NYT Dictionary

DEATHLY

/ˈdɛθli/
AdjectiveAdverbDEATH-lydeath-ly · 2 syllablesGrade 5

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

Meaning

Appearing as though dead, or on the verge of death.

Etymology

Origin: Old English

From Middle English dethlich, from Old English dēaþlīċ, equivalent to death + -ly.

Synonyms & Antonyms

Synonyms

deathlikedeadlymortalextremelyexceedinglysuperwhoppingagonizinglyawfullybaneful

NYT Puzzle Appearances

Accepted in 2 recorded puzzles, including a pangram:

Join the Spelling Bee Community

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