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Definition of dryly

dryly

/ˈdraɪ.li/
(UK: drily)
dry · ly
Adjective:dry
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dryly Lexical Profile

dryly Game Scores & Validity

• adverb

1

In a matter-of-fact, understated, or subtly ironic manner.

Example

"The professor observed dryly that the students seemed far more interested in the clock than the lecture."

2

In a dull, uninteresting, or unemotional way.

Example

"The historical facts were presented so dryly in the textbook that the class quickly lost interest."

3

Without moisture or liquid; in a parched or dehydrated state.

Example

"Autumn leaves rustled dryly along the pavement as the evening breeze picked up."

Synonyms
View all synonyms for dryly
Antonyms
View all antonyms for dryly

Word Nuance & Usage

Both "dryly" and "drily" are accepted standard spellings; "dryly" is significantly more common in American English, while "drily" appears frequently in British English.

• Rhymes for dryly

• Nearby Words

drygoods
dryish
dryland
dryly
dryness
drysuit
drywall

Cite this Entry

Wordmom. (2026). Definition of Dryly. In Wordmom Dictionary. Retrieved Nov 5, 2026, from https://wordmom.com/dictionary/dryly
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