NYT Dictionary

DIFFIDENT

/ˈdɪfɪdənt/

AdjectiveDIF-fi-dentdif-fi-dent · 3 syllablesGrade 8

Accepted in official NYT Spelling Bee puzzle years: 2020, 2022, 2023

Meaning

Lacking confidence in others; distrustful.

Etymology

Origin: Latin

From Latin diffīdentem, present participle of diffīdere (“to mistrust”). Doublet of defiant.

Synonyms & Antonyms

Synonyms

timidmodestshyunsurebackwardbashfulcautiouscowardlycoydemure

Antonyms

confident

NYT Puzzle Appearances

Accepted in 2 recorded puzzles:

Join the Spelling Bee Community

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