NYT Dictionary

APTLY

/ˈæp(t).li/

AdverbAPT-lyapt-ly · 2 syllablesGrade 12

Accepted in official NYT Spelling Bee puzzle years: 2019, 2020, 2022, 2024, 2025, 2026

Meaning

In an apt or suitable manner; fittingly; appropriately; suitably

Etymology

Origin: Old English

Etymology tree English apt Proto-Indo-European *leyg-der. Proto-Germanic *līkąder. Proto-Germanic *-līkaz Proto-Germanic *-ê Proto-Germanic *-līkê Proto-West Germanic *-līkē Old English -līċe Middle English -ly English -ly English aptly From apt + -ly.

Synonyms & Antonyms

Synonyms

competentlyablycapablydeftlyefficientlyexpertlyfeatlyhandilymasterfullyneatly

Antonyms

incompetently

NYT Puzzle Appearances

Accepted in 3 recorded puzzles:

2026-01-17YATROLP
2025-04-07YAPLINT
2024-11-03LAOPRTY