Merriam-Webster's Word of the Day for September 15, 2025, is "askance." Askance is an adverb defined as "in a way that shows a lack of trust or approval" or "with a side-glance." The word can be used to describe looking at something with suspicion or doubt. For instance, one might look askance at assurances about a car's history if something seems off. Similarly, people might eye others askance upon their entrance if they are perceived as out of place. The word is comparable to "side-eye" in its usage. Historically, writers have employed "askance" both literally for a sideways glance and figuratively for conveying disapproval or distrust. In Middle English, related terms like "askaunce" and "a-skans" meant "in such a way that" or "deceptively." It is believed that "askance" evolved from these terms, possibly influenced by "asqwynt," meaning "obliquely." The word first appeared in the 16th century with the meaning of "sideways" or "with a sideways glance."