To grant or receive a diploma or an academic degree (verb)
Looking for the answer to the USA Today Rootonym clue “To grant or receive a diploma or an academic degree (verb)”? The solution is GRADUATE, a 8-letter word built on the root GRAD (“step, go, walk, degree”). It appeared in the September 7, 2026 (Monday) USA Today Rootonym. See the full puzzle for that day's other words.
Answer
GRADUATE
GRAD****GRADmeans “step, go, walk, degree”
In a sentence
High school seniors will GRADUATE once they satisfy necessary course requirements.
About this clue
The Rootonym clue “To grant or receive a diploma or an academic degree (verb)” has the answer GRADUATE (8 letters), built on the root GRAD, which means “step, go, walk, degree”. Browse the full September 7, 2026 Rootonym puzzle for the other three words, or see all Rootonym answers.