Merriam-Webster's Word of the Day for September 19, 2026, is aggrandize. This verb means to enhance the power, wealth, position, or reputation of someone or something. It can also signify an act of increasing or enlarging, or highly praising. Critics might argue that an author aggrandizes corrupt politicians. Stories can be fabricated to aggrandize the narrator through association. The word itself has Latin roots from "grandis," meaning large or great. Aggrandize has been a part of the English language for over three centuries. It is frequently used with "self" to describe glorifying oneself or seeking power and wealth. Taking pride in accomplishments is positive, but excessive self-glorification is less appreciated. The concept connects to the idea of something being grand, but the word implies an active enhancement.