1,000+ Adjectives That Start with D – Positive, Descriptive & Unique Words
Adjectives are the powerhouse of language, breathing life, detail, and emotion into words. They transform how we describe the world—whether it’s a person’s personality, the beauty of an object, or the mood of a situation. Among all adjectives, those starting with the letter "D" shine for their diversity and depth, offering an impressive range of options to enhance your vocabulary and elevate your writing.
This page is your ultimate resource for adjectives that start with "D". Whether you’re a writer searching for the perfect descriptive word, a student refining your essays, or a language enthusiast expanding your lexicon, you’ll find everything you need right here.
To simplify your exploration, we’ve organized adjectives starting with "D" into distinct sections. Each section includes example adjectives with their meanings and synonyms, offering a practical understanding of their usage. This guide also features a comprehensive list of over 1,000 adjectives starting with "D", complete with meanings and synonyms, providing you with an extensive resource for vocabulary enhancement and creative expression.
- Positive Adjectives Starting with "D": Ideal for uplifting and motivating language, perfect for adding a positive tone to your writing.
- Negative Adjectives Starting with "D": Useful for conveying challenges or difficulties, adding depth and realism to descriptions.
- Descriptive Adjectives Starting with "D": Excellent for crafting vivid imagery and creating detailed descriptions in storytelling.
- Emotional Adjectives Starting with "D": Perfect for expressing a wide range of feelings and states of mind, enhancing emotional depth.
By the end of this guide, you’ll not only expand your vocabulary but also master the effective use of these adjectives in sentences. Whether you’re describing a person, a place, or a situation, adjectives starting with "D" will empower you to add precision, creativity, and clarity to your words.
Positive Adjectives Starting with "D"
Positive adjectives starting with "D" are perfect for adding warmth, inspiration, and encouragement to your writing. Whether you want to describe someone as *dedicated*, acknowledge a *daring* achievement, or highlight the charm of a *delightful* moment, these adjectives provide the perfect tools to convey uplifting and optimistic tones. Words like *dynamic*, *dazzling*, and *determined* are excellent for celebrating individual strengths and character, while others like *dreamy* and *divine* are ideal for describing beautiful ideas, serene moments, or enchanting settings.
Using positive adjectives that start with "D" can elevate your writing by creating a vibrant and engaging connection with your audience. Whether you’re crafting an inspiring speech, composing a heartfelt letter, or building an imaginative story, these words will help you communicate your thoughts with clarity, positivity, and emotional depth.
For a broader range of Positive Adjectives, don’t forget to explore our Comprehensive List of Positive Adjectives
Additionally, you can expand your vocabulary further by checking out our Comprehensive List of Adjectives Starting with "D" linked below on this page.
| Adjective | Meaning | Synonyms |
|---|---|---|
| Dynamic | Energetic and full of life | Energetic, lively, vibrant |
| Dazzling | Extremely bright or impressive | Brilliant, stunning, radiant |
| Diligent | Showing care and effort in work | Hardworking, dedicated, industrious |
| Delightful | Bringing great pleasure or joy | Charming, pleasing, enjoyable |
| Determined | Having a strong resolve to achieve something | Resolute, persistent, steadfast |
| Dependable | Capable of being trusted or relied upon | Reliable, trustworthy, steady |
| Decisive | Able to make decisions quickly and effectively | Resolute, certain, confident |
| Dreamy | Having a magical or pleasant quality | Magical, enchanting, idyllic |
| Daring | Willing to take risks or be bold | Bold, audacious, courageous |
| Devoted | Strongly committed or loyal | Loyal, faithful, dedicated |
| Discerning | Having or showing good judgment | Perceptive, insightful, astute |
| Distinguished | Recognized for excellence | Respected, eminent, notable |
| Dutiful | Performing responsibilities diligently | Responsible, conscientious, obedient |
| Diverse | Showing a great deal of variety | Varied, assorted, multifaceted |
| Delicate | Exquisitely fine or sensitive | Fragile, elegant, refined |
| Deserving | Worthy of reward or recognition | Worthy, commendable, meritorious |
| Dapper | Neatly dressed and stylish | Stylish, elegant, smart |
| Deliberate | Done consciously and intentionally | Intentional, calculated, purposeful |
| Durable | Able to withstand wear or damage | Sturdy, long-lasting, tough |
| Dynamic | Characterized by constant change or progress | Energetic, adaptable, innovative |
Negative Adjectives Starting with "D"
Negative adjectives starting with "D" are useful for describing challenging situations, conveying darker emotions, or adding depth to your narratives. Whether you need to portray someone as *deceptive*, highlight a *disastrous* event, or describe a *dreary* atmosphere, these adjectives provide the perfect tools for expressing critical or somber tones. Words like *dismal*, *daunting*, and *derogatory* are excellent for conveying difficulties and struggles, while others like *defiant* and *dubious* can illustrate complex personalities or uncertain scenarios.
Using negative adjectives that start with "D" can enhance your writing by adding realism and emotional complexity, making your descriptions more impactful. Whether you’re developing a compelling story, crafting a vivid character, or analyzing difficult experiences, these words will help you communicate your ideas with clarity and precision. Explore our **extensive collection of negative adjectives starting with "D"** to expand your vocabulary and better articulate challenges, conflicts, and emotions in your writing.
For a broader range of Nagative Adjectives, don’t forget to explore our Comprehensive List of Negative Adjectives
Additionally, you can expand your vocabulary further by checking out our Comprehensive List of Adjectives Starting with "D"
| Adjective | Meaning | Synonyms |
|---|---|---|
| Deceptive | Misleading or dishonest | Misleading, dishonest, fraudulent |
| Desperate | Having lost hope; willing to take risks | Hopeless, frantic, reckless |
| Damaging | Causing harm or injury | Harmful, destructive, detrimental |
| Deplorable | Shockingly bad or unacceptable | Appalling, disgraceful, wretched |
| Defiant | Boldly resisting authority | Resistant, rebellious, insubordinate |
| Disloyal | Not loyal or faithful | Unfaithful, treacherous, untrustworthy |
| Disastrous | Causing great harm or damage | Catastrophic, calamitous, devastating |
| Distressing | Causing worry, sorrow, or pain | Upsetting, troubling, agonizing |
| Disorderly | Lacking organization or control | Chaotic, unruly, messy |
| Dishonest | Not truthful or sincere | Untruthful, deceitful, fraudulent |
| Degrading | Causing a loss of self-respect | Humiliating, demeaning, belittling |
| Dismal | Causing gloom or misery | Gloomy, bleak, dreary |
| Devious | Using dishonest tactics to achieve goals | Sneaky, deceitful, underhanded |
| Defective | Having faults or flaws | Faulty, flawed, impaired |
| Derogatory | Showing a critical or disrespectful attitude | Disparaging, insulting, belittling |
| Draining | Exhausting or tiring | Exhausting, depleting, fatiguing |
| Daunting | Intimidating or discouraging | Intimidating, discouraging, overwhelming |
| Dubious | Hesitating or doubting | Skeptical, uncertain, questionable |
| Dreadful | Causing fear or dread | Terrible, awful, horrific |
| Disrespectful | Showing a lack of respect | Rude, impolite, discourteous |
Descriptive Adjectives Starting with D
Descriptive adjectives starting with "D" bring depth and vivid imagery to your writing. Whether you want to portray someone as *dynamic* and full of energy, highlight a *dazzling* scene, or describe a *delicate* and intricate design, these adjectives help you craft more detailed and engaging narratives. Words like *durable*, *diverse*, and *distinguished* allow you to add precision and creativity when describing people, objects, or moments, making your writing more captivating and relatable.
Incorporating descriptive adjectives that start with "D" can transform your communication, adding layers of detail that resonate with your audience. Whether you're developing a compelling story, drafting a persuasive essay, or creating an inspiring speech, these words provide the perfect tools to articulate your ideas with clarity and richness. Explore our **extensive list of descriptive adjectives starting with "D"** to expand your vocabulary and elevate your ability to describe with precision and imagination.
For a broader range of Descriptive Adjectives, don’t forget to explore our Comprehensive List of Descriptive Adjectives
Additionally, you can expand your vocabulary further by checking out our Comprehensive List of Adjectives Starting with "D" linked below on this page.
| Adjective | Meaning | Synonyms |
|---|---|---|
| Delicate | Fine in texture or quality; easily broken | Fragile, dainty, elegant |
| Delightful | Highly pleasing or enjoyable | Charming, lovely, pleasant |
| Dim | Not bright or clear | Faint, dull, obscure |
| Dynamic | Characterized by constant change or activity | Energetic, vibrant, lively |
| Dark | Lacking light or brightness | Shadowy, gloomy, murky |
| Drab | Lacking brightness or interest | Dull, dreary, monotonous |
| Dusty | Covered with or resembling dust | Powdery, dirty, chalky |
| Dazzling | Extremely bright or beautiful | Brilliant, stunning, radiant |
| Distinct | Clearly different or separate | Unique, noticeable, clear |
| Decorative | Serving to make something look more attractive | Ornamental, beautifying, embellishing |
| Dense | Closely compacted in substance | Thick, solid, crowded |
| Durable | Able to withstand wear, pressure, or damage | Sturdy, resilient, long-lasting |
| Decrepit | Worn out or ruined due to age or neglect | Rundown, dilapidated, feeble |
| Detailed | Thorough and specific in detail | Comprehensive, precise, intricate |
| Daring | Bold and adventurous | Audacious, fearless, courageous |
| Dependent | Relying on something or someone | Reliant, subordinate, conditional |
| Dire | Extremely serious or urgent | Grave, critical, desperate |
| Dimensional | Relating to dimensions or space | Spatial, measurable, volumetric |
| Decorous | In keeping with good taste and propriety | Polite, refined, well-mannered |
| Dainty | Delicately small and pretty | Petite, elegant, delicate |
Emotional Adjectives Starting with "D"
Emotional adjectives starting with "D" are invaluable for capturing feelings, moods, and mental states with nuance and clarity. Whether you're describing someone as *devastated* in a moment of loss, *delighted* during a joyful event, or *determined* when facing challenges, these adjectives empower you to express emotions effectively. Words like *despondent*, *driven*, and *daring* add depth and relatability to your writing, making it more engaging for your audience. These "D" adjectives are particularly beneficial for creative writers, mental health professionals, and anyone striving to articulate emotional subtleties in their work.
By using emotional adjectives starting with "D", you can infuse your communication with vividness and authenticity. Whether you're crafting an inspiring narrative, penning a heartfelt letter, or developing complex characters for a story, these words will help you convey emotions with greater precision and impact. Explore our **comprehensive list of emotional adjectives starting with D** to expand your vocabulary and enhance your ability to describe emotions with creativity and exactness.
For a broader range of Emotional Adjectives, don’t forget to explore our Comprehensive List of Emotional Adjectives
Additionally, you can expand your vocabulary further by checking out our Comprehensive List of Adjectives Starting with "D" linked below on this page.
| Adjective | Meaning | Synonyms |
|---|---|---|
| Despondent | Feeling a loss of hope or confidence | Disheartened, discouraged, downcast |
| Delighted | Feeling great pleasure or joy | Joyful, overjoyed, elated |
| Distressed | Feeling extreme anxiety or sorrow | Upset, troubled, anguished |
| Devastated | Overwhelmed with grief or shock | Shattered, heartbroken, crushed |
| Determined | Having a strong resolve to do something | Resolute, purposeful, steadfast |
| Dismayed | Feeling distress or disappointment | Shocked, disappointed, discouraged |
| Desperate | Having an urgent need or desire | Hopeless, frantic, anxious |
| Doubtful | Feeling uncertain or unsure | Skeptical, hesitant, indecisive |
| Disgusted | Feeling strong disapproval or revulsion | Repulsed, offended, revolted |
| Defensive | Feeling protective or self-justifying | Guarded, cautious, protective |
| Driven | Highly motivated to achieve goals | Ambitious, determined, focused |
| Dejected | Feeling sad or disheartened | Downhearted, miserable, dispirited |
| Distraught | Deeply upset and agitated | Worried, distressed, perturbed |
| Daring | Feeling bold or adventurous | Brave, audacious, fearless |
| Disheartened | Feeling a loss of determination or confidence | Discouraged, dejected, downcast |
| Deflated | Feeling a loss of hope or spirit | Disheartened, discouraged, crestfallen |
| Delirious | Feeling extreme excitement or emotion | Overjoyed, ecstatic, euphoric |
| Dominant | Feeling in control or commanding | Assertive, authoritative, leading |
| Devoted | Feeling strong loyalty or love | Loyal, faithful, dedicated |
| Disillusioned | Feeling disappointed due to unmet expectations | Disenchanted, disappointed, let down |
Explore Over 1,000 Adjectives Starting with "D" Complete with Meanings and Synonyms
| Adjective | Meaning | Synonyms |
|---|---|---|
| Dacitic | Relating to or resembling the volcanic rock dacite | Igneous, volcanic, lava-like |
| Dactylic | A rhythmic pattern in poetry features one stressed syllable followed by two unstressed syllables. | Metric, rhythmic, poetic |
| Daedal | Skillfully crafted or intricate | Complex, elaborate, intricate |
| Daffy | Somewhat silly or eccentric | Goofy, zany, wacky |
| Daft | Foolish or silly | Absurd, crazy, ridiculous |
| Daily | Occurring every day | Everyday, regular, diurnal |
| Dainty | Delicately small and pretty | Delicate, refined, elegant |
| Daisylike | Resembling or similar to a daisy flower | Floral, blossom-like, flower-like |
| Dalmatian | Having a spotted appearance, like the Dalmatian breed of dog | Spotted, speckled, dappled |
| Damaged | Harmed or injured; impaired | Broken, harmed, defective |
| Damaging | Causing harm or injury | Harmful, destructive, injurious |
| Damascene | Decorated or inlaid with patterns | Inlaid, decorated, ornate |
| Damask | Richly patterned and textured, often related to fabric | Textured, patterned, brocaded |
| Damnable | Deserving condemnation | Blameworthy, condemnable, heinous |
| Damnatory | Expressing strong disapproval or condemnation | Condemnatory, reproving, censorious |
| Damned | Condemned to a punishment or fate | Cursed, condemned, doomed |
| Damning | Highly critical; showing strong disapproval | Incriminating, condemning, accusatory |
| Damp | Slightly wet, often in an unpleasant way | Moist, humid, dank |
| Dampish | Somewhat damp or slightly wet | Moist, slightly wet, clammy |
| Dandified | Excessively concerned with one's clothes and appearance | Foppish, fashionable, elegant |
| Dandy | Excellent or of the highest quality | Splendid, fine, superb |
| Dandyish | Like a dandy; stylish or affected in manner | Stylish, affected, elegant |
| Dangerous | Involving or causing risk or harm | Perilous, hazardous, risky |
| Danish | Relating to Denmark or its people | Dane, Nordic, Scandinavian |
| Dank | Unpleasantly damp or wet | Moist, clammy, humid |
| Dantean | Resembling Dante or his work, especially the "Divine Comedy" | Infernal, epic, poetic |
| Dantesque | Characteristic of Dante or his writings | Epic, dark, literary |
| Dapper | Neat and trim in appearance | Smart, tidy, stylish |
| Dappled | Marked with spots or patches of color | Speckled, spotted, mottled |
| Daring | Willing to take risks; bold | Bold, adventurous, audacious |
| Dark | Devoid of light or brightness | Dim, gloomy, shadowy |
| Darkened | Made or become darker in color or shade | Dimmed, shaded, blackened |
| Darkening | Becoming darker | Dimming, fading, shadowing |
| Darker | More dark in color or shade | Dimmer, gloomier, shadier |
| Darkish | Somewhat dark in color | Dusky, shadowy, dim |
| Darkling | Growing darker or approaching darkness | Shading, twilight, dimming |
| Darling | Dearly loved or highly regarded | Beloved, cherished, favorite |
| Darned | Mended with a needle and thread | Mended, repaired, patched |
| Darwinian | Relating to Darwin’s theories of evolution | Evolutionary, adaptive, survival |
| Dashed | Broken or fragmented, often as an expression of frustration | Broken, destroyed, thwarted |
| Dashing | Full of energy and stylishness | Charming, stylish, spirited |
| Dastard | A person who acts with cowardice or treachery | Scoundrel, coward, knave |
| Dastardly | Wicked and cruel | Vile, malicious, wicked |
| Data-based | Relying on or using data for analysis | Analytical, empirical, data-driven |
| Datable | Capable of being dated or assigned a date | Recordable, measurable, traceable |
| Dateable | Suitable for a romantic relationship; considered attractive or compatible | Attractive, eligible, compatible |
| Dated | Old-fashioned or out of style; showing the passage of time | Outdated, obsolete, old-fashioned |
| Dateless | Without a specific date | Timeless, eternal, enduring |
| Daughterly | Relating to or befitting a daughter | Devoted, filial, familial |
| Daunted | Made to feel intimidated or apprehensive | Discouraged, intimidated, disheartened |
| Daunting | Appearing difficult to deal with; intimidating | Intimidating, formidable, challenging |
| Dauntless | Showing fearlessness and determination | Brave, resolute, fearless |
| Dawning | Beginning to appear or develop | Emerging, arising, beginning |
| Daylong | Lasting throughout the day | All-day, entire day, dawn-to-dusk |
| Dazed | Unable to think or react properly; bewildered | Confused, stunned, bewildered |
| Dazzled | Amazed or overwhelmed by a spectacular sight | Astounded, captivated, awestruck |
| Dazzling | Extremely bright, impressive, or beautiful | Brilliant, stunning, radiant |
| Dead | No longer alive | Deceased, lifeless, departed |
| Dead-end | Leading to no further progress or development | Blocked, impassable, futile |
| Deadened | Made less intense or sensitive | Numbed, dulled, desensitized |
| Deadening | Causing something to lose energy or vigor | Stifling, numbing, dulling |
| Deadliest | Most capable of causing death | Most dangerous, lethal, fatal |
| Deadlocked | In a state where no progress can be made | Stalled, stuck, tied |
| Deadly | Causing or capable of causing death | Lethal, fatal, dangerous |
| Deadpan | Expressionless, often humorously so | Expressionless, blank, poker-faced |
| Deaf | Unable to hear | Hearing-impaired, unhearing, unresponsive |
| Deafened | Made unable to hear temporarily or permanently due to loud noise or other factors | Muted, silenced, unhearing |
| Deafening | Extremely loud | Overwhelming, loud, booming |
| Deafly | In a way that is unhearing or unresponsive | Unresponsively, unheedingly |
| Dear | Regarded with deep affection | Beloved, cherished, treasured |
| Dearest | Most loved or cherished; closest in affection | Beloved, cherished, precious |
| Deathless | Immortal or eternal | Immortal, undying, everlasting |
| Deathlike | Resembling or suggesting death | Ghastly, lifeless, corpse-like |
| Deathly | Suggesting death or extreme stillness | Grim, eerie, ghostly |
| Debased | Reduced in quality or value | Corrupted, degraded, defiled |
| Debasing | Reducing in quality or value | Degrading, demeaning, corrupting |
| Debatable | Open to discussion or argument | Arguable, questionable, disputable |
| Debated | Discussed in detail, often publicly | Disputed, contested, argued |
| Debauched | Indulging in or characterized by excessive pleasures | Depraved, corrupt, immoral |
| Debile | Weak or feeble | Frail, weak, delicate |
| Debilitated | Made weak or feeble | Weakened, enfeebled, exhausted |
| Debilitating | Causing weakness or impairing strength | Weakening, exhausting, enervating |
| Debilitative | Serving to weaken or impair | Weakening, diminishing, reducing |
| Debonair | Confident, stylish, and charming | Suave, elegant, refined |
| Debonaire | Alternative spelling of debonair; sophisticated and charming | Graceful, refined, suave |
| Deboned | Having bones removed | Boneless, filleted |
| Debonnaire | Another form of debonair, meaning suave and stylish | Elegant, classy, charming |
| Debuting | Appearing for the first time | Introducing, presenting, unveiling |
| Decadent | Characterized by or reflecting a state of moral or cultural decline | Degenerate, self-indulgent, corrupt |
| Decalescent | Describing something that absorbs heat | Endothermic, heat-absorbing |
| Decapitated | Having had the head cut off | Beheaded, executed |
| Decasyllabic | Consisting of ten syllables | N/A |
| Decayable | Capable of decomposing or rotting | Perishable, biodegradable, decomposable |
| Decayed | Having deteriorated or decomposed | Decomposed, rotten, deteriorated |
| Decaying | In the process of decomposing | Deteriorating, decomposing, breaking down |
| Deceased | No longer living | Dead, departed, passed away |
| Deceitful | Intentionally misleading or dishonest | Dishonest, deceptive, misleading |
| Deceivable | Capable of being misled or fooled | Gullible, naive, susceptible |
| Deceiving | Misleading someone to believe something untrue | Misleading, tricking, duping |
| Decent | Conforming with generally accepted standards | Respectable, proper, good |
| Decentralised | Distributed away from a central location or authority | Distributed, dispersed, autonomous |
| Decentralising | The process of redistributing power or control away from a central location | Redistributing, dispersing, delegating |
| Decentralized | Not concentrated in one central location or authority | Distributed, dispersed, autonomous |
| Deceptive | Giving an appearance or impression different from the true one | Misleading, false, deceitful |
| Decided | Definite or determined | Definite, certain, resolute |
| Deciding | Having an influence on or determining the outcome | Determining, conclusive, defining |
| Deciduous | Sheds leaves annually | Leaf-dropping, non-evergreen |
| Decimal | Relating to a system of numbers based on ten | Ten-based, base-ten |
| Decimated | Greatly reduced in number | Destroyed, devastated, reduced |
| Decipherable | Capable of being understood or interpreted | Understandable, interpretable, readable |
| Deciphered | Converted into understandable form | Interpreted, solved, decoded |
| Decisive | Conclusive; having the power to decide | Resolute, conclusive, definitive |
| Deckled | Having a rough edge, typically of handmade paper | Rough-edged, uneven-edged |
| Declamatory | Expressing feelings or opinions in a loud and forceful way | Oratorical, bombastic, expressive |
| Declarable | Capable of being declared or stated openly | Announceable, stateable, assertable |
| Declarative | Making a statement or declaration | Assertive, affirmative, stating |
| Declaratory | Serving to declare or make known | Expressive, announcing, stating |
| Declared | Openly acknowledged or announced | Stated, proclaimed, avowed |
| Declassified | Made available to the public, typically after being classified | Unclassified, released, disclosed |
| Declining | Becoming weaker or fewer | Decreasing, waning, deteriorating |
| Declivitous | Having a downward slope | Sloping, descending, inclined |
| Decollete | Having a low-cut neckline | Low-necked, plunging |
| Decomposable | Capable of being broken down into simpler substances | Biodegradable, breakable, degradable |
| Decompositional | Related to the process of breaking down organic matter | Degradative, decaying |
| Decompound | Compound and then divided further | Divided, split, complex |
| Deconsecrated | Removed from sacred use | Desecrated, secularized |
| Deconstructionist | Relating to a critical approach that questions traditional assumptions | Analytical, critical |
| Decontaminating | Removing contaminants or impurities | Purifying, cleaning, disinfecting |
| Decorative | Intended to look attractive | Ornamental, embellishing, adornment |
| Decorous | In keeping with good taste and propriety | Proper, polite, respectful |
| Decreased | Reduced in size, amount, or intensity | Reduced, lessened, diminished |
| Decreasing | Becoming smaller or fewer in number | Reducing, diminishing, declining |
| Decreed | Ordered officially | Ordered, commanded, mandated |
| Decrepit | Worn out or ruined due to age or neglect | Frail, weak, dilapidated |
| Decrescendo | Gradually reducing in volume or intensity | Fading, diminishing |
| Decumbent | Growing along the ground without rooting | Reclining, prostrate |
| Decurved | Curved downward | Bent, hooked, arched |
| Decussate | Crossed or intersected | Intersected, crossed |
| Dedicated | Devoted to a task or purpose | Devoted, committed, faithful |
| Dedifferentiated | Having reverted to a more primitive or generalized form | Primitive, reverted |
| Deducible | Capable of being inferred or derived | Inferable, derivable |
| Deductible | Able to be subtracted or taken away | Subtractable, removable |
| Deductive | Based on reasoning from general to specific | Reasoned, inferential |
| Deep | Extending far down from the surface | Profound, extensive, intense |
| Deepening | Becoming more intense or profound | Intensifying, strengthening, amplifying |
| Deeper | More profound in meaning or extent | Profounder, more intense |
| Deepest | Extending farthest down | Most profound, bottommost |
| Deep-laid | Carefully and thoroughly planned | Strategic, well-planned, calculated |
| Deeply | To a great depth or degree | Profoundly, intensely |
| Deep-rooted | Firmly embedded or established | Entrenched, ingrained, profound |
| Deep-sea | Relating to the deeper parts of the ocean | Oceanic, marine |
| Deep-seated | Firmly established at a deep level | Ingrained, entrenched, rooted |
| Defamatory | Damaging the good reputation of someone | Slanderous, libelous, insulting |
| Defeasible | Capable of being annulled or voided | Reversible, voidable, nullifiable |
| Defeated | Having been beaten in a battle or other contest | Beaten, vanquished, conquered |
| Defective | Imperfect or faulty | Flawed, faulty, deficient |
| Defenceless | Without protection or defense | Unprotected, vulnerable, exposed |
| Defendable | Capable of being defended or justified | Justifiable, tenable, supportable |
| Defending | Protecting from harm or danger | Guarding, shielding, protecting |
| Defenseless | Without defense or protection | Helpless, unguarded, unprotected |
| Defensible | Capable of being defended logically or physically | Justifiable, supportable, tenable |
| Defensive | Used or intended to defend or protect | Protective, shielding, guarding |
| Deferent | Showing respect or deference | Respectful, submissive, dutiful |
| Deferential | Showing humble submission and respect | Respectful, considerate, polite |
| Defervescent | Having a tendency to cool down or diminish fever | Cooling, subsiding |
| Defiant | Showing open resistance or bold disobedience | Rebellious, disobedient, uncooperative |
| Deficient | Lacking in some necessary quality or element | Insufficient, lacking, inadequate |
| Defiled | Made impure or unclean | Tainted, polluted, contaminated |
| Definable | Capable of being defined or described | Describable, explainable, determinable |
| Defined | Clearly characterized or specified | Clear, distinct, precise |
| Definite | Clearly stated or decided; not vague or doubtful | Certain, clear, distinct |
| Definitive | Providing a final solution or conclusive end | Authoritative, conclusive, ultimate |
| Deflated | Having lost confidence or pride | Discouraged, disheartened, demoralized |
| Deflationary | Causing or relating to deflation in the economy | Contractive, reductive, diminishing |
| Deflective | Having the ability to deflect or turn aside | Diverting, bending, turning |
| Defoliate | Having removed leaves from a plant or tree | Leafless, stripped |
| Defoliated | Having had leaves removed | Stripped, leafless |
| Deformational | Relating to deformation or change in shape | Distortive, changing |
| Deformed | Having an abnormal or distorted shape | Misshapen, twisted, disfigured |
| Deft | Demonstrating skill and cleverness | Skillful, adept, nimble |
| Defunct | No longer existing or functioning | Obsolete, extinct, inoperative |
| Defunctive | Related to death or extinction | Dead, expired, perished |
| Degage | Relaxed and unconcerned | Laid-back, casual, nonchalant |
| Degenerate | Having lost the physical, mental, or moral qualities considered normal | Corrupt, degraded, debased |
| Degenerative | Characterized by progressive deterioration | Deteriorative, declining, regressive |
| Degraded | Reduced in quality or value | Debased, corrupted, deteriorated |
| Degrading | Causing loss of self-respect; humiliating | Humiliating, shaming, dishonoring |
| Degressive | Decreasing progressively | Declining, diminishing |
| Dehiscent | Splitting open at maturity to release contents | Splitting, opening, bursting |
| Dehumanised | Deprived of human qualities | Brutalized, desensitized, inhuman |
| Dehumanized | Made to feel less than human | Degraded, demeaned, brutalized |
| Dehydrated | Lacking water or moisture | Parched, dry, desiccated |
| Deictic | Relating to or denoting a word or expression whose meaning is dependent on the context | Contextual, referential |
| Deific | Divine or godlike | Divine, godly, sacred |
| Deist | Relating to belief in a god who does not intervene in the universe | Theistic, non-interventionist |
| Deistic | Relating to deism | Spiritual, theistic |
| Dejected | Sad and depressed | Downcast, despondent, dispirited |
| Delayed | Postponed or put off to a later time | Deferred, postponed, stalled |
| Delectable | Delicious or highly enjoyable | Delicious, delightful, scrumptious |
| Deleterious | Causing harm or damage | Harmful, damaging, detrimental |
| Deliberate | Done consciously and intentionally | Intentional, conscious, planned |
| Deliberative | Involved in or characterized by deliberation | Thoughtful, reflective, contemplative |
| Delible | Able to be erased or removed | Removable, erasable |
| Delicate | Fine in texture, quality, or construction | Fragile, dainty, fine |
| Delicious | Highly pleasing to the senses, especially taste | Tasty, appetizing, delectable |
| Delighted | Feeling or showing great pleasure | Pleased, thrilled, happy |
| Delightful | Causing delight; charming | Charming, lovely, enchanting |
| Delimited | Marked or fixed by boundaries | Bounded, restricted, defined |
| Delineate | Described or portrayed precisely | Describe, outline, depict |
| Delineated | Outlined or represented accurately | Depicted, described, represented |
| Delineative | Serving to outline or represent clearly | Descriptive, illustrative, detailed |
| Delinquent | Showing or characterized by a tendency to commit crime | Offender, criminal, lawbreaker |
| Deliquescent | Becoming liquid or having a tendency to absorb moisture from the air | Dissolving, absorbing, melting |
| Delirious | In an acutely disturbed state of mind | Ecstatic, thrilled, overjoyed |
| Deliverable | Able to be delivered or achieved | Achievable, obtainable, attainable |
| Delphian | Relating to the ancient Greek oracle of Delphi | Mysterious, enigmatic, cryptic |
| Delphic | Obscure or ambiguous in meaning | Ambiguous, unclear, enigmatic |
| Deltoid | Triangular in shape, often relating to muscles | Triangular, delt, muscle-shaped |
| Deluded | Having false or unrealistic beliefs or opinions | Deceived, misled, fooled |
| Delusional | Characterized by or holding idiosyncratic beliefs | Unrealistic, hallucinating, irrational |
| Delusive | Giving a false or misleading impression | Misleading, deceptive, illusory |
| Delusory | Tending to deceive or mislead | Misleading, illusory, deceptive |
| Deluxe | Luxurious or of high quality | Luxury, lavish, premium |
| Demagogic | Relating to a leader who seeks support by appealing to popular desires | Inflammatory, manipulative, rabble-rousing |
| Demagogical | Manipulative or appealing to emotions | Inflammatory, provocative, manipulative |
| Demanding | Requiring much effort or attention | Challenging, taxing, tough |
| Demeaning | Causing someone to lose their dignity | Humiliating, degrading, shaming |
| Demented | Driven to behave irrationally due to anger or distress | Insane, mad, deranged |
| Democrat | A person who supports democracy | Equalitarian, populist, supporter of democracy |
| Democratic | Relating to or supporting democracy | Equal, fair, representative |
| Demode | No longer in fashion | Outdated, old-fashioned, unfashionable |
| Demographic | Relating to the structure of populations | Statistical, population-based, societal |
| Demolished | Destroyed completely | Ruined, destroyed, leveled |
| Demoniac | Of, resembling, or characteristic of a demon | Fiendish, demonic, evil |
| Demoniacal | Possessed by or resembling a demon | Demonic, satanic, fiendish |
| Demonic | Resembling a demon in evilness | Diabolic, devilish, fiendish |
| Demonstrable | Able to be shown or proven | Provable, verifiable, evident |
| Demonstrated | Clearly shown or proven | Shown, exhibited, proved |
| Demonstrative | Openly expressive of emotions | Expressive, emotional, open |
| Demoralised | Having lost confidence or hope | Disheartened, discouraged, downcast |
| Demoralising | Causing someone to lose confidence or hope | Disheartening, discouraging, dismaying |
| Demoralized | Having lost confidence or spirit | Discouraged, downcast, disheartened |
| Demoralizing | Causing loss of confidence or hope | Disheartening, dismaying, dispiriting |
| Demosthenic | Relating to or resembling the Greek orator Demosthenes | Oratorical, eloquent, rhetorical |
| Demotic | Relating to the common people; vernacular | Popular, common, colloquial |
| Demulcent | Soothing or softening | Soothing, calming, alleviating |
| Demure | Reserved, modest, and shy | Modest, shy, reserved |
| Demythologised | Stripped of mythical elements | Rationalized, explained, clarified |
| Demythologized | Removed from mythical content | Explained, clarified, rationalized |
| Denary | Relating to the number ten | Decimal, base-ten |
| Denatured | Having lost its natural qualities | Altered, modified, transformed |
| Denaturised | Changed in nature or quality, especially by removing characteristics | Altered, changed, modified |
| Denaturized | Made unfit for a particular use, often chemically | Modified, altered |
| Dendriform | Shaped like a tree | Arboreal, tree-shaped |
| Dendritic | Having a branched form | Branching, tree-like, ramified |
| Dendroid | Tree-like in appearance | Arborescent, tree-shaped |
| Dendroidal | Resembling a tree in structure | Tree-like, branching, arborescent |
| Deniable | Capable of being denied or disputed | Contestable, questionable, disputable |
| Denigrating | Criticizing unfairly; belittling | Defaming, disparaging, belittling |
| Denigrative | Tending to belittle or criticize | Disparaging, demeaning, derogatory |
| Denigratory | Expressing strong disapproval or criticism | Derogatory, demeaning, disparaging |
| Denominational | Relating to a particular religious denomination | Sectarian, religious, doctrinal |
| Denotative | Indicating or referring to something directly | Indicative, descriptive, referential |
| Denotive | Relating to the literal meaning of a word | Literal, descriptive, explicit |
| Dense | Closely compacted in substance | Thick, compact, heavy |
| Dental | Relating to teeth | Tooth-related, oral |
| Dentate | Having a tooth-like or serrated edge | Serrated, notched, toothed |
| Dented | Having a hollow or indentation | Indented, marked, hollowed |
| Denticulate | Having very small teeth or serrations | Toothed, serrated, finely notched |
| Denudate | Stripped of covering or surface layer | Bare, exposed, uncovered |
| Denuded | Made bare or stripped of something | Barren, exposed, stripped |
| Denumerable | Capable of being counted | Countable, enumerable |
| Denunciative | Expressing strong disapproval or condemnation | Condemnatory, critical, reproachful |
| Denunciatory | Openly condemning or criticizing | Reproachful, accusatory, condemnatory |
| Departed | Deceased or no longer living | Dead, deceased, gone |
| Departmental | Relating to a specific department | Sectional, divisional, specialized |
| Dependable | Trustworthy and reliable | Reliable, trustworthy, responsible |
| Dependant | Relying on someone or something else | Reliant, needy, subordinate |
| Dependent | Requiring support or reliance on others | Reliant, contingent, subordinate |
| Depicted | Represented visually or described | Portrayed, illustrated, shown |
| Depictive | Representing or portraying in visual form | Illustrative, descriptive, representational |
| Depilatory | Used to remove unwanted hair | Hair-removing, cleansing |
| Depilous | Lacking hair | Hairless, bald, smooth |
| Depletable | Capable of being used up or exhausted | Exhaustible, consumable |
| Depleted | Used up or emptied of resources | Exhausted, drained, diminished |
| Deplorable | Deserving strong condemnation | Shameful, disgraceful, lamentable |
| Deploring | Expressing strong disapproval or regret | Condemning, lamenting, regretting |
| Depopulated | Reduced in population | Emptied, desolate, sparse |
| Depraved | Morally corrupt or wicked | Corrupt, wicked, immoral |
| Deprecating | Expressing disapproval | Disapproving, belittling, disparaging |
| Deprecative | Expressing disapproval | Disapproving, critical, belittling |
| Deprecatory | Intended to diminish or belittle | Disparaging, belittling, dismissive |
| Depreciating | Showing disapproval or reducing in value | Devaluing, belittling, disparaging |
| Depreciative | Causing to lose value | Devaluing, diminishing, belittling |
| Depreciatory | Tending to decrease in value | Devaluing, disparaging, diminishing |
| Depressant | Reducing functional or nervous activity | Calming, sedative, inhibitory |
| Depressed | In a state of unhappiness or despondency | Sad, despondent, downcast |
| Depressing | Causing a feeling of unhappiness | Sad, discouraging, disheartening |
| Depressive | Relating to or causing depression | Gloomy, melancholic, despairing |
| Deprived | Lacking the necessities of life | Disadvantaged, impoverished, needy |
| Deranged | Insane or disturbed in mental health | Unhinged, insane, crazy |
| Derelict | In very poor condition due to neglect | Abandoned, neglected, dilapidated |
| Derisive | Expressing contempt or ridicule | Mocking, scornful, disdainful |
| Derisory | Ridiculously small or inadequate | Insufficient, laughable, paltry |
| Derivable | Capable of being derived or inferred | Inferable, deducible, traceable |
| Derivational | Relating to the formation of a word from another word | Word-forming, linguistic, morphological |
| Derivative | Imitative of someone else's work | Copied, imitative, unoriginal |
| Derived | Obtained or developed from something else | Obtained, sourced, adapted |
| Dermal | Relating to the skin | Skin-related, cutaneous |
| Dermatologic | Relating to the study of skin | Skin-related, dermal |
| Dermatological | Relating to dermatology | Cutaneous, skin-related |
| Dermic | Pertaining to the skin | Skin-related, cutaneous |
| Derogative | Expressing a low opinion | Disparaging, belittling, demeaning |
| Derogatory | Showing a critical or disrespectful attitude | Disparaging, demeaning, scornful |
| Descendant | Coming from an ancestor | Offspring, progeny, heir |
| Descendent | Moving downward | Downward, declining, falling |
| Descending | Moving or sloping downward | Falling, dropping, declining |
| Describable | Capable of being described | Explainable, identifiable, delineable |
| Described | Represented in words | Depicted, portrayed, explained |
| Descriptive | Serving to describe or characterize | Illustrative, depictive, defining |
| Desecrated | Treated with disrespect | Violated, profaned, defiled |
| Desegrated | Removed racial segregation | Integrated, unified |
| Desensitising | Making less sensitive | Desensitizing, dulling, numbing |
| Desensitizing | Reducing sensitivity | Dulling, numbing, inuring |
| Deserted | Abandoned by people | Abandoned, empty, uninhabited |
| Deserved | Due or earned | Merited, earned, justified |
| Deserving | Worthy of reward or punishment | Worthy, meritorious, commendable |
| Desiccate | Remove moisture from | Dehydrate, dry, wither |
| Desiccated | Having had all moisture removed | Dried, dehydrated, withered |
| Designate | Appoint to a specified position | Appoint, assign, name |
| Designative | Serving to indicate or assign | Indicative, descriptive, nominative |
| Designator | One who designates or names | Nominator, assignor, appointer |
| Designatory | Relating to designation | Naming, appointing, indicating |
| Designed | Created or planned | Planned, created, devised |
| Designer | Relating to style or fashion | Fashionable, stylish, branded |
| Designing | Crafty or scheming | Devious, scheming, calculating |
| Desirable | Worth having or seeking | Attractive, appealing, wanted |
| Desirous | Having or showing a desire | Yearning, eager, longing |
| Deskbound | Confined to a desk job | Stationary, sedentary, office-bound |
| Desolate | Barren or empty; devoid of life | Barren, bleak, abandoned |
| Despairing | Showing loss of hope | Hopeless, despondent, desperate |
| Desperate | Feeling or showing hopelessness | Hopeless, frantic, despairing |
| Despicable | Deserving hatred or contempt | Contemptible, vile, hateful |
| Despised | Regarded with contempt or disdain | Loathed, detested, hated |
| Despiteful | Full of malice or spite | Spiteful, malicious, mean |
| Despoiled | Plundered or robbed | Pillaged, plundered, stripped |
| Despondent | In low spirits from loss of hope | Downhearted, dejected, disheartened |
| Despotic | Relating to a tyrannical ruler | Authoritarian, dictatorial, autocratic |
| Despotical | Characteristic of an absolute ruler | Tyrannical, oppressive, autocratic |
| Destined | Determined beforehand | Fated, predetermined, bound |
| Destitute | Without basic necessities | Penniless, impoverished, needy |
| Destroyable | Capable of being destroyed | Breakable, perishable, destructible |
| Destroyed | Put an end to existence | Ruined, demolished, wrecked |
| Destructible | Capable of being destroyed | Breakable, perishable, fragile |
| Destructive | Causing harm or damage | Harmful, damaging, ruinous |
| Desultory | Lacking a plan or purpose | Random, aimless, erratic |
| Detachable | Capable of being removed or separated | Removable, separable, disconnectable |
| Detached | Separate or disconnected | Disconnected, separated, aloof |
| Detailed | Thorough and comprehensive | Comprehensive, thorough, exhaustive |
| Detectable | Able to be discovered or noticed | Noticeable, observable, perceivable |
| Detected | Discovered or noticed | Found, identified, discovered |
| Detergent | Cleansing or purifying | Cleansing, purifying, cleaning |
| Determinable | Capable of being determined | Ascertainable, definable, identifiable |
| Determinant | Serving as a deciding factor | Decisive, deciding, influential |
| Determinate | Having exact limits or boundaries | Definite, fixed, finite |
| Determinative | Having the power to determine or decide | Decisive, deciding, definitive |
| Determined | Having a strong resolve | Resolute, steadfast, firm |
| Determining | Decisive in achieving a result | Decisive, influential, conclusive |
| Deterministic | Relating to determinism | Preordained, inevitable, fated |
| Deterrent | Discouraging an action | Discouraging, preventive, hindering |
| Detersive | Having the power to clean | Cleansing, purifying, detergent |
| Detestable | Deserving intense dislike | Hateful, abhorrent, loathsome |
| Detested | Intensely disliked | Loathed, despised, abhorred |
| Detonative | Relating to or causing explosions | Explosive, volatile |
| Detractive | Lessening in value or quality | Disparaging, belittling, demeaning |
| Detrimental | Causing harm or damage | Harmful, damaging, adverse |
| Deuced | Used to express intensity | Damned, infernal, very |
| Deuteranopic | Relating to red-green color blindness | Colorblind, partially blind |
| Devalued | Reduced in worth or importance | Depreciated, downgraded, diminished |
| Devastated | Severely damaged or destroyed | Ruined, demolished, shattered |
| Devastating | Causing severe shock or grief | Catastrophic, shattering, ruinous |
| Developed | Advanced in growth or maturity | Advanced, mature, evolved |
| Developing | In the process of growing or evolving | Growing, evolving, progressing |
| Developmental | Relating to development | Growing, formative, progressive |
| Deviant | Departing from usual standards | Abnormal, unusual, unconventional |
| Deviate | Diverging from usual standards | Stray, diverge, differ |
| Deviatory | Relating to deviation or divergence | Deviant, abnormal, aberrant |
| Devilish | Very evil or cruel | Diabolical, wicked, fiendish |
| Devious | Using indirect or deceitful means | Underhanded, sly, deceitful |
| Devoid | Entirely lacking or free from | Empty, lacking, without |
| Devoted | Very loving or loyal | Loyal, dedicated, committed |
| Devotional | Relating to worship or prayer | Religious, spiritual, reverent |
| Devouring | Eating or consuming eagerly | Consuming, engulfing, voracious |
| Devout | Deeply religious or devoted | Pious, religious, reverent |
| Deweyan | Relating to the philosophy of John Dewey | Pragmatic, educational |
| Dewy | Moist with dew | Moist, fresh, damp |
| Dexter | Relating to the right side | Right-handed, rightward |
| Dexterous | Skillful and agile | Adept, skillful, nimble |
| Dextral | Relating to the right side or hand | Right-sided, right-handed |
| Dextrorotary | Rotating to the right | Right-turning, clockwise |
| Dextrorotatory | Rotating the plane of polarized light to the right | Clockwise, rightward |
| Dextrorsal | Situated on or affecting the right side | Right-sided, right-oriented |
| Dextrorse | Turning to the right | Rightward, clockwise |
| Dextrous | Skillful with hands or body | Skillful, adept, nimble |
| Diabatic | Involving a change of heat | Heat-changing, thermodynamic |
| Diabetic | Relating to or having diabetes | Glucose-related, hyperglycemic |
| Diabolic | Having the qualities of a devil | Evil, wicked, fiendish |
| Diabolical | Extremely evil or cruel | Vicious, malevolent, demonic |
| Diachronic | Concerned with how something has developed through time | Historical, temporal, evolutionary |
| Diacritic | Serving to distinguish; especially marks in pronunciation | Distinctive, distinguishing, phonetic |
| Diacritical | Serving as a distinguishing mark | Indicative, distinguishing |
| Diadromous | Referring to fish that migrate between fresh and saltwater | Migratory, anadromous, catadromous |
| Diagnosable | Capable of being identified as a disease or condition | Identifiable, detectable, discernible |
| Diagnostic | Relating to the identification of a disease | Identifying, evaluative, clinical |
| Diagonal | Joining two opposite corners of a square or other figure | Slanting, oblique, angled |
| Diagonalizable | Capable of being represented as a diagonal matrix | Matrix-compatible, algebraic |
| Diagrammatic | Represented in the form of a diagram | Illustrative, schematic, graphic |
| Diagrammatical | Of or relating to diagrams | Schematic, illustrative, graphical |
| Dialectal | Relating to dialect | Linguistic, vernacular, regional |
| Dialectic | Concerned with or acting through opposing forces | Logical, rational, discursive |
| Dialectical | Relating to dialectic; logical | Rational, logical, analytical |
| Diamagnetic | Repelled by a magnetic field | Non-magnetic, repulsive to magnetism |
| Diamantine | Resembling diamond in hardness or brilliance | Brilliant, sparkling, gem-like |
| Diametral | Relating to or measured across the diameter | Central, diametric, radial |
| Diametric | Completely opposed | Opposite, polar, contrary |
| Diametrical | Exactly opposite | Contrary, polar, opposed |
| Diamond | Resembling or relating to diamond | Gem-like, sparkling, brilliant |
| Dianoetic | Relating to thought, especially logical reasoning | Logical, rational, intellectual |
| Diaphanous | Light, delicate, and translucent | Sheer, delicate, gossamer |
| Diaphoretic | Inducing perspiration | Sweat-inducing, perspiring |
| Diaphyseal | Relating to the shaft of a long bone | Bone-related, skeletal |
| Diaphysial | Pertaining to the diaphysis of a bone | Skeletal, bone-shaft |
| Diarrheal | Relating to or suffering from diarrhea | Loose-stooled, dysenteric |
| Diarrheic | Having or relating to diarrhea | Loose-stooled, dysenteric |
| Diarrhetic | Causing or related to diarrhea | Laxative, dysenteric |
| Diarrhoeal | Relating to diarrhea, especially in British English | Loose-stooled, dysenteric |
| Diarrhoeic | Suffering from diarrhea, British English spelling | Loose-stooled, dysenteric |
| Diarrhoetic | Related to or suffering from diarrhea | Loose-stooled, dysenteric |
| Diastolic | Relating to the phase of the heartbeat when the heart relaxes | Heart-relaxing, cardiac |
| Diatomic | Consisting of two atoms | Binary, two-atomic |
| Diatonic | Involving only notes within a given scale | Scale-based, tonal |
| Diazo | Containing a diazo group in chemistry | Chemical, nitrogen-based |
| Dicarboxylic | Containing two carboxyl groups | Chemical, organic acid |
| Dicey | Unpredictable and potentially dangerous | Risky, precarious, uncertain |
| Dichotomous | Dividing into two parts | Binary, dual, contrasting |
| Dichromatic | Displaying two colors | Two-toned, bi-colored |
| Dickensian | Relating to or reminiscent of the works of Charles Dickens | Victorian, old-fashioned, bleak |
| Dickey | Informal British term for something unreliable | Unstable, unreliable |
| Dicky | British variant of "dickey," meaning unreliable or shaky | Unstable, unsteady, flimsy |
| Diclinous | Having unisexual flowers | Monoecious, dioecious, unisexual |
| Dicotyledonous | Having two seed leaves or cotyledons | Two-leaved, bifoliate |
| Dictated | Controlled or determined by | Ordered, commanded, decreed |
| Dictatorial | Having absolute authority or control | Authoritarian, autocratic, despotic |
| Dictyopteran | Relating to an order of insects including cockroaches and mantises | Insect-related, entomological |
| Didactic | Intended to teach or instruct | Educational, instructive, informative |
| Didactical | Designed or intended to teach | Instructive, pedagogic, educational |
| Diestrous | Having two estrous cycles per year | Estrous, reproductive |
| Diestrual | Relating to or involving two estrous cycles | Estrous, reproductive |
| Dietary | Relating to the diet | Nutritional, food-related |
| Dietetic | Relating to diet or nutrition | Dietary, nutritional |
| Dietetical | Relating to the science of diet and nutrition | Nutritional, dietary |
| Different | Not the same as another or each other | Dissimilar, distinct, unique |
| Differentiable | Capable of being distinguished | Distinguishable, separable, discernible |
| Differential | Showing a difference or distinction | Distinctive, varying, unique |
| Differentiated | Showing variation or specialization | Specialized, distinct, adapted |
| Difficult | Requiring effort or skill to accomplish | Challenging, hard, tough |
| Diffident | Lacking confidence in one's abilities | Shy, hesitant, reserved |
| Diffuse | Spread out over a large area | Scattered, dispersed, widespread |
| Diffused | Spread out or dispersed | Dispersed, scattered, widespread |
| Diffusible | Capable of spreading widely | Spreadable, dispersible |
| Diffusing | Spreading out over an area | Dispersing, scattering, spreading |
| Diffusive | Tending to spread out | Dispersive, spreading |
| Digestible | Easy to digest or assimilate | Easily absorbed, edible |
| Digestive | Relating to the process of digestion | Metabolic, alimentary |
| Dighted | Equipped or adorned | Arrayed, adorned, decorated |
| Digital | Relating to technology or digits | Electronic, computerized, technological |
| Digitate | Having finger-like projections | Fingered, branched |
| Digitigrade | Walking on the toes, not the soles | Toe-walking, animalistic |
| Dignified | Having or showing a composed manner | Respectable, stately, distinguished |
| Dignifying | Giving honor or prestige to | Honoring, respecting, elevating |
| Digressive | Tending to depart from the main subject | Rambling, tangential, off-topic |
| Dilapidated | In a state of disrepair or decay | Run-down, decrepit, shabby |
| Dilated | Expanded or widened | Enlarged, widened, expanded |
| Dilatory | Slow to act; causing delay | Delayed, slow, procrastinating |
| Dilettante | A person who takes up an art or subject superficially | Amateur, dabbler, novice |
| Dilettanteish | Resembling a dilettante; amateurish | Amateur, superficial, unskilled |
| Dilettantish | Amateurish or superficial | Unskilled, amateurish |
| Diligent | Having or showing care in one's duties | Hardworking, attentive, meticulous |
| Dilute | Make (a liquid) thinner by adding water | Weakened, watered down, thinned |
| Diluted | Reduced in concentration | Weakened, thinned, watered down |
| Diluvial | Relating to a flood | Flood-related, watery |
| Diluvian | Relating to a great flood | Flood-like, watery |
| Dim | Not bright or clear | Faint, dull, shadowy |
| Dimensional | Relating to dimensions | Spatial, measurable |
| Dimensioned | Having specified measurements | Measured, sized, proportioned |
| Dimensioning | Assigning measurements or dimensions | Measuring, sizing, scaling |
| Diminished | Made smaller or less | Reduced, lessened, decreased |
| Diminishing | Becoming gradually less | Decreasing, lessening, declining |
| Diminuendo | Gradually reducing in loudness | Fading, softening |
| Diminutival | Relating to a diminutive form | Miniature, small, tiny |
| Diminutive | Extremely or unusually small | Tiny, small, miniature |
| Dimmed | Made less bright | Darkened, dulled, faded |
| Dimmer | Less bright or intense | Fainter, softer, weaker |
| Dimorphic | Occurring in two distinct forms | Two-formed, dual, bimorphic |
| Dimorphous | Having two forms or phases | Two-formed, bimorphic |
| Dimpled | Marked with small indentations or hollows | Indented, pitted, hollowed |
| Dim-sighted | Having poor vision | Shortsighted, partially blind, visually impaired |
| Dimwitted | Slow to understand; lacking intelligence | Stupid, foolish, dull-witted |
| Dingy | Gloomy and drab | Shabby, dull, grimy |
| Dinky | Small and unimpressive | Petite, tiny, insignificant |
| Diocesan | Relating to a church diocese | Clerical, ecclesiastical, parish |
| Dioecian | Having male and female reproductive organs on separate plants | Unisexual, dioecious |
| Dioecious | Having male and female reproductive organs on separate individuals | Unisexual, separate-sexed |
| Dioestrous | Having two estrous cycles per year | Estrous, reproductive |
| Dioestrual | Relating to two estrous cycles | Estrous, reproductive |
| Dionysian | Relating to the sensual or emotional aspects of human nature | Passionate, hedonistic, wild |
| Diploid | Having two sets of chromosomes | Double, twofold, bivalent |
| Diplomatic | Having or showing tact and sensitivity in dealing with others | Tactful, discreet, polite |
| Diplomatical | Relating to diplomacy | Tactful, courteous, diplomatic |
| Dipolar | Having two poles or charges | Bipolar, double-charged |
| Dipped | Put briefly into a liquid | Immersed, submerged, plunged |
| Dipterous | Belonging to the order of insects with two wings | Insect-related, two-winged |
| Dipylon | Relating to ancient Greek pottery styles | Greek, ancient, pottery-related |
| Dire | Extremely serious or urgent | Grave, desperate, critical |
| Direct | Straightforward and honest | Straight, open, frank |
| Directed | Guided or controlled towards a goal | Guided, controlled, focused |
| Directing | Guiding or managing | Leading, managing, controlling |
| Directional | Relating to direction or guidance | Guiding, steering, orienting |
| Directionless | Lacking purpose or direction | Aimless, purposeless, wandering |
| Directive | Giving instructions or guidance | Guiding, instructional, regulatory |
| Directory | Containing or providing lists or information | List, index, catalog |
| Direful | Extremely dreadful or alarming | Dreadful, ominous, fearful |
| Dirigible | Capable of being steered or directed | Navigable, steerable, controllable |
| Dirt | Unclean matter; soil or filth | Filth, soil, grime |
| Dirtier | More unclean or filthy | Grubbier, filthier, grimier |
| Dirtiest | Most unclean or contaminated | Filthiest, foulest, grimiest |
| Dirty | Unclean or contaminated with dirt | Filthy, grimy, soiled |
| Disabled | Having a physical or mental condition that limits activities | Handicapped, impaired, differently-abled |
| Disabling | Causing someone to be unable to do something | Crippling, incapacitating, impairing |
| Disabused | Freed from false ideas or beliefs | Corrected, enlightened, informed |
| Disadvantaged | Lacking resources or opportunities | Underprivileged, deprived, impoverished |
| Disadvantageous | Unfavorable or harmful | Harmful, detrimental, unprofitable |
| Disaffected | Dissatisfied with authority | Alienated, rebellious, dissatisfied |
| Disagreeable | Unpleasant or offensive | Unpleasant, distasteful, offensive |
| Disallowable | Capable of being refused or rejected | Rejectable, unacceptable |
| Disappearing | Vanishing from sight | Fading, vanishing, diminishing |
| Disappointed | Feeling let down | Disheartened, discouraged, dissatisfied |
| Disappointing | Not meeting expectations | Unsatisfactory, disheartening, frustrating |
| Disapproving | Showing disapproval | Critical, reproving, displeased |
| Disarmed | Deprived of weapons or defenses | Defenseless, unarmed |
| Disarming | Having the effect of allaying suspicion or hostility | Charming, endearing, ingratiating |
| Disarranged | Thrown into disorder | Disordered, messy, untidy |
| Disarrayed | In a state of disorganization | Untidy, chaotic, cluttered |
| Disastrous | Causing great damage | Catastrophic, devastating, ruinous |
| Disavowable | Capable of being denied or disclaimed | Refutable, deniable, rejectable |
| Disbelieving | Feeling or showing disbelief | Skeptical, doubtful, incredulous |
| Discalceate | Without shoes; barefoot | Barefoot, shoeless |
| Discalced | Barefoot, especially in a religious order | Shoeless, barefoot |
| Discarded | Thrown away or abandoned | Abandoned, disposed of, rejected |
| Discarnate | Not having a physical body | Bodiless, incorporeal, spiritual |
| Discernable | Able to be seen or recognized | Visible, noticeable, detectable |
| Discernible | Perceptible or distinguishable | Observable, evident, noticeable |
| Discerning | Showing good judgment | Perceptive, insightful, discriminating |
| Discharged | Released from obligation or duty | Released, dismissed, freed |
| Disciform | Having a disk-like shape | Disk-shaped, circular, flat |
| Disciplinal | Relating to discipline or instruction | Instructive, educational |
| Disciplinarian | Advocating or enforcing strict discipline | Strict, authoritarian, controlling |
| Disciplinary | Relating to punishment or discipline | Punitive, corrective, regulatory |
| Disciplined | Showing self-control | Self-controlled, restrained, regulated |
| Disclike | Resembling a disk in shape | Disk-shaped, round, circular |
| Disclosed | Made known or revealed | Revealed, exposed, uncovered |
| Discoid | Shaped like a disk | Round, disk-shaped, flat |
| Discoidal | Having the form of a disk | Disk-like, circular, round |
| Discombobulated | Confused and disconcerted | Confused, perplexed, disoriented |
| Discomfit | To make uneasy or perplexed | Embarrass, confuse, disconcert |
| Discomfited | Embarrassed or confused | Perplexed, embarrassed, defeated |
| Discomposed | Disturbed or agitated | Upset, unsettled, flustered |
| Discomycetous | Relating to a group of fungi | Fungal, mycological |
| Disconcerted | Unsettled or confused | Disoriented, disturbed, bewildered |
| Disconcerting | Causing discomfort or confusion | Unsettling, perplexing, disturbing |
| Disconfirming | Refuting or disproving | Contradicting, disproving, invalidating |
| Disconnected | Separated or detached | Detached, isolated, apart |
| Disconsolate | Without consolation or comfort | Unhappy, inconsolable, sorrowful |
| Discontent | Lack of satisfaction | Dissatisfaction, displeasure, unhappiness |
| Discontented | Dissatisfied or unhappy | Unhappy, dissatisfied, displeased |
| Discontinued | No longer produced or used | Stopped, ended, ceased |
| Discontinuous | Not continuous; having interruptions | Intermittent, sporadic, broken |
| Discordant | Disagreeing or incongruous | Dissonant, conflicting, clashing |
| Discorporate | Not having a physical body | Incorporeal, disembodied, spiritual |
| Discouraged | Having lost confidence or hope | Disheartened, demoralized, downcast |
| Discouraging | Causing loss of confidence or hope | Disheartening, demoralizing, disappointing |
| Discourteous | Rude and lacking respect | Impolite, rude, disrespectful |
| Discoverable | Capable of being found or discovered | Findable, detectable, observable |
| Discovered | Found or uncovered | Uncovered, revealed, detected |
| Discreditable | Bringing shame or disrepute | Shameful, disgraceful, dishonorable |
| Discredited | Disproved or cast into doubt | Disproven, refuted, disgraced |
| Discreet | Careful and prudent in actions or speech | Careful, cautious, tactful |
| Discrepant | Inconsistent or disagreeing | Conflicting, differing, contradictory |
| Discrete | Separate and distinct | Individual, separate, distinct |
| Discretional | Subject to one's own judgment | Optional, elective, discretionary |
| Discretionary | Based on individual judgment or choice | Optional, elective, voluntary |
| Discriminable | Capable of being distinguished | Distinct, distinguishable, identifiable |
| Discriminate | Recognizing differences | Distinguish, differentiate, discern |
| Discriminating | Showing good judgment or taste | Selective, discerning, perceptive |
| Discriminative | Characterized by differentiation or selection | Selective, distinguishing, discerning |
| Discriminatory | Showing prejudice or bias | Prejudiced, biased, unfair |
| Discursive | Moving from topic to topic without order | Rambling, digressive, wandering |
| Discussable | Open to discussion or debate | Debatable, arguable, talkable |
| Disdainful | Showing contempt or lack of respect | Scornful, contemptuous, haughty |
| Diseased | Affected by disease | Infected, sick, ill |
| Disembodied | Lacking a physical form | Bodiless, incorporeal, spiritual |
| Disenchanted | Disappointed or disillusioned | Disillusioned, disappointed, discontented |
| Disenchanting | Causing loss of illusion or enchantment | Disillusioning, disappointing |
| Disenfranchised | Deprived of rights or privileges | Deprived, oppressed, marginalized |
| Disentangled | Freed from a tangled state | Unraveled, untangled, freed |
| Disfigured | Spoiled in appearance | Deformed, scarred, blemished |
| Disfranchised | Deprived of the right to vote | Disenfranchised, excluded |
| Disgraced | Brought shame or dishonor | Shamed, dishonored, humiliated |
| Disgraceful | Causing shame or dishonor | Shameful, dishonorable, deplorable |
| Disgruntled | Angry or dissatisfied | Dissatisfied, annoyed, displeased |
| Disguised | Concealed or masked | Masked, hidden, camouflaged |
| Disgusted | Feeling strong dislike or disapproval | Repulsed, sickened, offended |
| Disgustful | Causing disgust | Repulsive, nauseating, offensive |
| Disgusting | Arousing revulsion or strong disapproval | Repulsive, revolting, vile |
| Disharmonious | Lacking harmony | Discordant, unharmonious, jarring |
| Disheartened | Having lost hope or enthusiasm | Discouraged, demoralized, dispirited |
| Disheartening | Causing loss of spirit or morale | Discouraging, demoralizing, depressing |
| Dished | Concave in shape | Curved, hollowed, sunken |
| Disheveled | In disarray; messy | Untidy, unkempt, disordered |
| Dishevelled | Variant spelling of disheveled | Messy, untidy, disordered |
| Dishonest | Lacking honesty | Untruthful, deceitful, fraudulent |
| Dishonorable | Lacking honor or integrity | Shameful, disgraceful, disreputable |
| Dishonored | Caused to lose honor | Shamed, disgraced, humiliated |
| Dishonourable | British variant of dishonorable | Shameful, disgraceful, unethical |
| Dishy | Informally attractive or appealing | Attractive, good-looking, appealing |
| Disillusioned | Having lost faith in something | Disenchanted, disappointed, cynical |
| Disillusioning | Causing loss of illusions | Disenchanting, disappointing, discouraging |
| Disinclined | Unwilling or reluctant | Reluctant, unwilling, hesitant |
| Disinfectant | Capable of destroying germs | Antiseptic, germicidal, cleansing |
| Disingenuous | Not candid or sincere | Deceitful, insincere, dishonest |
| Disinherited | Deprived of a rightful inheritance | Disowned, dispossessed |
| Disintegrable | Capable of being broken into parts | Breakable, destructible, decomposable |
| Disintegrative | Causing disintegration | Fragmenting, dissolving, destructive |
| Disinterested | Unbiased or impartial | Impartial, objective, neutral |
| Disjoined | Separated or disconnected | Detached, divided, split |
| Disjoint | Lacking connection or coherence | Disconnected, separated, disunited |
| Disjointed | Unconnected; lacking order | Disconnected, fragmented, incoherent |
| Disjunct | Characterized by separation or disunity | Separate, distinct, disconnected |
| Disjunctive | Serving to separate or divide | Divisive, separating, isolating |
| Disklike | Resembling a disk in shape | Round, circular, disk-shaped |
| Dislikable | Not easy to like | Unpleasant, disagreeable, off-putting |
| Dislikeable | Capable of being disliked | Unpleasant, disagreeable, unappealing |
| Disliked | Regarded with disfavor or aversion | Unliked, resented, loathed |
| Dislocated | Moved from its normal position | Out of place, displaced, misaligned |
| Dislogistic | Expressing disapproval or criticism | Critical, disparaging, negative |
| Disloyal | Not faithful to obligations or allegiances | Unfaithful, untrustworthy, treacherous |
| Dismal | Causing gloom or misery | Gloomy, bleak, dreary |
| Dismantled | Taken apart | Deconstructed, disassembled, broken down |
| Dismayed | Feeling shocked or discouraged | Disheartened, appalled, upset |
| Dismaying | Causing distress or concern | Disturbing, alarming, disheartening |
| Dismissed | Released from duty or employment | Fired, released, discharged |
| Dismissible | Capable of being dismissed | Ignorable, unimportant, negligible |
| Dismissive | Showing indifference or disregard | Indifferent, scornful, disdainful |
| Disobedient | Refusing to obey rules or authority | Rebellious, defiant, insubordinate |
| Disobliging | Unhelpful or uncooperative | Uncooperative, unfriendly, unhelpful |
| Disordered | Lacking order or regular arrangement | Chaotic, messy, cluttered |
| Disorderly | Lacking organization or tidiness | Chaotic, unorganized, unruly |
| Disorganised | Lacking structure or order (British spelling) | Unorganized, chaotic, messy |
| Disorganized | Lacking structure or organization | Messy, chaotic, unstructured |
| Disoriented | Confused or lost | Confused, bewildered, lost |
| Disorienting | Causing one to lose sense of direction | Confusing, bewildering, perplexing |
| Disparaging | Expressing a negative opinion | Critical, demeaning, derogatory |
| Disparate | Essentially different in kind | Dissimilar, contrasting, distinct |
| Dispassionate | Not influenced by emotion | Impartial, unbiased, objective |
| Dispensable | Not necessary or required | Unnecessary, optional, expendable |
| Dispensed | Distributed or provided | Distributed, supplied, allotted |
| Dispersed | Scattered or spread out | Scattered, distributed, spread |
| Dispersive | Tending to spread out | Spreading, scattering, diffusive |
| Dispirited | Having lost enthusiasm or hope | Disheartened, discouraged, demoralized |
| Dispiriting | Causing a loss of hope or enthusiasm | Disheartening, discouraging, demoralizing |
| Displaced | Moved from its usual position | Removed, shifted, relocated |
| Displayed | Shown or exhibited | Exhibited, shown, presented |
| Displeased | Feeling dissatisfaction or annoyance | Annoyed, dissatisfied, upset |
| Displeasing | Causing displeasure or annoyance | Unpleasant, annoying, unsatisfactory |
| Disposable | Intended to be used once and discarded | Single-use, throwaway |
| Disposed | Inclined or willing | Inclined, willing, ready |
| Dispossessed | Deprived of land or possessions | Deprived, ousted, displaced |
| Disproportional | Not in correct proportion | Unbalanced, uneven, disproportionate |
| Disproportionate | Too large or too small in relation to something | Unequal, excessive, imbalanced |
| Disproved | Shown to be false or incorrect | Refuted, debunked, invalidated |
| Disputable | Open to question or debate | Debatable, questionable, arguable |
| Disputatious | Fond of or causing heated arguments | Argumentative, contentious, quarrelsome |
| Disputative | Tending to dispute or argue | Argumentative, contentious, quarrelsome |
| Disputed | Subject to disagreement or debate | Contested, challenged, questioned |
| Disqualified | Made ineligible for a position or activity | Ineligible, barred, banned |
| Disqualifying | Making someone ineligible | Excluding, barring, prohibiting |
| Disquieted | Disturbed or anxious | Uneasy, unsettled, troubled |
| Disquieting | Causing anxiety or uneasiness | Disturbing, unsettling, worrying |
| Disregarded | Ignored or overlooked | Ignored, neglected, dismissed |
| Disreputable | Not considered to be respectable | Shady, notorious, infamous |
| Disrespectful | Showing a lack of respect or courtesy | Rude, impolite, discourteous |
| Disrupted | Interrupted or broken | Disturbed, interrupted, broken |
| Disruptive | Causing disturbance or disorder | Disturbing, troubling, interruptive |
| Dissatisfactory | Not meeting expectations or requirements | Unsatisfactory, inadequate, disappointing |
| Dissatisfied | Feeling or showing lack of satisfaction | Unhappy, discontented, displeased |
| Dissected | Divided into parts for examination | Analyzed, divided, cut apart |
| Disseminative | Serving to spread widely | Spreadable, diffusive, distributive |
| Dissentient | In opposition to the majority | Oppositional, disagreeing, dissenting |
| Dissenting | Holding or expressing different opinions | Opposing, contrary, nonconforming |
| Dissentious | Causing or characterized by disagreement | Argumentative, divisive, contentious |
| Dissidence | Disagreement or opposition | Conflict, discord, dissent |
| Dissident | In opposition to official policy | Rebellious, nonconformist, disagreeing |
| Dissilient | Bursting open or apart | Explosive, bursting, rupturing |
| Dissimilar | Not alike; different | Different, unalike, varied |
| Dissimulative | Tending to hide or disguise one's true feelings | Deceptive, evasive, secretive |
| Dissipated | Overindulging in pleasure | Self-indulgent, debauched, hedonistic |
| Dissociable | Capable of being separated | Separable, detachable, isolatable |
| Dissociative | Causing disconnection from reality | Detaching, separating, isolating |
| Dissoluble | Capable of being dissolved | Soluble, decomposable, breakable |
| Dissolute | Lacking in morals; indulgent in vices | Immoral, licentious, debauched |
| Dissolvable | Capable of being dissolved in a liquid | Soluble, meltable |
| Dissolved | Mixed or melted into a liquid | Melted, liquefied, dispersed |
| Dissolving | Undergoing dissolution | Melting, mixing, disappearing |
| Dissonant | Not in harmony; clashing | Discordant, conflicting, cacophonous |
| Dissuasive | Intended to discourage | Discouraging, preventive, inhibitory |
| Distaff | Relating to women | Female, maternal |
| Distal | Situated away from the center or point of attachment | Peripheral, outermost, distant |
| Distant | Far away in space or time | Remote, far, isolated |
| Distasteful | Unpleasant or disagreeable | Offensive, unpleasant, repugnant |
| Distensible | Capable of being stretched or expanded | Expandable, stretchable, elastic |
| Distinct | Recognizably different in nature | Clear, separate, unique |
| Distinctive | Having a special quality that makes it stand out | Unique, characteristic, distinguishing |
| Distinguishable | Able to be identified as different | Identifiable, noticeable, recognizable |
| Distinguished | Recognized for excellence or honor | Renowned, eminent, notable |
| Distortable | Capable of being twisted or bent out of shape | Flexible, alterable, bendable |
| Distorted | Pulled or twisted out of shape | Deformed, twisted, warped |
| Distracted | Unable to concentrate | Preoccupied, unfocused, inattentive |
| Distracting | Causing a lack of focus | Diverting, interrupting, disrupting |
| Distrait | Inattentive or distracted | Absentminded, preoccupied, detached |
| Distraught | Deeply agitated or distressed | Upset, agitated, troubled |
| Distressed | Feeling or showing extreme anxiety or pain | Upset, anguished, troubled |
| Distressful | Causing worry or pain | Disturbing, worrisome, agonizing |
| Distressing | Causing anxiety or sorrow | Upsetting, troubling, painful |
| Distributed | Spread out over an area | Spread, allocated, dispersed |
| Distributional | Relating to distribution | Allocative, spreading, dispersive |
| Distributive | Relating to sharing or dividing | Divisive, sharing, allocative |
| Distrusted | Not regarded as trustworthy | Mistrusted, suspected, doubted |
| Distrustful | Showing suspicion or lack of trust | Skeptical, suspicious, wary |
| Disturbed | Showing symptoms of mental or emotional distress | Agitated, upset, troubled |
| Disturbing | Causing anxiety or unease | Unsettling, troubling, distressing |
| Disunited | Lacking unity; divided | Divided, separated, disjointed |
| Disused | No longer in use | Abandoned, unused, obsolete |
| Disyllabic | Having two syllables | Two-syllable, bisyllabic |
| Dithyrambic | Wildly enthusiastic or passionate | Exuberant, ecstatic, fervent |
| Diurnal | Active during the day | Daytime, daily |
| Divalent | Having a valency of two | Bivalent, dual |
| Divergent | Going in different directions | Deviating, differing, varying |
| Diverging | Moving in different directions from a common point | Separating, spreading, branching |
| Divers | Various or several | Several, various, assorted |
| Diverse | Showing variety; very different | Varied, different, assorted |
| Diversified | Made more diverse or varied | Varied, assorted, mixed |
| Diversionary | Intended to distract or redirect | Distracting, diverting, sidetracking |
| Diverted | Turned away from a path or course | Redirected, deflected, rerouted |
| Diverting | Entertaining or amusing | Entertaining, amusing, engaging |
| Dividable | Capable of being divided | Divisible, separable, splittable |
| Divided | Separated into parts | Split, separated, partitioned |
| Divinatory | Relating to foretelling the future | Prophetic, predictive, oracular |
| Divine | Relating to a god; excellent | Heavenly, godly, sacred |
| Divining | Pretending to predict or discover | Foreseeing, predicting, prophetic |
| Divisible | Capable of being divided | Separable, splittable |
| Divisional | Relating to a division or section | Sectional, departmental, segmental |
| Divisive | Causing disagreement or hostility | Discordant, disruptive, contentious |
| Divorced | No longer married; separated | Separated, split, unattached |
| Dizygotic | Relating to twins from two separate eggs | Fraternal, twin, non-identical |
| Dizygous | Having two yolks or eggs | Double-yolked, twin-egg |
| Dizzy | Feeling unsteady or lightheaded | Giddy, woozy, faint |
| Dizzying | Making one feel dizzy or overwhelmed | Overwhelming, giddy, breathtaking |
| Djiboutian | Relating to Djibouti or its people | African, Djibouti native |
| Doable | Capable of being done | Possible, achievable, feasible |
| Docile | Ready to accept control; submissive | Compliant, obedient, meek |
| Doctoral | Relating to a doctorate | PhD-level, academic, scholarly |
| Doctorial | Of or relating to doctors | Medical, professional, scholarly |
| Doctrinaire | Seeking to impose doctrine without regard to practicality | Dogmatic, rigid, inflexible |
| Doctrinal | Relating to a particular doctrine or beliefs | Ideological, dogmatic, theoretical |
| Documental | Relating to documents | Written, archival, recorded |
| Documentary | Based on documents; factual | Factual, real, authentic |
| Documented | Recorded in documents | Recorded, written, certified |
| Doddering | Trembling or shaking from old age | Shaky, trembling, feeble |
| Doddery | Weak and unsteady from old age | Feeble, unsteady, wobbly |
| Dodgy | Dishonest or unreliable | Shady, questionable, unreliable |
| Dog-eared | Worn or shabby from overuse | Worn, ragged, creased |
| Dogged | Persistent in effort | Determined, tenacious, stubborn |
| Dogging | Persistently following or troubling | Following, pursuing, troubling |
| Doggish | Resembling or characteristic of a dog | Canine, dog-like |
| Doglike | Similar to a dog in behavior | Canine, loyal, faithful |
| Dogmatic | Asserting opinions in an authoritative way | Authoritative, opinionated, assertive |
| Dogmatical | Relating to strong principles of faith | Doctrinal, strict, inflexible |
| Do-it-yourself | Done by oneself without professional help | Self-made, homemade, DIY |
| Dolabrate | Shaped like an axe | Axe-shaped, hatchet-like |
| Dolabriform | Shaped like the blade of an axe | Axe-like, chisel-shaped |
| Doleful | Expressing sorrow; mournful | Sorrowful, sad, mournful |
| Dolichocephalic | Having a long head shape | Long-headed, elongated |
| Dolichocranial | Characterized by a long skull | Long-skulled, elongated |
| Dolichocranic | Relating to a long skull | Elongated, long-skulled |
| Dollish | Resembling a doll | Pretty, cute, doll-like |
| Dolomitic | Containing or resembling dolomite | Mineral-rich, calcitic |
| Dolorous | Feeling or expressing great sorrow | Sad, mournful, sorrowful |
| Dolourous | British spelling of dolorous | Sorrowful, sad, mournful |
| Doltish | Stupid or foolish | Idiotic, foolish, dumb |
| Domed | Shaped like a dome | Curved, rounded, vaulted |
| Domestic | Relating to the home or family | Household, familial, homey |
| Domiciliary | Relating to the home or home care | Residential, domestic, household |
| Dominant | Most powerful or influential | Leading, main, supreme |
| Dominated | Controlled or ruled over | Subdued, controlled, governed |
| Dominating | Exerting control or influence | Controlling, assertive, commanding |
| Domineering | Overbearing or assertive | Overbearing, bossy, controlling |
| Dominical | Relating to the Lord’s day (Sunday) | Holy, sacred, Sunday-related |
| Dominican | Relating to the Dominican Republic or its people | Caribbean, Latin American |
| Donatist | Relating to a Christian sect | Sectarian, doctrinal |
| Done | Completed or finished | Finished, completed, over |
| Donnean | Relating to the poet John Donne | Poetic, literary |
| Donnian | Resembling or relating to John Donne’s style | Poetic, literary |
| Donnish | Scholarly or academic | Scholarly, academic, bookish |
| Donor | Giving or contributing | Contributor, giver, benefactor |
| Do-nothing | Lacking ambition or initiative | Idle, lazy, inactive |
| Doomed | Destined to fail or suffer | Condemned, fated, lost |
| Doorless | Without doors | Open, exposed |
| Dope | Very good or impressive (slang) | Cool, awesome, great |
| Doped | Under the influence of drugs | Drugged, intoxicated, high |
| Dopey | Feeling drowsy or dazed | Drowsy, sleepy, sluggish |
| Dopy | Variant spelling of dopey | Drowsy, sleepy, sluggish |
| Dorian | Relating to the ancient Greek region of Doris | Greek, classical |
| Doric | Relating to one of the Greek architectural orders | Greek, classical, architectural |
| Dormant | Inactive or resting | Inactive, sleeping, latent |
| Dormie | In golf, having a lead that cannot be lost | Winning, ahead |
| Dormy | Variant of dormie in golf | Winning, ahead |
| Dorsal | Relating to the back | Back, rear, posterior |
| Dorsoventral | Relating to both the back and the front | Bilateral, front-to-back |
| Dosed | Administered a dose of medication | Medicated, treated |
| Dostoevskian | Relating to Fyodor Dostoevsky or his works | Literary, philosophical, Russian |
| Dostoyevskian | Variant spelling of Dostoevskian | Literary, philosophical, Russian |
| Doting | Showing excessive love or affection | Adoring, loving, affectionate |
| Dotted | Marked with dots | Speckled, spotted, stippled |
| Dotty | Eccentric or slightly crazy | Crazy, eccentric, odd |
| Double | Consisting of two identical parts | Dual, twin, paired |
| Double-barreled | Having two barrels, as a shotgun | Dual, twofold |
| Double-breasted | Having a double row of buttons | Styled, overlapping |
| Doubled | Twice as much | Increased, multiplied, paired |
| Double-dyed | Being intensely so | Thorough, extreme |
| Double-edged | Having two edges | Two-edged, ambivalent |
| Double-faced | Insincere; deceitful | Two-faced, hypocritical, deceitful |
| Double-quick | Very fast | Rapid, swift, speedy |
| Double-tongued | Deceitful or hypocritical in speech | Deceptive, insincere, dishonest |
| Doubtful | Feeling uncertain about something | Uncertain, unsure, dubious |
| Doubting | Expressing or feeling uncertainty | Skeptical, questioning, wary |
| Doughy | Resembling dough; soft and pale | Pasty, soft, pallid |
| Dour | Stern, severe, or gloomy in manner | Stern, grim, forbidding |
| Dovish | Advocating peace | Peaceful, pacifist, antiwar |
| Dowdy | Unfashionable and unstylish in appearance | Unkempt, frumpy, drab |
| Dowered | Provided with a dowry | Endowed, gifted, provided |
| Dowerless | Without a dowry | Unendowed, giftless |
| Down | Feeling sad or depressed | Sad, low, depressed |
| Down-and-out | Without money or resources | Destitute, impoverished, broke |
| Downbound | Moving downward | Descending, downward |
| Downcast | Feeling despondent or depressed | Disheartened, dejected, forlorn |
| Downfield | Toward or on the opponent's end of the field | Offensive, forward |
| Downhearted | Feeling low in spirit | Sad, discouraged, gloomy |
| Downhill | Moving or leading to a lower place or level | Downward, descending |
| Downlike | Soft and fluffy like down | Fluffy, soft, feathery |
| Downloadable | Capable of being downloaded | Accessible, obtainable |
| Downmarket | Relatively inexpensive or low in quality | Cheap, low-end, budget |
| Downright | Complete or absolute | Thorough, absolute, utter |
| Downscale | Relatively inexpensive or low in quality | Low-end, budget, affordable |
| Downstage | Located toward the front of a stage | Frontstage, forward |
| Downstair | Located on a lower floor | Lower, below |
| Downstairs | On or to a lower floor | Below, down, basement |
| Downstream | Situated or moving in the direction of a stream's current | Downriver, with the flow |
| Downtown | In or near the central part of a city | City center, central, urban |
| Downtrodden | Oppressed or treated badly | Oppressed, persecuted, subjugated |
| Downward | Moving toward a lower place or level | Descending, down |
| Downwind | In the direction the wind is blowing | With the wind, leeward |
| Downy | Soft and fluffy | Soft, fluffy, feathery |
| Dozen | Consisting of twelve items | Twelve, a group of twelve |
| Dozing | Sleeping lightly | Napping, snoozing |
| Dozy | Drowsy or half-asleep | Sleepy, drowsy, sluggish |
| Drab | Lacking brightness or interest | Dull, boring, colorless |
| Draconian | Excessively harsh or severe | Severe, strict, harsh |
| Draft | Preliminary version of a document | Outline, rough copy |
| Drafty | Allowing cold air to blow through | Chilly, breezy |
| Dragging | Moving slowly or heavily | Slow, plodding, lagging |
| Draggled | Soiled or dirty from being dragged | Muddy, soiled, bedraggled |
| Drained | Depleted of energy or resources | Exhausted, worn out, spent |
| Draining | Causing exhaustion or depletion | Exhausting, tiring, fatiguing |
| Dramatic | Relating to drama; striking | Theatrical, impressive, spectacular |
| Dramaturgic | Relating to the art of drama | Theatrical, dramatic |
| Dramaturgical | Of or relating to drama and theater | Theatrical, dramatic, staged |
| Draped | Covered with or as if with fabric | Covered, wrapped, adorned |
| Drastic | Likely to have a strong or far-reaching effect | Severe, radical, extreme |
| Draughty | Allowing cold air to enter | Breezy, cold, drafty |
| Drawn | Looking strained or exhausted | Haggard, tired, worn |
| Drawn-out | Extended in length | Lengthy, prolonged, extended |
| Dreaded | Regarded with great fear | Feared, frightening, alarming |
| Dreadful | Extremely bad or unpleasant | Terrible, horrible, awful |
| Dreamed | Experienced during sleep | Imagined, envisioned |
| Dreaming | Engaged in thoughts or visions | Imagining, visualizing |
| Dreamless | Without dreams | Untroubled, restful |
| Dreamlike | Having qualities of a dream | Surreal, fantastical, ethereal |
| Dreamy | Having a pleasant or romantic atmosphere | Romantic, magical, charming |
| Drear | Literary form of dreary | Bleak, gloomy, dismal |
| Dreary | Depressingly dull and bleak | Dull, gloomy, lifeless |
| Drenched | Soaked with liquid | Soaked, saturated, sopping |
| Dress | Clothed or styled in a certain way | Attired, outfitted, styled |
| Dressed | Wearing clothes | Clothed, attired, adorned |
| Dressy | Suitable for formal occasions | Formal, smart, elegant |
| Dried | Devoid of moisture | Dehydrated, dry, parched |
| Drifting | Moving slowly, without direction | Wandering, floating, aimless |
| Drilled | Trained or instructed by repetition | Trained, rehearsed, instructed |
| Drinkable | Suitable for drinking | Potable, consumable, safe |
| Dripless | Not dripping liquid | Leakproof, sealed, dry |
| Dripping | Soaking wet; dripping with liquid | Soaked, saturated, drenched |
| Drippy | Excessively sentimental | Mushy, sappy, cheesy |
| Drivable | Capable of being driven | Operable, manageable, navigable |
| Driven | Being strongly motivated | Motivated, ambitious, determined |
| Driving | Having a powerful force or influence | Forceful, compelling, dynamic |
| Drizzling | Lightly raining | Misting, sprinkling, spitting |
| Drizzly | Characterized by light rain | Misty, damp, rainy |
| Droll | Amusing in an odd way | Quirky, funny, whimsical |
| Drooping | Bending or hanging down | Sagging, wilting, drooping |
| Droopy | Sagging down from lack of strength | Weak, flabby, limp |
| Dropping | Falling from a height | Falling, descending, plummeting |
| Dropsical | Swollen with fluid | Swollen, puffy, bloated |
| Drowsing | Being half-asleep | Napping, dozing, snoozing |
| Drowsy | Feeling sleepy or lethargic | Sleepy, tired, sluggish |
| Drudging | Working hard with little enjoyment | Toiling, slogging, laboring |
| Drug-free | Not using or involving drugs | Sober, clean, abstinent |
| Drugged | Under the influence of drugs | Intoxicated, doped, high |
| Drugless | Without drugs | Natural, unmedicated |
| Drumhead | Conducted with swift justice | Immediate, summary, hasty |
| Drunken | Under the influence of alcohol | Intoxicated, drunk, inebriated |
| Drupaceous | Having characteristics of a drupe | Stone-fruited |
| Dry | Free from moisture | Arid, dehydrated, parched |
| Dryer | Comparatively less moist | Less wet, arid, drier |
| Dry-eyed | Without tears or emotion | Stoic, composed, tearless |
| Drying | Becoming free of moisture | Evaporating, dehydrating |
| Dry-shod | Not wet or soaked | Dry, unsoaked |
| Dual | Consisting of two parts | Double, paired, twin |
| Dualistic | Characterized by two opposing parts | Contradictory, binary, dual |
| Dubious | Hesitating or doubting | Doubtful, uncertain, suspicious |
| Dubitable | Open to doubt | Questionable, debatable, uncertain |
| Ducal | Relating to a duke or dukedom | Noble, aristocratic |
| Duckbill | Shaped like a duck's bill | Beak-shaped, bill-like |
| Duck-billed | Having a bill like a duck's | Beak-shaped, bill-like |
| Ductile | Easily molded or shaped | Malleable, pliable, flexible |
| Ductless | Lacking ducts (in anatomy) | Glandular, endocrine |
| Dud | Not working or ineffective | Failure, ineffective, useless |
| Due | Expected at a certain time | Owed, scheduled, required |
| Dulcet | Pleasant to the ear | Melodious, harmonious, sweet |
| Dull | Lacking interest or brightness | Boring, lifeless, bland |
| Dulled | Made less sharp or intense | Blunted, numbed, faded |
| Duller | Less bright or lively | Dimmer, blander, less vibrant |
| Dumb | Lacking intelligence | Stupid, foolish, dim |
| Dumber | Comparatively more foolish | Less intelligent, more foolish |
| Dumbest | Most lacking in intelligence | Most foolish, most idiotic |
| Dumbfounded | Greatly astonished or amazed | Astonished, stunned, speechless |
| Dumbfounding | Causing astonishment or amazement | Astounding, shocking, surprising |
| Dumbstricken | Rendered speechless by shock | Speechless, shocked, astonished |
| Dumbstruck | So shocked as to be unable to speak | Speechless, stunned, amazed |
| Dumfounded | Astonished and unable to speak | Flabbergasted, stunned, astounded |
| Dumfounding | Causing one to be speechless with amazement | Shocking, astonishing, astounding |
| Dummy | Imitation or substitute | Replica, fake, model |
| Dumpy | Short and stout | Stocky, squat, stubby |
| Dun | Of a dull grayish-brown color | Grayish, brownish, drab |
| Duncical | Marked by stupidity | Foolish, idiotic, stupid |
| Duncish | Somewhat stupid | Foolish, dim, idiotic |
| Duodecimal | Relating to a base-12 system | Base-12, dozenal |
| Duodenal | Relating to the duodenum | Intestinal, digestive |
| Duple | Having two parts | Binary, dual |
| Duplex | Twofold or double | Double, twin, dual |
| Duplicable | Capable of being duplicated or copied | Reproducible, copyable, replicable |
| Duplicatable | Capable of being duplicated | Reproducible, copyable |
| Duplicate | Exactly like something else | Identical, matching, twin |
| Duplicitous | Deceptive in behavior or speech | Deceitful, dishonest, double-dealing |
| Durable | Able to withstand wear or damage | Long-lasting, sturdy, resilient |
| Dural | Relating to the dura mater in anatomy | Protective, tough, membranous |
| Dusk | Relating to the darker part of twilight | Evening, twilight, dim |
| Dusky | Dark in color or shadowy | Dark, shadowy, dim |
| Dustlike | Resembling dust in appearance | Powdery, fine, particulate |
| Dusty | Covered with or resembling dust | Powdery, soiled, dirty |
| Dutch | Relating to the Netherlands or its people | Netherlandish, Hollander |
| Duteous | Willing to do what is expected; dutiful | Obedient, dutiful, compliant |
| Dutiable | Subject to a duty or tax | Taxable, assessable |
| Dutiful | Conscientiously doing what is expected | Obedient, respectful, compliant |
| Duty-free | Exempt from tax or duty | Tax-free, exempt |
| Dwarf | Smaller than average size | Miniature, small, undersized |
| Dwarfish | Having characteristics of a dwarf | Small, petite, diminutive |
| Dwindling | Gradually decreasing in size or amount | Decreasing, diminishing, shrinking |
| Dyadic | Relating to a pair or two units | Binary, paired, dual |
| Dyed | Having color applied | Colored, tinted, stained |
| Dying | Approaching death or ceasing to live | Fading, expiring, ending |
| Dynamic | Characterized by constant change or activity | Energetic, active, forceful |
| Dynamical | Relating to forces or motion | Energetic, powerful, vigorous |
| Dynastic | Relating to a dynasty | Royal, hereditary, ancestral |
| Dysfunctional | Not operating normally | Malfunctioning, impaired, broken |
| Dysgenic | Causing a decline in genetic quality | Deleterious, harmful |
| Dyslectic | Alternate spelling of dyslexic | Reading-disabled, word-blind |
| Dyslexic | Having difficulty with reading | Reading-impaired, dyslectic |
| Dyslogistic | Expressing disapproval | Critical, derogatory, disparaging |
| Dyspeptic | Suffering from indigestion | Ill-tempered, grouchy, irritable |
| Dysphemistic | Using derogatory or unpleasant terms | Offensive, harsh, pejorative |
| Dysphoric | Feeling uneasy or dissatisfied | Uneasy, dissatisfied, restless |
| Dysplastic | Characterized by abnormal growth | Malformed, abnormal, deformed |
| Dyspneal | Having difficulty breathing | Breathless, short of breath |
| Dyspneic | Experiencing shortness of breath | Breathless, suffocating |
| Dyspnoeal | British spelling of dyspneal | Breathless, short of breath |
| Dyspnoeic | British spelling of dyspneic | Breathless, suffocating |
| Dystopian | Relating to an imagined state of suffering | Bleak, grim, nightmarish |
Frequently Asked Questions
What are some common adjectives that start with D?
Common adjectives that start with D include dynamic, diligent,
daring, dependable, and delightful. These words enhance writing
and communication.
What are some positive adjectives that start with D?
Some positive adjectives starting with D are dazzling,
determined, devoted, and delightful.
How can adjectives starting with D improve my writing?
Using adjectives like dynamic, distinguished, and diligent can
make your writing more expressive, precise, and engaging.
What is the difference between adjectives and adverbs?
Adjectives describe nouns (e.g., "diligent student"), while
adverbs modify verbs or adjectives (e.g., "studies diligently").
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