NYT Dictionary

TENTATIVE

/ˈtɛntətɪv/

NounAdjectiveTEN-ta-tiveten-ta-tive · 3 syllablesGrade 7

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

Meaning

A trial; an experiment; an attempt.

Etymology

Origin: Latin

From Medieval Latin tentātīvus (“trying, testing”), from tentō, past participle tentātus (“to try, test”); see tent, tempt.

Synonyms & Antonyms

Synonyms

probationaryprovisionalprovisionarydoubtfulalternatealternativeambling analytic analytical assay

Antonyms

conclusivedefinitivecertain

NYT Puzzle Appearances

Accepted in 2 recorded puzzles:

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