NYT Dictionary

LATENT

/ˈleɪ.tənt/
AdjectiveNounLA-tentla-tent · 2 syllablesGrade 12

Accepted in official NYT Spelling Bee puzzle years: 2019, 2021, 2025, 2026

Meaning

Existing or present, but concealed or inactive.

Etymology

Origin: Middle English

From Middle English latent, latente, from Old French latent, from Latin latēns, present participle of lateō (“lie hidden”).

Synonyms & Antonyms

Synonyms

hiddeninvisibledormantabeyantat restcessantdullfallowhibernatingidle

Antonyms

apparentpatentvisibleactive

NYT Puzzle Appearances

Accepted in 3 recorded puzzles:

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