NYT Dictionary

INTONATION

/ɪntəˈneɪʃən/
Nounin-to-NA-tionin-to-na-tion · 4 syllablesGrade 7

Accepted in official NYT Spelling Bee puzzle years: 2020, 2021, 2022, 2023, 2024, 2025, 2026

Meaning

The rise and fall of the voice in speaking.

Etymology

Origin: Latin

From French intonation, from Medieval Latin intonatio, from intonō + -tiō.

Synonyms & Antonyms

Synonyms

modulationchantingaccentadaptationarrangementbravuracoloraturadictionemphasisexecution

NYT Puzzle Appearances

Accepted in 23 recorded puzzles:

+11 earlier appearances in the archive.

Join the Spelling Bee Community

Get solving strategies, rare word lists, and puzzle tips in your inbox every week.