NYT Dictionary

INCIPIENT

/ɪnˈsɪp.i.ənt/

AdjectiveNounin-CIP-i-entin-cip-i-ent · 4 syllablesCollege

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

Meaning

In an initial stage; beginning, starting, coming into existence.

Etymology

Origin: Latin

Borrowed from Latin incipiēns, present participle of incipiō (“begin”).

Synonyms & Antonyms

Synonyms

beginningcommencingemergingstartinginchoatenascentembryonicbeginnerinceptorabecedarian

NYT Puzzle Appearances

Accepted in 2 recorded puzzles:

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