NYT Dictionary

BENAME

/ˈbɪneɪm/

VerbBE-namebe-name · 2 syllablesAdvanced/Professional

Accepted in official NYT Spelling Bee puzzle years: 2019, 2020, 2021, 2023, 2025, 2026

Meaning

To swear on oath; to solemnly declare; promise; give.

Etymology

Origin: Old English

From Middle English benamen. Equivalent to be- + name. Compare Middle English benemnen, from Old English benemnan, a closely related formation. Compare further Saterland Frisian benaame, German benennen, Swedish benämna, Dutch benoemen.

Synonyms & Antonyms

Synonyms

vowdesignaterefer totermdubname

NYT Puzzle Appearances

No published puzzle dates on file for this word yet. It is part of the official NYT Spelling Bee word list for 2019, 2020, 2021, 2023, 2025, 2026.