What are the highest scoring Scrabble words ending in LY?

QUICKLY (25 pts), JOKINGLY (23 pts), and FOXILY (19 pts) top the charts. More commonly playable high-scorers include WAXILY (19 pts), HACKLY (18 pts), WEAKLY (16 pts), SWIFTLY (16 pts), and FRESHLY (16 pts). The -LY suffix adds 5 points (L=1, Y=4) making it one of the highest-value common suffixes.

Why is LY a valuable suffix in Scrabble?

LY is valuable for three reasons: the Y tile alone is worth 4 points (making the suffix worth 5 total), it converts almost any adjective into a valid adverb (QUICK to QUICKLY, DARK to DARKLY), and LY words tend to be 6-8 letters long — ideal for bingo plays worth an extra 50 points. The L and Y tiles are also moderately common in the bag.

Can you add LY to any adjective on the Scrabble board?

Most adjectives accept -LY to form adverbs, but not all. QUICK to QUICKLY, SLOW to SLOWLY, and DARK to DARKLY all work. However, adjectives ending in -LY themselves (FRIENDLY, LOVELY) don't typically take another -LY. Also, some irregular adverbs exist (GOOD becomes WELL, not GOODLY). Always verify with a word checker before playing.

Words Ending in LY — Turn Adjectives into Adverbs for Scrabble Points

June 14, 2026 8 min read Word Finder

The -LY suffix is Scrabble's hidden gem — it converts adjectives into adverbs while contributing a solid 5 points from L (1) and Y (4). Unlike ER or ED which add just 2-3 points, LY brings real tile value to every extension. Better still, LY words often hit the 7-letter bingo threshold, unlocking that coveted 50-point bonus. Here's how to make this powerful suffix work for you.

High-Scoring Words Ending in LY

These -LY words pair high-value root letters with the 5-point suffix for impressive totals. Many hit the 7-8 letter range, making them bingo candidates.

#	Word	Points	Length	Definition
1	QUICKLY	25	7	In a fast manner
2	JOKINGLY	23	8	In a humorous way
3	FOXILY	19	6	In a cunning manner
4	WAXILY	19	6	In a waxy manner
5	HACKLY	18	6	Having a rough surface
6	WEAKLY	16	6	In a feeble manner
7	SWIFTLY	16	7	In a rapid manner
8	FRESHLY	16	7	In a new or recent way
9	SHARPLY	15	7	In a keen manner
10	DARKLY	14	6	In a dark manner
11	GHOSTLY	14	7	Resembling a ghost
12	BROADLY	13	7	In a wide manner
13	BOLDLY	12	6	In a brave manner

5 pts

Base LY value (L=1, Y=4)

L tiles in the bag

Y tiles in the bag

Why LY Is the Highest-Value Common Suffix

Most suffixes add only 2-4 points to a word. LY adds 5 — and that difference compounds when you hit premium squares or land a bingo.

💡 The Y-Value Advantage

The Y tile is worth 4 points — as much as the entire ING suffix in a single tile. When Y lands on a Double Letter Score (8 pts) or Triple Letter Score (12 pts), it can outscore entire short words. Always consider whether your Y is better spent on a -LY extension or as part of a word where Y hits a premium square directly.

LY Words That Form Bingos

Many -LY adverbs are exactly 7 letters — the magic number for a 50-point bingo bonus. These are your highest-value LY targets.

QUICKLY25+50 SHARPLY15+50 SWIFTLY16+50 FRESHLY16+50 BROADLY13+50 GHOSTLY14+50

LY as a Board Extension

When adjectives appear on the board, adding -LY creates valid adverbs. This 2-tile extension carries serious weight thanks to the Y's 4-point value.

Extend adjectives on the board: DARK → DARKLY, BOLD → BOLDLY, SWIFT → SWIFTLY. Every adjective without -LY already is a potential hook. The 5-point suffix makes these extensions more valuable than ED or ER hooks.

Position Y on premium squares: Since Y is worth 4 points, landing it on a DLS (8 pts) or TLS (12 pts) dramatically boosts your score. Count squares to see if the Y in your -LY extension will hit a multiplier.

LY after -ING words: Some -ING words accept -LY (JOKINGLY, LOVINGLY, STRIKINGLY). These create very long words from existing board plays — potential mega-scores when they cross premiums.

Y ends don't hook easily: Unlike words ending in E, S, or D, words ending in Y are harder for opponents to extend. Playing an -LY word creates a dead end that's defensively strong — no easy S-hook available.

Premium Square Strategy with LY

The Y tile's 4-point value makes premium square positioning critical. A Y on a Triple Letter Score is worth 12 points — from a single tile.

✓ Y on TLS = 12 Points

Y (4 pts) tripled is 12 from one tile. Position your -LY extension so Y lands on Triple Letter — it's the single most impactful tile placement for this suffix.

✓ Defensive Dead End

Words ending in Y are hard to extend. No easy S-hook exists, making your -LY plays defensively solid. Score high without opening lanes for opponents.

Rack Management with LY

The L and Y tiles have different strategic properties. Understanding when to hold versus when to play them is key to maximizing LY value.

Hold L + Y When

You have 5 other tiles that form a 5-letter adjective root. QUICK + LY, SWIFT + LY, SHARP + LY. This is bingo territory — 7 letters = 50 bonus points plus the word score.

Play L or Y Separately When

No adjective root exists on your rack. Y is great in short words (YAM, YEW, YAK) and L is flexible. Don't hold both for more than 1-2 turns if no LY play is forming.

Summary

🎯 Summary

The -LY suffix is your highest-value common word ending at 5 points. The Y tile alone is worth 4 — tripled on a TLS, that's 12 points from one letter. Use -LY to transform adjectives into adverbs, target 7-letter bingos (QUICKLY, SWIFTLY, SHARPLY), and create defensively strong board positions that opponents can't easily hook. Pair it with high-value roots for game-changing plays.

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