NYT Dictionary

EPIPHANY

/ɪˈpɪfəni/
Nounepi-PHA-nyepi-pha-ny · 3 syllablesGrade 9

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

Meaning

An illuminating realization or discovery, often resulting in a personal feeling of elation, awe, or wonder.

Etymology

Origin: Middle English

From Middle English epiphanie, from Old French epyphanie, from Late Latin epiphania, from Ancient Greek ἐπιφάνεια (epipháneia, “manifestation, striking appearance”), from ἐπιφαίνω (epiphaínō, “I appear, display”), from ἐπι- (epi-, “upon”) + φαίνω (phaínō, “I shine, appear”). English Epiphany (of Christ) since the 14th century, generic use since the 17th century.

Synonyms & Antonyms

Synonyms

aha momentenlightenmenteureka momentnirvanasatoritheophanyadventafflatusapocalypseapparition

NYT Puzzle Appearances

Accepted in 3 recorded puzzles, including a pangram:

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