Housing and exams among the candidates for Word of the Year 2026

The Porto Editora announced the ten finalists for the 2026 Word of the Year, including "combustível," "chat," and "drones." The list reflects current trends and concerns in Portugal, based on public suggestions and media analysis. "Combustível" was chosen due to rising fuel prices impacting families and businesses. The term "chat" gained popularity for its use in AI systems, while "drones" are noted for their increased use in warfare. Other finalists include "eclipse," linked to a recent astronomical event, and "exames," related to digital exam corrections. The voting is open until November 30, with the winner announced on December 3.