NYT Dictionary

UNBUTTON

/ʌnˈbʌtən/
Verbun-BUT-tonun-but-ton · 3 syllablesGrade 1

Accepted in official NYT Spelling Bee puzzle years: 2020, 2022, 2023, 2024, 2026

Meaning

To open (something) by undoing its buttons.

Etymology

Origin: Middle English

From Middle English onbottonen, unbotonen; equivalent to un- + button.

Synonyms & Antonyms

Synonyms

detachdisengagedofffreeliberatelooseloosenremoveunbindunbolt

Antonyms

NYT Puzzle Appearances

Accepted in 4 recorded puzzles:

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