NYT Dictionary

PIZZAZZ

/pɪˈzæz/
Nounpi-ZZAZZpi-zzazz · 2 syllablesGrade 7

Accepted in official NYT Spelling Bee puzzle years: 2018, 2020, 2023, 2025

Meaning

Flair, vitality, or zest; energy; vigor.

Etymology

Origin: Unknown

Probably originally college or showbusiness slang in the United States, then popularized in the American fashion magazine Harper’s Bazaar in the 1930s: see the quotation.

Synonyms & Antonyms

Synonyms

dynamismpizzazoomphzinganimationauthoritybangbeefcharismaclout

NYT Puzzle Appearances

Accepted in 2 recorded puzzles:

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