Merriam-Webster's Word of the Day for July 6, 2026, is deepfake, which refers to an image or recording that has been convincingly altered and manipulated. A deepfake is used to misrepresent someone as doing or saying something that was not actually done or said. The term deepfake is used to describe a fake image, video, or audio recording that has been edited using an algorithm. This algorithm replaces the person in the original with someone else, often a public figure, in a way that makes it look authentic. The term deepfake is composed of two parts, with "fake" being self-explanatory, indicating that the image or recording is not real. The "deep" part of the term is less obvious and is influenced by deep learning, which involves machine learning using artificial neural networks with multiple layers of algorithms. Deepfakes can be impressive and convincing, as seen in examples where they have been used to create near-perfect replicas of public figures. The existence of deepfakes highlights the importance of being cautious when consuming information, as things are not always as they seem. The use of deepfakes has significant implications, as they can be used to spread misinformation or manipulate public opinion. Overall, the concept of deepfakes is a reminder to be critical of the information we consume and to verify its authenticity before accepting it as true.