NYT Dictionary

CALM

/kɑm/
AdjectiveNounVerbKAHMGrade 6

Accepted in official NYT Spelling Bee puzzle years: 2018, 2019, 2020, 2021, 2022, 2023, 2024, 2025, 2026

Meaning

Peaceful, quiet, especially free from anger and anxiety.

Etymology

Origin: Old English

From Middle English calm, calme, from Middle French calme, probably from Old Italian calma, of uncertain origin. Calma may derive from Late Latin cauma (“heat of the midday sun”), from Ancient Greek καῦμα (kaûma, “heat, especially of the sun”), from καίω (kaíō, “to burn”), or possibly from Latin caleō. Compare also Lombardic *chalm, *chalma (“frozenness”), ultimately from Proto-Germanic *kalmaz (“frozenness, cold”). Displaced native Middle English smilte (“quiet, still, gentle”) from Old English smylte (“quiet, tranquil, calm, serene”).

Synonyms & Antonyms

Synonyms

calmsteadycollectedcomposedcool-headedequableequanimousequanimitableeven-keeledeven-minded

Antonyms

stressednervousanxiousdisturbedwindystormyangrypeevishagitateexcite

NYT Puzzle Appearances

Accepted in 10 recorded puzzles:

Join the Spelling Bee Community

Get solving strategies, rare word lists, and puzzle tips in your inbox every week.