NYT Dictionary

LOVELY

/ˈlʌv.li/
AdjectiveNounAdverbLOVE-lylove-ly · 2 syllablesGrade 3

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

Meaning

Delightful for beauty, harmony, or grace.

Etymology

Origin: Old English

From Middle English lovely, luvelich, lufli, from Old English luflīċ, luflīc (“amiable, loving, lovable”), equivalent to love + -ly.

Synonyms & Antonyms

Synonyms

prettydarlingbeautifulcharminglovablelovesomelovingadorableendearingadmirable

NYT Puzzle Appearances

Accepted in 3 recorded puzzles:

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