NYT Dictionary

INVECTIVE

/ɪnˈvɛktɪv/
NounAdjectivein-VEC-tivein-vec-tive · 3 syllablesGrade 8

Accepted in official NYT Spelling Bee puzzle years: 2018, 2019, 2021, 2022, 2023, 2024, 2025

Meaning

An expression which inveighs or rails against a person.

Etymology

Origin: Latin

From Middle French invective, from Medieval Latin invectiva (“abusive speech”), from Latin invectīvus, from invectus, perfect passive participle of invehō (“bring in”), from in- + vehō (“carry”). See vehicle, and compare with inveigh.

Synonyms & Antonyms

Synonyms

abusivecriticaldenunciatorysatiricalvitriolicvituperativevituperationvitriolabuseaddress

NYT Puzzle Appearances

Accepted in 7 recorded puzzles:

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