NYT Dictionary

FACILITATE

/fəˈsɪlɪteɪt/
Verbfa-CIL-i-tatefa-cil-i-tate · 4 syllablesGrade 9

Accepted in official NYT Spelling Bee puzzle years: 2022, 2025, 2026

Meaning

To make easy or easier.

Etymology

Origin: Latin

Anglicisation of French faciliter (“facilitate”) through -ate (verb-forming suffix), ultimately from Latin facilis.

Synonyms & Antonyms

Synonyms

easeopen the doorgreasealleviatehelpadvanceadvantageaidassistauthorization

Antonyms

hinderimpede

NYT Puzzle Appearances

Accepted in 2 recorded puzzles, including a pangram:

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