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List of 362 Verbs That Start with D with Definitions and Examples

by Tim

In this article, verbs that start with D are going to be the main topic of our discussion. We are not just going to cover the basic set of verbs that start with D but also those verbs that serves different purposes in different situations.

The level of difficulty of these verbs that start with D will increase gradually as the list goes on, and we can assure you apart from the hard time this list is going to give you, there is also a lot of fun learning coming up, and you are going to enjoy this fun ride.

As you know, there exists a sea of verbs beginning with D in the English language, but since it is humanly impossible to discuss and memorize them all.

So, to save your time and energy, we have picked up the most essential and frequently used action words that start with D and mentioned them in one space. So, what are you waiting for? Let’s start the learning journey together right now.      

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Common Verbs That Start with D

These are the verbs starting with D that people use daily. Almost anyone from any age group knows about them and can understand them properly.

1. Defend

  • Definition: to protect someone or something
  • Synonyms: guard, maintain
  • Example: She tried to defend her brother in front of everyone but failed to prove his innocence.

2. Develop

  • Definition: to expand
  • Synonyms: evolve, nourish
  • Example: This English course will help you develop your writing skills.

3. Describe

  • Definition: to explain something in detail, either verbally or orally
  • Synonyms: specify, define
  • Example: She finds it very easy to describe her traumas and mental issues in front of her therapist.

4. Define

  • Definition: to provide a description
  • Synonyms: characterize, construe
  • Example: I have prepared a separate sheet to define the work model of my business for my employees.

5. Deny

  • Definition: to disagree with something or to renounce something
  • Synonyms: contradict, refuse
  • Example: Don’t deny your feelings towards her; it will only make things harder.

6. Dislike

  • Definition: to be antagonistic towards something or someone
  • Synonyms: abhor, condemn
  • Example: I have grown to dislike his mindset after our argument.

7. Dry

  • Definition: to suck the moisture out of something
  • Synonyms: blot, wither
  • Example: Simran dried the floor with a mop.

8. Decline

  • Definition: to say no
  • Synonyms: deny, dismiss
  • Example: Decline the next few orders and focus on your health for now.  

9. Differ

  • Definition: to have dissimilar views
  • Synonyms: disagree, vary
  • Example: My younger sister and I differ in how we deal with our professional lives.

10. Depress

  • Definition: to be exhausted
  • Synonyms: bother, trouble
  • Example: Sad songs really depressed her.

Positive Verbs That Start with D

Positive verbs starting with letter D are used to discuss positive things, either in writing or in conversations. If you memorize these verbs, no one can stop you from being a positive person with an open mindset.  

1. Discover

  • Definition: to uncover something
  • Synonyms: unearth, reveal
  • Example: Gladly, the judges discovered the truth before he was sentenced to death.

2. Desire

  • Definition: to crave the presence of something or someone
  • Synonyms: covet, want
  • Example: I strongly desire to travel around Europe with my lover someday.

3. Date

  • Definition: go out with (someone in whom one is romantically or sexually interested)
  • Synonyms: court
  • Example: Maria dated Alan in high school.

4. Deepen

  • Definition: to make something more intense
  • Synonyms: intensify, reinforce
  • Example: My feelings for him have deepened even more after all these years.

5. Direct

  • Definition: to manage or to give instructions
  • Synonyms: advise, conduct
  • Example: Sophie will direct the senior wing of this institute.

6. Dance

  • Definition: to move your body in a rhythmic motion, usually to music
  • Synonyms: twirl, sway
  • Example: I would love to dance with him at my college’s final year party.

7. Decorate

  • Definition: to embellish or beautify something
  • Synonyms: adorn, renovate
  • Example: She decorated her entire home with balloons and flowers to welcome her baby niece.

8. Delight

  • Definition: to be amused
  • Synonyms: enrapture, charm
  • Example: I am delighted by the personality of Sarah’s elder son, especially his mannerism.

9. Deserve

  • Definition: to be worthy of any victory
  • Synonyms: earn, justify
  • Example: You deserve all the happiness in the world, my love.

10. Deduce

  • Definition: to understand something
  • Synonyms: presuppose, infer
  • Example: I deduced from her behavior that she was trying hard to stay polite to the rude ladies. 

Action Verbs That Start with D

Action verbs that start with D are an essential part of writing, and it is helpful to have them mentioned in one’s vocabulary bank—presenting you the top ten most commonly used action words under this title.

1. Display

  • Definition: to showcase something of great worth before the general public
  • Synonyms: exhibit, parade
  • Example: You can display your photos on this wall.

2. Descend

  • Definition: to move downwards
  • Synonyms: dive, fall
  • Example: The helicopter descended from a higher altitude on the dry island.

3. Decay

  • Definition: to slowly damage or crumble something
  • Synonyms: decompose, molder
  • Example: My city’s neighborhoods have started to decay slowly after the acid rain.

4. Decompose

  • Definition: to rot
  • Synonyms: decay, putrefy
  • Example: All the leaves on the forest floor have decomposed.

5. Devise

  • Definition: to formulate something
  • Synonyms: conceive, arrange
  • Example: A new plan with advanced terminologies was devised for the upcoming project.

6. Deceive

  • Definition: to be dishonest with someone
  • Synonyms: cheat, swindle
  • Example: She deceives her parents by not attending her classes daily.

7. Deflate

  • Definition: to flatter something or to suck the air out of it
  • Synonyms: collapse, exhaust
  • Example: The balloon was deflated after the naughty kid pinched it with a sharp needle.

8. Distribute

  • Definition: to distribute something to people
  • Synonyms: issue, dispense
  • Example: The workers distributed all the goods equally to the flood-affected people.

9. Destroy

  • Definition: to sabotage something
  • Synonyms: bash, thrash
  • Example: Her wrong behavior has destroyed her image in front of her boss.

10. Defeat

  • Definition: to overthrow someone
  • Synonyms: beat, conquer
  • Example: She thinks she can defeat me in basketball; she is so naïve.

Regular Verbs That Start with D

Do not neglect or skip this portion thinking they are just a bunch of regular verbs beginning with D. These verbs are used a lot in your writings, both professional and creative.

1. Depend

  • Definition: to rely on someone or something
  • Synonyms: hinge on, rest on
  • Example: Her career’s success depended on her hard work and dedication.

2. Depict

  • Definition: to visually represent something
  • Synonyms: portray, illustrate
  • Example: Her paintings often depicted pain and dark thoughts.

3. Depart

  • Definition: to leave
  • Synonyms: leave, proceed
  • Example: She has already departed for New York from the airport.

4. Degrade

  • Definition: to devalue something or someone
  • Synonyms: debase, demean
  • Example: He degraded her in front of the whole crowd

5. Deprive

  • Definition: to take something that is one’s dire need away
  • Synonyms: bereave, relieve
  • Example: Women are still deprived of their fundamental right in many South Asian countries.

6. Despise

  • Definition: to dislike someone
  • Synonyms: detest, abhor
  • Example: I have always despised her for her sharp tongue and no brain cells.

7. Detract

  • Definition: to deviate from something
  • Synonyms: divert, diminish
  • Example: The scandal has not detracted her from more fame and popularity.   

8. Disillusion

  • Definition: to break someone’s expectations and disappoint them
  • Synonyms: dishearten, undeceive
  • Example: I know many people who feel disillusioned with politicians.  

9. Demoralize

  • Definition: to reduce someone’s confidence
  • Synonyms: dishearten, undermine
  • Example: Lack of family support demoralized her.

10. Dedicate

  • Definition: to commit your loyalty to something or someone
  • Synonyms: devote, pledge
  • Example: My father has dedicated ten years to this research work.

Irregular Verbs That Start with D

All the verbs mentioned under this category are known as irregular verbs. These irregular verbs that start with D are imperative to be learned and practiced by the person eager to level up his writing game. 

1. Do

  • Definition: to perform
  • Synonyms: achieve, acquire
  • Example: She has done her homework.

2. Draw

  • Definition: to produce a picture
  • Synonyms: design, create
  • Example: She drew an excellent sketch of Jane Austen in her sketchbook yesterday.

3. Drive

  • Definition: to travel in a vehicle
  • Synonyms: operate, steer
  • Example: I drove the bicycle into a wall accidentally.

4. Dig

  • Definition: to crack a hole
  • Synonyms: excavate, gibe
  • Example: The kid dug a hole in the ground.

5. Dream

  • Definition: to see things in the form of images while sleeping
  • Synonyms: daydream, hallucinate
  • Example: I dreamt about my death last night. 

6. Drink

  • Definition: to put liquid inside one’s mouth
  • Synonyms: sip, gulp
  • Example: The peach iced tea was so refreshing that I drank two mugs.

7. Daydream

  • Definition: to go into a trance
  • Synonyms: reminisce
  • Example: She daydreamt about visiting Switzerland with her friends someday.  

8. Dwell

  • Definition: to live
  • Synonyms: reside, inhabit
  • Example: Humans and animals dwelt together in peace and harmony.

9. Deal

  • Definition: to control things
  • Synonyms: handle, control
  • Example: I have dealt with my emotions more practically after taking therapy.

10. Dive

  • Definition: to swim underwater, usually with breathing equipment
  • Synonyms: swim
  • Example: As she dove into the pool, the water felt deliciously cool on her skin.

Phrasal Verbs That Start with D

This portion of the list talks about phrasal verbs that start with D in depth. All these D action words have their meanings, synonyms and sentences also mentioned along with them, only for your better understanding. 

1. Deal with

  • Definition: handle, take care of, address (problem, situation)
  • Synonyms: handle, serve
  • Example: The manager is good at dealing with demanding customers.

2. Die down

  • Definition: calm down, become less strong
  • Synonyms: ebb, deescalate
  • Example: When the applause died down, she started to sing

3. Dig into

  • Definition: press hard into something
  • Synonyms: research, investigate
  • Example: The strap of her bag dug painfully into her shoulder.

4. Dish out

  • Definition: distribute or give away a lot
  • Synonyms: dispense, issue
  • Example: He spent the day dishing out invitations to tourists.

5. Dispense with

  • Definition: decide to do without something
  • Synonyms: ignore, relinquish
  • Example: They’ve dispensed with the paper version, so you’ll have to download it.

6. Do away with

  • Definition: get rid of; abolish
  • Synonyms: discard, remove
  • Example: Some people think it’s time to do away with the monarchy.

7. Drag on

  • Definition: Last longer than expected
  • Synonyms: persist, continue
  • Example: We expected a short speech, but it dragged on and on!

8. Draw back

  • Definition: move backward; retreat
  • Synonyms: retreat, recoil
  • Example: The burglar drew back when he saw the big dog.

9. Dress up

  • Definition: wear elegant clothes
  • Synonyms: present, embellish
  • Example: Do people dress up to go to the opera in your country?

10. Drift apart

  • Definition: become less and less close
  • Synonyms: drop, fall out
  • Example: We were childhood friends but drifted apart over the years.

Transitive Verbs That Start with D

Transitive verbs that start with D are also critical to learn when it comes to understanding different types of verbs. So that’s why we have a separate category of transitive verbs in this catalog.

1. Declare

  • Definition: to make an announcement public
  • Synonyms: proclaim, state
  • Example: In wake of the catastrophe, the government declared an emergency.

2. Drop

  • Definition: to fall down
  • Synonyms: release, unhand
  • Example: Alex dropped the new tea set in front of his mother.

3. Deactivate

  • Definition: to discontinue the activation of something
  • Synonyms: demobilize, neutralize
  • Example: I deactivated my mobile during my exam days.

4. Demand

  • Definition: to ask for something
  • Synonyms: ask, claim
  • Example: Kris has demanded her husband bring a diamond set for her from France on his way back.

5. Detect

  • Definition: to sense something
  • Synonyms: note, observe
  • Example: I detected a weird smoke smell while passing by an abandoned building.

6. Drain

  • Definition: to suck out the liquid from something
  • Synonyms: void, unload
  • Example: We drained the swimming pool thoroughly.

7. Disclose

  • Definition: to make a private information public
  • Synonyms: unfold, release
  • Example: She disclosed her love life in front of all her trusted friends.

8. Dampen

  • Definition: to moisten something
  • Synonyms: wet, mist
  • Example: She often dampens her beauty blender for the blending of foundation.

9. Deter                                 

  • Definition: to inhibit something from an action
  • Synonyms: discourage, warn
  • Example: Put garlic at the doorstep to deter flies from coming inside.

10. Deplore

  • Definition: to disapprove or condemn something
  • Synonyms: abhor, detest
  • Example: The government deplored the use of nuclear weapons a long time ago.

Powerful Verbs That Start with D for Impressive Resume

D verbs are very useful for someone who loves to write exceptionally by stepping out of their comfort zone and creating a masterpiece. All these verbs that start with D are fun and unique.

1. Discuss

  • Definition: to talk over with another person
  • Synonyms: argue, confer
  • Example: I will first discuss the terms of this contract with my business partner and then sign it.

2. Deliver

  • Definition: provide (something promised or expected)
  • Synonyms: provide, supply
  • Example: I will deliver on of my promises.

3. Determine

  • Definition: to figure out something
  • Synonyms: demonstrate, detect
  • Example: I will determine every wrong thing about this place.

4. Debate

  • Definition: to argue over something
  • Synonyms: deliberate, oppose
  • Example: They debated for a while and then reached a mutual agreement.

5. Demonstrate

  • Definition: to describe things
  • Synonyms: express, teach
  • Example: The new research has demonstrated that the vaccine works only 98%.

6. Derive

  • Definition: to assume a conclusion
  • Synonyms: determine, develop
  • Example: She helped me derive a new business model and informed me of all the risks involved.

7. Donate

  • Definition: to gift something to someone out of goodwill
  • Synonyms: provide, contribute
  • Example: I have donated all of my earnings to the fund.

8. Designate

  • Definition: to specify a selection
  • Synonyms: allocate, appoint
  • Example: Henry has been designated as a manager in some multinational company.

9. Depute

  • Definition: to assign a duty to someone
  • Synonyms: engage, allocate
  • Example: We are looking for some professionally trained officers to depute to guard the building.

10. Dispense

  • Definition: to exempt from responsibility
  • Synonyms: discharge, exonerate
  • Example: He was dispensed from his office duties for one week due to his failing health.

Verbs That Start with D – Full List (362 Words)

All the action words mentioned in this list of verbs that start with the letter D are of great significance. These action words will help you write in a perfect manner.

  • Defend
  • Develop
  • Describe
  • Define
  • Deny
  • Dislike
  • Dry
  • Decline
  • Differ
  • Depress
  • Discover
  • Desire
  • Date
  • Deepen
  • Direct
  • Dance
  • Decorate
  • Delight
  • Deserve
  • Deduce
  • Display
  • Descend
  • Decay
  • Decompose
  • Devise
  • Deceive
  • Deflate
  • Distribute
  • Destroy
  • Defeat
  • Depend
  • Depict
  • Depart
  • Degrade
  • Deprive
  • Despise
  • Detract
  • Disillusion
  • Demoralize
  • Dedicate
  • Do
  • Draw
  • Drive
  • Dig
  • Dream
  • Drink
  • Daydream
  • Dwell
  • Deal
  • Dive
  • Deal with
  • Die down
  • Dig into
  • Dish out
  • Dispense with
  • Do away with
  • Drag on
  • Draw back
  • Dress up
  • Drift apart
  • Declare
  • Drop
  • Deactivate
  • Demand
  • Detect
  • Drain
  • Disclose
  • Dampen
  • Deter
  • Deplore
  • Discuss
  • Deliver
  • Determine
  • Debate
  • Demonstrate
  • Derive
  • Donate
  • Designate
  • Depute
  • Dispense
  • Desecrate
  • Deem
  • Drip
  • Deflower
  • Disorientate
  • Debilitate
  • Delve
  • Dehorn
  • Dumbfound
  • Defoliate
  • Deafen
  • Disguise
  • Drag
  • Diddle
  • Damn
  • Disinfect
  • Derogate
  • Divide
  • Discompose
  • Disappoint
  • Dent
  • Dam
  • Dilate
  • Debunk
  • Detach
  • Detonate
  • Depose
  • Disembowel
  • Defreeze
  • Declutch
  • Delouse
  • Distract
  • Disturb
  • Deaden
  • Dine
  • Detain
  • Decree
  • Dehydrate
  • Disembark
  • Dye
  • Disband
  • Disconcert
  • Disabuse
  • Deliberate
  • Distend
  • Dishonour
  • Disarticulate
  • Denature
  • Disburse
  • Disparage
  • Displant
  • Deform
  • Duplicate
  • Divulge
  • Drowse
  • Disagree
  • Denationalize
  • Debase
  • Dismiss
  • Democratize
  • Deck
  • Drape
  • Deflagrate
  • Drug
  • Deposit
  • Delegate
  • Deforest
  • Discharge
  • Dump
  • Defraud
  • Disorient
  • Dribble
  • Discourse
  • Dawdle
  • Dissatisfy
  • Discern
  • Disorganize
  • Dot
  • Decode
  • Download
  • Distil
  • Deprave
  • Decimate
  • Die
  • Debit
  • Demote
  • Decimalize
  • Design
  • Drizzle
  • Dope
  • Detest
  • Dethrone
  • Decompress
  • Desert
  • Disenchant
  • Disprove
  • Dredge
  • Disclaim
  • Dabble
  • Disable
  • Degenerate
  • Dismantle
  • Deify
  • Drown
  • Distinguish
  • Daub
  • Dial
  • Disunite
  • Decentralize
  • Dignify
  • Dupe
  • Discipline
  • Disrupt
  • Discontinue
  • Diversify
  • Dispute
  • Destruct
  • Dematerialize
  • Detail
  • Deoxidize
  • Drivel
  • Defect
  • Disdain
  • Dodge
  • Delete
  • Delay
  • Dish
  • Dread
  • Dispatch
  • Dirty
  • Disseminate
  • Demobilize
  • Dogmatize
  • Despatch
  • Debauch
  • Disown
  • Drone
  • Dodder
  • Dazzle
  • Defy
  • Dishevel
  • Dismast
  • Discourage
  • Disinherit
  • Dialogue
  • Demystify
  • Discriminate
  • Dissipate
  • Derail
  • Disconnect
  • Denigrate
  • Diffuse
  • Dangle
  • Dip
  • Dandle
  • Devalue
  • Disobey
  • Disapprove
  • Diverge
  • Divert
  • Drum
  • Detoxicate
  • Delimit
  • Disgrace
  • Dramatize
  • Dismay
  • Decipher
  • Denouce
  • Decamp
  • Disperse
  • Distill
  • Denominate
  • Disqualify
  • Denude
  • Dehumanize
  • Dilapidate
  • Dust
  • Delineate
  • Disengage
  • Dulcify
  • Despoil
  • Disgorge
  • Demolish
  • Denounce
  • Dissuade
  • Dismount
  • Dole
  • Devour
  • Don
  • Deteriorate
  • Drill
  • Despair
  • Daunt
  • Dumb
  • Droop
  • Disappear
  • Dim
  • Duck
  • Dare
  • Deflect
  • Distress
  • Defecate
  • Demagnetize
  • Document
  • Depilate
  • Dash
  • Doze
  • Drench
  • Disjoint
  • Dull
  • Dissect
  • Deign
  • Dominate
  • Deduct
  • Decease
  • Dispose
  • Disentangle
  • Deploy
  • Divorce
  • Dilute
  • Double
  • Dawn
  • Dislocate
  • Devastate
  • Decrease
  • Defray
  • Devote
  • Dress
  • Denote
  • Diagnose
  • Dictate
  • Disentagle
  • Discard
  • Dismember
  • Disarm
  • Dab
  • Decry
  • Dissolve
  • Decrest
  • Devolve
  • Disgust
  • Damage
  • Dote
  • Delude
  • Decant
  • Damascene
  • Domesticate
  • Drift
  • Discount
  • Decongest
  • Disregard
  • Dissociate
  • Disintegrate
  • Decapitate
  • Diffract
  • Doubt
  • Displace
  • Dissent
  • Disfigure
  • Deport
  • Distort
  • Displease
  • Distrust
  • Defer
  • Despond
  • Discrown
  • Darken
  • Declaim
  • Draft
  • Discredit
  • Depreciate
  • Devitalize
  • Defame
  • Deplete
  • Dispossess
  • Decide
  • Dialyse
  • Discolor
  • Diminish
  • Differentiate
  • Depopulate
  • Deviate

Final Thoughts on Verbs That Start with D

It is crucial to mention verbs that start with D in your sentences because without them, any sentence is incomplete, and sentences don’t make any sense without them. This catalog is filled with verbs that start with D that can be used for different purposes.

Congratulations, you have finally gone through the complete list. I am sure you must have ended up learning a bulk of action words that start with D and inculcating them into your vocabulary bank. Use them to their full potential.

Even if you have learned only a handful of words out of these given verb words that start with D, know that you have done a great job, and you can always come back and learn more new words from this list.

I hope you had a great learning time with us, and we will see you again, soon. Good luck and Good Bye!

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