RATHER
An adverb meaning to some degree, somewhat or more precisely.
Other meanings and uses
- It can express preference, as in choosing one option rather than another.
- It can correct or refine a preceding statement with greater accuracy.
Definitions of the day · 2026-09-25
Spoiler-Safe Definitions for the September 25, 2026 Board
These concise entries explain ordinary meanings and established uses while keeping the puzzle's answer relationships separate.
Open the dated hints and answers →Definitions of the day · 2026-09-25
All 16 words, explained without the answers.
Use this utility to clarify an unfamiliar board word without seeing categories or grouped answers. Entries remain in original board order and avoid relationship-specific alternate senses.
BOUGIE
An informal adjective for tastes or behavior viewed as affluent and status-conscious.
Other meanings and uses
- It may be used teasingly for an ordinary choice presented as unusually upscale.
- As an adjective, it can appear before a noun or after a linking verb.
GENIUS
A person with exceptional intellectual or creative ability.
Other meanings and uses
- It can mean extraordinary natural talent in a particular activity.
- Informally, it can praise an exceptionally clever idea or solution.
SPRING
The season between winter and summer, associated with warmer weather and new growth.
Other meanings and uses
- As a verb, it means to jump or move suddenly and quickly.
- A spring is a natural place where underground water reaches the surface.
- It can mean the origin or source from which something arises.
BORDER
A line or region marking the edge of an area or the division between territories.
Other meanings and uses
- As a verb, it means to form an edge along or around something.
- It can mean a decorative strip running around the edge of an object.
RATCHET
A mechanism with teeth that permits motion in one direction while preventing reverse movement.
Other meanings and uses
- As a verb, it means to increase or decrease something through successive stages.
- A ratchet can also mean a hand tool used with interchangeable sockets.
SWANK
Stylish, fashionable or impressively luxurious in a showy way.
Other meanings and uses
- As a verb, it means to behave or display possessions boastfully.
- As a noun, it can refer to ostentatious style or showy behavior.
SAVAGE
Extremely violent, fierce or cruel in action, manner or effect.
Other meanings and uses
- As a verb, it means to attack severely or cause serious damage.
- Informally, it can describe criticism that is exceptionally harsh.
CLASSY
Stylish, elegant and showing notably good taste or refinement.
Other meanings and uses
- It can describe considerate behavior viewed as admirable or dignified.
- It is commonly used predicatively, as in saying that something looks classy.
LEVY
A charge or assessment imposed and collected by an authority.
Other meanings and uses
- As a verb, it means to impose or collect a tax, fee or contribution.
- In legal use, it can refer to seizing property to satisfy a debt.
PENDULUM
A weight suspended from a fixed point so that it can swing freely back and forth.
Other meanings and uses
- Figuratively, it describes opinion or circumstances moving between opposing positions.
- The plural form pendulums refers to multiple suspended swinging bodies.
FANCY
Elaborate, decorative or more expensive and sophisticated than something plain.
Other meanings and uses
- As a verb, it can mean to want, like or feel attracted to something.
- As a noun, it can mean imagination, inclination or a sudden personal preference.
- It can also mean to suppose or imagine that something is true.
ESCAPEMENT
A mechanism that releases controlled movement in measured, repeated steps.
Other meanings and uses
- The plural form escapements is used when referring to more than one such mechanism.
- The word is generally a countable noun naming a complete mechanism.
POSH
Elegant, fashionable, expensive or associated with a high social position.
Other meanings and uses
- It can describe a polished accent or manner associated with social privilege.
- Informally, it may describe an upgraded or unusually comfortable version of something.
FOAMILY
An adverb meaning in a foamy manner or with the appearance of foam.
Other meanings and uses
- It modifies an action or condition, as in describing liquid spreading foamily.
- Its use generally emphasizes bubbles, froth or a light aerated texture.
AYKROYD
A family name used as a surname in English-language personal names.
Other meanings and uses
- In a full personal name, it conventionally follows the person's given name.
- The possessive form AYKROYD's can indicate association or ownership in a sentence.