Search Dictionary
Definition of adverbial

adverbial

/ædˈvɝː.bi.əl/
ad · ver · bi · al
Adverb:adverbially
•
Plural:adverbials
JUMP TO:

adverbial Lexical Profile

adverbial Game Scores & Validity

• adjective

1

Relating to, having the nature of, or functioning as an adverb.

Example

"In the sentence, the prepositional phrase serves an adverbial function by indicating when the event occurred."

• noun

1

A word, phrase, or clause that functions syntactically like an adverb to modify a verb, adjective, or whole clause.

Example

"Fronted adverbials are often followed by a comma at the beginning of a sentence."

Synonyms
View all synonyms for adverbial

Word Nuance & Usage

In grammar, an 'adverb' is a specific part of speech (like 'quickly'), whereas an 'adverbial' is a broader syntactic function that includes single adverbs as well as prepositional phrases and clauses acting like adverbs.

• Rhymes for adverbial

• Nearby Words

adventurously
adventurousness
adverb
adverbial
adversarial
adversary
adverse

Word Origin & Etymology

Borrowed in the late 15th century from Late Latin adverbialis ('of or relating to an adverb'), derived from Latin adverbium ('adverb').

Cite this Entry

Wordmom. (2026). Definition of Adverbial. In Wordmom Dictionary. Retrieved Nov 5, 2026, from https://wordmom.com/dictionary/adverbial
Built for writers, students, and competitive word game players, Wordmom combines an uncluttered English dictionary and thesaurus with fast, pattern-based word finders so you can verify definitions, synonyms, and high-scoring tile plays in one place.
Word Games & Solvers
Word FinderScrabble Word FinderWords With Friends CheatWordle SolverAnagram Solver
Dictionary & Reference
DictionarySynonymsAntonymsWords
Community
Contact UsEditorial PolicyPrivacy PolicyTerms and Conditions
© 2016–2026 Wordmom Network. All rights reserved. Made with for word lovers everywhere.
Disclaimer: SCRABBLE® is a registered trademark. All intellectual property rights in and to the game are owned in the U.S.A. and Canada by Hasbro Inc., and throughout the rest of the world by J.W. Spear & Sons Limited of Maidenhead, Berkshire, England, a subsidiary of Mattel Inc. Mattel and Spear are not affiliated with Hasbro. Words With Friends® is a registered trademark of Zynga Inc. Wordle® is a registered trademark of The New York Times Company. Other referenced game titles and tournament lexicon codes (including NASPA NWL and WESPA/HarperCollins CSW) are trademarks of their respective owners. Wordmom is an independent reference utility for educational and entertainment purposes and is not affiliated with, sponsored by, or endorsed by Hasbro, Mattel, Spear, Zynga, The New York Times Company, NASPA, WESPA, or HarperCollins Publishers. All game names are referenced strictly under nominative fair use to indicate compatibility.