain or constraint.
commit
commit – pledge or bind to a certain course or policy.
compassion
compassion – sympathetic pity and concern for the sufferings or misfortunes of others.
complete
complete – having all the necessary or appropriate parts.
compromise
compromise – an agreement or settlement of a dispute that is reached by each side making concessions.
confidence
confidence – the feeling or belief that one can rely on someone or something; firm trust.
connect
connect – bring together or into contact so that a real or notional link is established.
conscious
conscious – aware of and responding to one’s surroundings; awake.
consecrate
consecrate – make or declare something, typically a church, sacred; dedicate formally to a religious purpose.
considerate
considerate – careful not to cause inconvenience or hurt to others.
consistency
consistency – conformity in the application of something, typically that which is necessary for the sake of logic, accuracy, or fairness.
contribute
contribute – give in order to help achieve or provide something.
courage
courage – the ability to do something that frightens one; bravery.
craft
craft – an activity involving skill in making things by hand.
create
create – bring something into existence.
creativity
creativity – the use of imagination or original ideas to create something; inventiveness.
cultivate
cultivate – prepare and use land for crops or gardening.
deliberate
deliberate – done consciously and intentionally.
determination
determination – firmness of purpose; resoluteness.
diligence
diligence – careful and persistent work or effort.
discipline
discipline – the practice of training people to obey rules or a code of behavior, using punishment to correct disobedience.
diva
diva – a famous female opera singer; a celebrated female singer; a woman regarded as temperamental or haughty.
do
do – perform an action, the precise nature of which is often unspecified.
dream
dream – a series of thoughts, images, and sensations occurring in a person’s mind during sleep; a cherished aspiration, ambition, or ideal.
dynamic
dynamic – characterized by constant change, activity, or progress.
ease
ease – absence of difficulty or effort.
elevate
elevate – raise to a more important or impressive level.
embrace
embrace – hold someone closely in one’s arms, especially as a sign of affection; accept or support a belief, theory, or change willingly and enthusiastically.
emerge
emerge – move out of or away from something and come into view; become apparent, important, or prominent.
encourage
encourage – give support, confidence, or hope to someone.
energize
energize – give vitality and enthusiasm to.
energy
energy – the strength and vitality required for sustained physical or mental activity.
enjoy
enjoy – take delight or pleasure in an activity or occasion.
enlighten
enlighten – give someone greater knowledge and understanding about a subject or situation.
enough
enough – as much or as many as required.
enthusiasm
enthusiasm – intense and eager enjoyment, interest, or approval.
escalate
escalate – increase rapidly.
example
example – a thing characteristic of its kind or illustrating a general rule.
excite
excite – cause strong feelings of enthusiasm and eagerness in someone.
excitement
excitement – a feeling of great enthusiasm and eagerness.
execute
execute – carry out or put into effect a plan, order, or course of action.
expansion
expansion – the action of becoming larger or more extensive.
explore
explore – travel in or through an unfamiliar area in order to learn about or familiarize oneself with it.
faith
faith – complete trust or confidence in someone or something.
family
family – a group consisting of parents and children living together in a household.
favor
favor – approval, support, or liking for someone or something.
fearless
fearless – lacking fear.
feminine
feminine – having qualities or appearance traditionally associated with women.
finesse
finesse – intricate and refined delicacy.
finish
finish – bring something to an end or to completion; complete.
fit
fit – be of the right shape and size for; be suitable for or appropriate to.
fitness
fitness – the condition of being physically fit and healthy.
flourish
flourish – grow or develop in a healthy or vigorous way.
flow
flow – move along or out steadily and continuously in a current or stream.
fly
fly – move through the air under control.
focus
focus – the center of interest or activity.
forgive
forgive – stop feeling angry or resentful toward someone for an offense, flaw, or mistake.
forward
forward – toward the front; in the direction that one is facing or traveling.
free
free – not under the control or in the power of another; able to act or be done as one wishes.
freedom
freedom – the power or right to act, speak, or think as one wants.
fulfill
fulfill – bring to completion or reality; achieve or realize something desired, promised, or predicted.
genius
genius – exceptional intellectual or creative power or other natural ability.
gentle
gentle – mild in temperament or behavior; kind or tender.
give
give – freely transfer the possession of something to someone.
glorious
glorious – having a striking beauty or splendor.
glow
glow – give out steady light without flame.
goals
goals – the object of a person’s ambition or effort; an aim or desired result.
grace
grace – simple elegance or refinement of movement.
gratitude
gratitude – the quality of being thankful; readiness to show appreciation for and to return kindness.
grounded
grounded – well balanced and sensible.
grow
grow – undergo natural development by increasing in size and changing physically.
happy
happy – feeling or showing pleasure or contentment.
harmony
harmony – the combination of simultaneously sounded musical notes to produce a pleasing effect.
heal
heal – cause a wound, injury, or person to become sound or healthy again.
health
health – the state of being free from illness or injury.
healthy
healthy – in good health.
heart
heart – the central or most important part.
here
here – in, at, or to this place or position.
hero
hero – a person who is admired for their courage, outstanding achievements, or noble qualities.
higher
higher – of great vertical extent.
hope
hope – a feeling of expectation and desire for a certain thing to happen.
humble
humble – having or showing a modest or low estimate of one’s importance.
illuminate
illuminate – light up; make something clear and more comprehensible.
imagine
imagine – form a mental image or concept of.
impact
impact – the action of one object coming forcibly into contact with another; a marked effect or influence.
implement
implement – put into effect; carry out.
improve
improve – make or become better.
increase
increase – become or make greater in size, amount, or degree.
indulge
indulge – allow oneself to enjoy the pleasure of.
influence
influence – the capacity to have an effect on the character, development, or behavior of someone or something, or the effect itself.
inspire
inspire – fill someone with the urge or ability to do or feel something, especially to do something creative.
integrity
integrity – the quality of being honest and having strong moral principles.
intention
intention – a thing intended; an aim or plan.
intentional
intentional – done on purpose; deliberate.
intimacy
intimacy – close familiarity or friendship; closeness.
intuition
intuition – the ability to understand something instinctively, without the need for conscious reasoning.
journey
journey – an act of traveling from one place to another.
joy
joy – a feeling of great pleasure and happiness.
kindness
kindness – the quality of being friendly, generous, and considerate.
laugh
laugh – make the spontaneous sounds and movements of the face and body that are the instinctive expressions of lively amusement and sometimes also of contempt or derision.
lead
lead – cause to go with one by holding them by the hand while moving forward.
learn
learn – gain or acquire knowledge of or skill in something by study, experience, or being taught.
less
less – a smaller amount of; not as much.
light
light – the natural agent that stimulates sight and makes things visible.
listen
listen – give one’s attention to a sound.
love
love – an intense feeling of deep affection.
magic
magic – the power of apparently influencing events by using mysterious or supernatural forces.
manifest
manifest – display or show a quality or feeling by one’s acts or appearance; demonstrate.
meditate
meditate – think deeply or focus one’s mind for a period of time, in silence or with the aid of chanting, for religious or spiritual purposes or as a method of relaxation.
mindful
mindful – conscious or aware of something.
money
money – a current medium of exchange in the form of coins and banknotes; coins and banknotes collectively.
more
more – a greater or additional amount or degree of.
motivate
motivate – provide someone with a motive for doing something; inspire someone to do something or to achieve something.
motivation
motivation – the reason or reasons one has for acting or behaving in a particular way; the general desire or willingness of someone to do something.
move
move – go in a specified direction or manner; change position.
mutuality
mutuality – the sharing of a feeling, action, or relationship between two or more parties.
new
new – not existing before; made, introduced, or discovered recently or now for the first time.
no
no – used to give a negative response.
now
now – at the present moment or time.
nurture
nurture – care for and encourage the growth or development of.
observe
observe – notice or perceive something and register it as being significant.
open
open – allowing access, passage, or a view through an empty space; not closed or blocked.
organize
organize – arrange or put in order; coordinate the activities of a person or group efficiently.
overcome
overcome – succeed in dealing with a problem or difficulty.
passion
passion – strong and barely controllable emotion.
patience
patience – the capacity to accept or tolerate delay, trouble, or suffering without getting angry or upset.
pause
pause – interrupt action or speech briefly.
peace
peace – freedom from disturbance; tranquility.
perseverance
perseverance – persistence in doing something despite difficulty or delay in achieving success.
persevere
persevere – continue in a course of action even in the face of difficulty.
persist
persist – continue firmly or obstinately in an opinion or course of action in spite of difficulty or opposition.
perspective
perspective – a particular attitude toward or way of regarding something; a point of view.
persuade
persuade – cause someone to do something through reasoning or argument.
play
play – engage in activity for enjoyment and recreation rather than a serious or practical purpose.
positivity
positivity – the practice of being or tendency to be positive or optimistic in attitude.
possibility
possibility – a thing that may happen or be the case.
power
power – the ability or capacity to do something or act in a particular way.
pray
pray – address a prayer to God or another deity.
presence
presence – the state or fact of existing, occurring, or being present.
present
present – in a particular place.
prime
prime – of first importance; main.
priority
priority – the fact or condition of being regarded or treated as more important than others.
progress
progress – forward or onward movement toward a destination.
progression
progression – a movement or development toward a destination or a more advanced state.
prosper
prosper – succeed in material terms; be financially successful.
purpose
purpose – the reason for which something is done or created or for which something exists.
quiet
quiet – making little or no noise.
receive
receive – be given, presented with, or paid something.
reclaim
reclaim – retrieve or recover something previously lost, given, or paid; obtain the return of.
reflect
reflect – throw back without absorbing it; think deeply or carefully about.
relax
relax – make or become less tense or anxious.
release
release – allow or enable to escape from confinement; set free.
renew
renew – resume an activity after an interruption or replenish.
renewal
renewal – the action of extending the period of validity of a license, subscription, or contract.
represent
represent – be entitled or appointed to act or speak for someone, especially in an official capacity.
resolve
resolve – decide firmly on a course of action.
respect
respect – a feeling of deep admiration for someone or something elicited by their abilities, qualities, or achievements.
rest
rest – cease work or movement in order to relax, sleep, or recover strength.
retreat
retreat – withdraw from enemy forces as a result of their superior power or after a defeat.
revenue
revenue – income, especially when of an organization and of a substantial nature.
reverence
reverence – deep respect for someone or something.
rise
rise – move from a lower position to a higher one; come or go up.
romance
romance – a feeling of excitement and mystery associated with love.
sacred
sacred – connected with God or a god or dedicated to a religious purpose and so deserving veneration.
sacrifice
sacrifice – give up something important or valued for the sake of other considerations.
seek
seek – attempt to find something.
self-care
self-care – the practice of taking action to preserve or improve one’s own health.
selfish
selfish – lacking consideration for others; concerned chiefly with one’s own personal profit or pleasure.
serene
serene – calm, peaceful, and untroubled; tranquil.
serenity
serenity – the state of being calm, peaceful, and untroubled.
share
share – have a portion of something with another or others.
shift
shift – move or cause to move from one place to another, especially over a small distance.
shine
shine – give out a bright light.
simplify
simplify – make something simpler or easier to do or understand.
sisterhood
sisterhood – the solidarity of women based on shared conditions, experiences, or concerns.
slow
slow – not quick or fast.
smile
smile – form one’s features into a pleased, kind, or amused expression, typically with the corners of the mouth turned up and the front teeth exposed.
solidarity
solidarity – unity or agreement of feeling or action, especially among individuals with a common interest; mutual support within a group.
soul
soul – the spiritual or immaterial part of a human being or animal, regarded as immortal.
sow
sow – plant the seeds of a plant.
spark
spark – ignite; trigger or set off.
sparkle
sparkle – shine brightly with flashes of light.
speak
speak – say something in order to convey information, an opinion, or a feeling.
speak up
speak up – express one’s opinions frankly and openly.
spirit
spirit – the non-physical part of a person which is the seat of emotions and character; the soul.
spirit-filled
spirit-filled – having or showing a lively, joyous, and hopeful quality or character, often in a religious context.
stillness
stillness – absence of movement or sound.
strength
strength – the quality or state of being physically strong.
stretch
stretch – straighten or extend one’s body or a part of one’s body to its full length, typically so as to tighten one’s muscles or in order to reach something.
strive
strive – make great efforts to achieve or obtain something.
support
support – bear all or part of the weight of; hold up.
surrender
surrender – cease resistance to an enemy or opponent and submit to their authority.
survive
survive – continue to live or exist, especially in spite of danger or hardship.
synergize
synergize – cooperate and work together effectively.
teach
teach – impart knowledge to or instruct someone as to how to do something.
tenacity
tenacity – the quality or fact of being able to grip something firmly; persistence.
thoughtful
thoughtful – absorbed in or involving thought; showing consideration for the needs of other people.
thrive
thrive – grow or develop well or vigorously.
today
today – on or in the course of this present day.
transform
transform – make a thorough or dramatic change in the form, appearance, or character of.
trust
trust – firm belief in the reliability, truth, ability, or strength of someone or something.
truth
truth – the quality or state of being true.
try
try – make an attempt or effort to do something.
unique
unique – being the only one of its kind; unlike anything else.
unlimited
unlimited – not limited or restricted in terms of number, quantity, or extent.
unstoppable
unstoppable – unable to be stopped.
utility
utility – the state of being useful, profitable, or beneficial.
vision
vision – the faculty or state of being able to see; the ability to think about or plan the future with imagination or wisdom.
vulnerability
vulnerability – the quality or state of being exposed to the possibility of being attacked or harmed, either physically or emotionally.
wake
wake – emerge or cause to emerge from a state of sleep; stop sleeping.
whole
whole – all of something.
why
why – for what reason or purpose.
win
win – be successful or victorious in a contest or conflict.
wisdom
wisdom – the quality of having experience, knowledge, and good judgment; the quality of being wise.
wish
wish – feel or express a strong desire or hope for something that is not easily attainable; want something that cannot or probably will not happen.
wonder
wonder – a feeling of surprise mingled with admiration, caused by something beautiful, unexpected, unfamiliar, or inexplicable.
work
work – activity involving mental or physical effort done in order to achieve a purpose or result.
worth
worth – equivalent in value to the sum or item specified.
worthy
worthy – deserving effort, attention, or respect.
yes
yes – used to give an affirmative response.
I hope this will help you choose your word of the year!
If you’ve already chosen your word, leave it in the comments! I’d love to know! And if you have suggestions for words to add to the list, leave those in the comments too!
Pin This List of Word Of The Year Ideas For Later!
{This list was originally published December 1, 2018.}
Stacie @ Divine Lifestyle says
I love this resource so much! These are all amazing words. I really do believe that picking a word like this to start the year sets the tone for the whole thing.
Jeanette says
These are all amazing words! I am loving Adventure and Pray the most! These are reminders I can use each day!
robin rue says
Those are all awesome word choices. I never chose a word for this year, but I have a few goals I want to meet.
Allison Cooper says
I love this post so much! I never chose a word of the year before until this year: adventure. I’m determined to get out and live a little bit more!
Melissa Chapman says
That is a great list and I have a lot to choose from but I liked rise as a word to guide me this year. I will keep this as a source for future reference.
shelley Zurek says
This is a great list of words to choose from. My favorites are seek and thrive!
Sinisa says
Very inspiring and creative. Great words
Amy says
I am making my word of the year more like a little phrase. Self Care is going to be my 2018 words. i need it!
Jared D says
These are all really inspiring words. I like persevere and pray.
Chelley Martinka says
Love this list! I printed it out! My word is CHALLENGE!
Toni | Boulder Locavore says
This is a great list! I have several words in mind and still thinking of which one to pick.
Reesa Lewandowski says
Great list! I did not choose a word, although I should. It will help me be more intent. Hey, maybe I just found my word!
Gingermommy says
This is a fabulous list and oh so timely. So many people are choosing words for their year and I am sure some people are having trouble placing one for themselves. This is helpful!
Nancy at Whispered Inspirations says
This is PERFECT. I love that you made a list to choose from. So many people are struggling to find that word that speaks to them organically. I know this will help them!
Janeane M. Davis says
This is a great list. It is a wonderful idea to have a plan for the year. A word is an easy guide and a simple plan for action throughout the year.
Calvin says
Great list, that’s a huge amount of words, bound to be one there for you. Happy holidays all.
Sarah L says
I’ll just keep the whole list printed out and choose a new word each day. Very good words.
Dana Rodriguez says
I really love this printable. What a great list of ideas!
Antoinette Murphy says
This Word of the Year is a great idea. My favorite words are gratitude and renewal!
Rachel B says
All these words are really great
Amber Kolb says
My word for 2019 was boundaries. I never had any and I spent a lot of time setting them this year and removing relationships. My word for 2020 is going to be transform!
yareili says
This are all amazing words.
Monica McConnell says
I chose peace as my word of the year
Melissa Storms says
Thank you for this. I am having such a hard time thinking of what I want my word to be for 2021
Stephanie says
That’s a long list! I have narrowed it down to pray and truth.
Veronica Lee says
This is a great list of words to choose from.
My favorites are believe and unstoppable.
Veronica Lee recently posted..Mr. Pery
Scarlet says
So many great ideas. My word of 2022 will be family. My daughter is a junior and this will be a big year towards helping her pick a college that will be right for her and go through the process.