Search Dictionary
Definition of testily

testily

/ˈtɛs.tɪ.li/
tes · ti · ly
Adjective:testy
JUMP TO:

testily Lexical Profile

testily Game Scores & Validity

• adverb

1

In an easily irritated, impatient, or bad-tempered manner.

Example

"The exhausted manager replied testily when asked the same question for the third time."

Synonyms
View all synonyms for testily
Antonyms
View all antonyms for testily

• Rhymes for testily

• Nearby Words

testicular
testifier
testify
testily
testimonial
testimony
testiness

Word Origin & Etymology

Formed from the adjective 'testy' plus the adverbial suffix '-ly'. 'Testy' derives from Middle English 'testif' (headstrong or impetuous), borrowed from Anglo-French and rooted in Latin 'testa' (head, originally meaning 'earthen pot').

Cite this Entry

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