NYT Dictionary

GNARLY

/ˈnɑɹli/
AdjectiveGNAR-lygnar-ly · 2 syllablesGrade 6

Accepted in official NYT Spelling Bee puzzle years: 2019, 2025

Meaning

Having or characterized by gnarls; gnarled.

Etymology

Origin: Unknown

From gnarl (“knot in wood”) + -y. The slang senses were particularly popularized by US surf culture in the 1970s.

Synonyms & Antonyms

Synonyms

gnarledknobblyknobbyawesomecacophonicdiscordantjarringcoolradwicked

NYT Puzzle Appearances

Accepted in 1 recorded puzzle:

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