Word of the Year 2027: 60 Ideas and How to Choose Yours
A word of the year is one word you pick to steer the next twelve months instead of a long list of resolutions. It works because one word is easy to remember on a hard Tuesday in March. The trick is choosing a word that names how you want to live, not a task to finish. Below are 60 ideas grouped by what people usually want more of, then a short way to choose yours and keep it in front of you after January.
Practical tips
- Calm and rest: Rest, Still, Slow, Peace, Gentle, Breathe, Simplify, Enough, Ease, Quiet.
- Growth and courage: Brave, Grow, Bold, Rise, Try, Stretch, Begin, Courage, Leap, Learn.
- Focus and order: Focus, Finish, Clear, Steady, Order, Commit, Ready, Intentional, Root, Build.
- Joy and connection: Joy, Play, Together, Open, Delight, Gather, Laugh, Kind, Present, Love.
- Health and energy: Strong, Move, Nourish, Heal, Energy, Fuel, Balance, Whole, Care, Light.
- Money and freedom: Free, Save, Plenty, Wise, Content, Abundance, Release, Prepare, Steward, Thrive.
- How to choose: (1) write down what drained you in 2026 and what you want more of; (2) circle 3 words from the lists that answer it; (3) say each one out loud in a sentence like 'In 2027 I will ___'; (4) keep the one that feels a little uncomfortable but true.
- Keep it alive: put the word on your fridge, phone lock screen and planner cover, and check in with it once a quarter.
Frequently asked questions
What is a word of the year?
One word you choose to guide your choices for the year, used instead of or alongside resolutions.
When should I pick my 2027 word?
Late December is ideal, so you start January with it. Any time in early 2027 works too.
What if my word stops fitting?
Check in each quarter. If it no longer fits, keep the lesson and pick a new word for the rest of the year.