NYT Dictionary

INNOCENCE

/ˈɪnəsn̩s/

NounIN-no-cencein-no-cence · 3 syllablesGrade 4

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

Meaning

Absence of responsibility for a crime, tort, etc.

Etymology

Origin: Old English

Inherited from Middle English innocence, from Old French innocence, inocence, from Latin innocentia. Doublet of innocency. Displaced native Old English unsċyld.

Synonyms & Antonyms

Synonyms

unguiltnaivetyunworldlinesspurityharmlessnessinnocuityidiocymoronityblamelessnesscleanness

Antonyms

guiltblameworthinessculpabilityguiltinessnoninnocenceuninnocenceharmfulnessnocence

NYT Puzzle Appearances

Accepted in 10 recorded puzzles:

2025-10-15OCEIJNT
2025-07-04CEOIFNT
2025-05-30IOBNDCE
2025-03-30ECNOIGH
2025-02-14EXCOLIN
2024-09-02CDNIEJO
2024-07-14ICEJNOT
2023-11-19CBDEINO
2023-07-18ICXTOEN
2023-06-24NXCOIEL