NYT Dictionary

MINIMAL

/ˈmɪn.ə.məl/
AdjectiveNounMIN-i-malmin-i-mal · 3 syllablesGrade 6

Accepted in official NYT Spelling Bee puzzle years: 2019, 2020, 2024, 2025, 2026

Meaning

The smallest possible amount, quantity, or degree.

Etymology

Origin: Latin

Etymology tree Latin minimus Proto-Indo-European *-om Proto-Italic *-om Latin -um Latin minimumlbor. English minimum English -al English minimal From minimum + -al.

Synonyms & Antonyms

Synonyms

minimumadequateamplebabybantambantybarecommensuratecompactcompetent

Antonyms

maximalmaximum

NYT Puzzle Appearances

Accepted in 6 recorded puzzles:

Join the Spelling Bee Community

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