NYT Dictionary

EXILE

/ˈɛɡˌzaɪl/
NounVerbEX-ileex-ile · 2 syllablesGrade 9

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

Meaning

The state of being banished from one's home or country.

Etymology

Origin: Middle English

From Middle English exil, borrowed from Old French essil, exil, from Latin exsilium, exilium (“state of exile”), derived from exsul, exul (“exiled person”).

Synonyms & Antonyms

Synonyms

banishmentexpatriateémigrébanishforbanexpatdeporteedeportationexpatriationtransportation

Antonyms

repatriate

NYT Puzzle Appearances

Accepted in 7 recorded puzzles:

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