D Words: Definitions, Examples, and Usage Tips

Discover a diverse range of words that start with the letter “D” and their definitions to enhance your vocabulary.

  1. Dabble- To take part in an activity in a casual or superficial way.
  2. Daft- Silly or foolish.
  3. Dainty- Delicately small and pretty.
  4. Dally- To act or move slowly.
  5. Damage- Physical harm caused to something.
  6. Dampen- Make slightly wet or to decrease in enthusiasm.
  7. Dangle- Hang or swing loosely.
  8. Daring- Adventurous or audaciously bold.
  9. Darken- Make or become dark or darker.
  10. Dart- Move or throw suddenly and quickly.
  11. Dash- Run or travel somewhere in a hurry.
  12. Database- A structured set of data held in a computer.
  13. Daunt- Make someone feel intimidated or apprehensive.
  14. Dawdle- Waste time; be slow.
  15. Dawn- The first appearance of light in the sky before sunrise.
  16. Daze- Make (someone) unable to think or react properly.
  17. Dazzle- Blind temporarily by bright light.
  18. Deafen- Make deaf.
  19. Deal- Distribute or an agreement.
  20. Debate- A formal discussion on a particular topic.
  21. Debris- Scattered pieces of waste or remains.
  22. Debt- Something, typically money, that is owed or due.
  23. Decay- The state or process of rotting or decomposition.
  24. Deceit- The action of deceiving someone by concealing or misrepresenting the truth.
  25. Decent- Conforming with accepted standards of respectable or moral behavior.
  26. Decide- Come to a resolution in the mind as a result of consideration.
  27. Declare- Say something in a solemn and emphatic manner.
  28. Decline- Become smaller, fewer, or less; decrease.
  29. Decode- Convert (a coded message) into intelligible language.
  30. Decor- The furnishing and decoration of a room.
  31. Decrease- Make or become smaller or fewer in size, amount, intensity, or degree.
  32. Dedicate- Devote (time, effort, or oneself) to a particular task or purpose.
  33. Deed- An action that is performed intentionally or consciously.
  34. Deem- Regard or consider in a specified way.
  35. Deepen- Make or become deep or deeper.
  36. Defeat- Win a victory over (someone) in a battle or other contest; overcome or beat.
  37. Defect- A shortcoming, imperfection, or lack.
  38. Defend- Resist an attack made on (someone or something); protect from harm or danger.
  39. Defer- Put off (an action or event) to a later time; postpone.
  40. Deficit- The amount by which something, especially a sum of money, is too small.
  41. Define- State or describe exactly the nature, scope, or meaning of.
  42. Deflate- Let air or gas out of (a tire, balloon, or similar object).
  43. Deflect- Cause (something) to change direction by interposing something; turn aside from a straight course.
  44. Deform- Distort the shape or form of; make misshapen.
  45. Defy- Openly resist or refuse to obey.
  46. Degrade- Treat or regard (someone) with contempt or disrespect.
  47. Delay- Make (someone or something) late or slow.
  48. Delegate- A person sent or authorized to represent others, in particular an elected representative sent to a conference.
  49. Delete- Remove or obliterate (written or printed matter), especially by drawing a line through it or marking it with a delete sign.
  50. Delicate- Very fine in texture or structure; of intricate workmanship or quality.
  51. Delight- Please (someone) greatly.
  52. Deliver- Bring and hand over (a letter, parcel, or ordered goods) to the proper recipient or address.
  53. Delve- Reach inside a receptacle and search for something.
  54. Demand- An insistent and peremptory request, made as if by right.
  55. Demeanor- Outward behavior or bearing.
  56. Demise- A person’s death.
  57. Demolish- Pull or knock down (a building).
  58. Demonstrate- Clearly show the existence or truth of (something) by giving proof or evidence.
  59. Denote- Be a sign of; indicate.
  60. Deny- State that one refuses to admit the truth or existence of.
  61. Depart- Leave, typically in order to start a journey.
  62. Depend- Be controlled or determined by.
  63. Depict- Show or represent by a drawing, painting, or other art form.
  64. Deplete- Use up the supply or resources of.
  65. Deploy- Move (troops or equipment) into position for military action.
  66. Depose- Remove from office suddenly and forcefully.
  67. Deposit- A sum of money placed or kept in a bank account, usually to gain interest.
  68. Depress- Cause (someone) to feel utterly dispirited or dejected.
  69. Deprive- Deny (a person or place) the possession or use of something.
  70. Depth- The distance from the top or surface of something to its bottom.
  71. Depute- Appoint or delegate (someone) to undertake a task or office.
  72. Derail- Cause (a train or trolley car) to leave its tracks accidentally.
  73. Deride- Express contempt for; ridicule.
  74. Derive- Obtain something from (a specified source).
  75. Describe- Give an account in words of (someone or something), including all the relevant characteristics, qualities, or events.
  76. Desert- Abandon (a person, cause, or organization) in a way considered disloyal or treacherous.
  77. Deserve- Do something or have or show qualities worthy of (reward or punishment).
  78. Design- Decide upon the look and functioning of (a building, garment, or other object), typically by making a detailed drawing of it.
  79. Desire- Strongly wish for or want (something).
  80. Despair- The complete loss or absence of hope.
  81. Despise- Feel contempt or a deep repugnance for.
  82. Despite- Without being affected by; in spite of.
  83. Destine- Intend or choose for a particular purpose or end.
  84. Destroy- End the existence of (something) by damaging or attacking it.
  85. Detach- Disengage (something) and remove it.
  86. Detail- An individual feature, fact, or item.
  87. Detain- Keep (someone) in official custody, typically for questioning about a crime or in politically sensitive situations.
  88. Detect- Discover or identify the presence or existence of.
  89. Deter- Discourage (someone) from doing something by instilling doubt or fear of the consequences.
  90. Deteriorate- Become progressively worse.
  91. Determine- Cause (something) to occur in a particular way; be the decisive factor in.
  92. Detract- Diminish the worth or value of (a quality or achievement).
  93. Develop- Grow or cause to grow and become more mature, advanced, or elaborate.
  94. Deviate- Depart from an established course.
  95. Devise- Plan or invent (a complex procedure, system, or mechanism) by careful thought.
  96. Devoid- Entirely lacking or free from.
  97. Devote- Give all or most of one’s time or resources to (a person, activity, or cause).
  98. Devour- Eat (food or prey) hungrily or quickly.
  99. Diagnose- Identify the nature of (an illness or other problem) by examination of the symptoms.
  100. Diagram- A simplified drawing showing the appearance, structure, or workings of something; a schematic representation.

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