NYT Dictionary

IMPEL

/ɪmˈpɛl/
Verbim-PELim-pel · 2 syllablesGrade 9

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

Meaning

To urge a person; to press on; to incite to action or motion via intrinsic motivation.

Etymology

Origin: Middle English

From Middle English impellen, borrowed from Latin impellō.

Synonyms & Antonyms

Synonyms

actuatemotivateabetgoosefuellight a fire undersendstingbring aboutcheer

Antonyms

propelrestrainretardbehedgebluntcrimpforeclosedelaydifficultdiminish

NYT Puzzle Appearances

Accepted in 4 recorded puzzles:

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