NYT Dictionary

OUTLAW

/ˈaʊt.lɔ/
NounVerbOUT-lawout-law · 2 syllablesGrade 6

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

Meaning

A fugitive from the law.

Etymology

Origin: Old English

From Middle English outlawe, outlagh, utlaȝe, from Old English ūtlaga (“outlaw”), borrowed from Old Norse útlagi (“outlaw, fugitive”), equivalent to out- + law. Cognate with Icelandic útlagi (“outlaw”).

Synonyms & Antonyms

Synonyms

absconderfugitivebanditwolf's headanti-herodeviantcriminalfeloncrookmalefactor

Antonyms

legalizedecriminalizedecriminaliselegalise

NYT Puzzle Appearances

Accepted in 3 recorded puzzles:

Join the Spelling Bee Community

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