NYT Dictionary

NICETY

/ˈnaɪsɪti/
NounAdjectiveNI-ce-tyni-ce-ty · 3 syllablesGrade 8

Accepted in official NYT Spelling Bee puzzle years: 2019, 2020, 2023, 2025

Meaning

A small detail or distinction.

Etymology

Origin: Middle English

From Middle English nicetee, from Old French niceté (“simpleness, foolishness”), from nice (“simple, foolish”); equivalent to nice + -e- + -ty.

Synonyms & Antonyms

Synonyms

social nicetyjustnessrightnessnuanceshadesubtletyrefinementaccuracyappreciationcircumstantiality

NYT Puzzle Appearances

Accepted in 2 recorded puzzles:

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