NYT Dictionary

CANNOT

/ˈkænɑt/
VerbNounCAN-notcan-not · 2 syllablesGrade 3

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

Meaning

Can not; be unable to (whether due to physical inability, logical impossibility, etc.).

Etymology

Origin: Old English

From Middle English can not, cannot, cannouȝt, etc. (compare Old English ne cann), equivalent to can + not.

Synonyms & Antonyms

Synonyms

can't

NYT Puzzle Appearances

Accepted in 7 recorded puzzles:

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