352 Verbs That Start with D | Huge List with Definitions and Examples

Want to determine the full scope of verbs that start with D? If yes, then go on a drive using this most amazing and incredible collection of verbs that begin with D.

In English alphabets, the letter D has secured fourth place. It is amongst the so often used letter and provides many useful verbs to English language learners.

Use these verbs that start with D whether you want to write emails, instagram posts, a love letter, a short fairy tale and much more. There are numerous dynamic D-verbs like dance, deem, dedicate, depend, deserve, desire, thus for having fun expanding your vocabulary, head over to our our collection of amazing action words starting with D we’ve carefully curated for you.

This list of verbs that start with D is a good starting place for a beginner English learner as they are an important bunch that can help you boost your English language skills. Enjoy this best list of D-verbs and use it as a nice supplement to all your reading or whenever you need to describe actions. You’ll see that your vocabulary will surprisingly flourish.

Verbs That Start with D You Always Use

If you’re just starting to learn English, you’ve got to start by learning and memorizing the most common English verbs for mastering your English skills. Let’s stroll down through this list of some commonly used verbs that start with D:

1. Date

Definition: to regularly spend time with someone you have a romantic relationship with

Synonyms: go out with, go around with, take out
Example: They dated for five years before they got married.

2. Dance

Definition: to move the body and feet to music

Synonyms: sway, spin, whirl
Example: We went dancing at a club.

3. Dare

Definition: to be brave enough to do something difficult or dangerous, or to be rude or silly enough to do something that you have no right to do
Synonyms: presume, pluck up courage, venture

Example: I wouldn’t dare have a party in my flat in case the neighbours complained.

4. Dislike

Definition: to not like someone or something
Synonyms: hate, detest, despise
Example: Why do you dislike her so much?

5. Dawn

Definition: If a day or period of time dawns, it begins
Synonyms: begin, open, start
Example: He left the house just as the day was dawning.

6. Dry

Definition: to become dry, or to make something become dry
Synonyms: aspirate, blot
Example: Hang the clothes up to dry.

7. Deactivate

Definition: to cause something to be no longer active or effective
Synonyms: demobilize, inactive, inoperative
Example: All chemical weapons facilities will be deactivated.

8. Deliver

Definition: to take goods, letters, parcels, etc. to people’s houses or places of work
Synonyms: bring, take, convey

Example: Mail is delivered to our office twice a day.

9. Deal

Definition: to do business
Synonyms: trade in, sell, vend
Example: We only deal with companies which have a good credit record.

10. Desire

Definition: to want something, especially strongly
Synonyms: want, crave, covet
Example: The hotel had everything you could possibly desire.

Verbs That Start with D You Usually Use

To learn and memorize the most common English verbs is a good starting place for beginner English learners. There are a number of verbs starting with D you should begin with and the best to add fluency to English speaking in your daily life. Let’s look at few of them in the below list:

1. Debate

Definition: to discuss a subject in a formal way
Synonyms: discuss, talk over, talk about
Example: They had been debating for several hours without reaching a conclusion.

2. Destroy

Definition: to damage something so badly that it cannot be used
Synonyms: demolish, knock down, shatter
Example: Most of the old part of the city was destroyed by bombs during the war.

3. Deceive

Definition: to persuade someone that something false is the truth, or to keep the truth hidden from someone for your own advantage

Synonyms: cheat, defraud, swindle
Example: The company deceived customers by selling old computers as new ones.

4. Direct

Definition: to control or be in charge of an activity, organization, etc
Synonyms: administer, manage, run
Example: She directs a large charity.

5. Declare

Definition: to announce something clearly, firmly, publicly, or officially
Synonyms: proclaim, announce, state
Example: They declared themselves to be bankrupt.

6. Disclose

Definition: to make something known publicly, or to show something that was hidden
Synonyms: reveal, unfold, release
Example: The police have disclosed that two officers are under internal investigation.

7. Decline

Definition: to gradually become less, worse, or lower
Synonyms: reduce, decrease, lessen
Example: His interest in the project declined after his wife died.

8. Display

Definition: to arrange something or a collection of things so that it can be seen by the public

Synonyms: exhibit, show
Example: Family photographs were displayed on the wall.

9. Deduct

Definition: to take away an amount or part from a total
Synonyms: subtract, take away, take from
Example: The player had points deducted from his score for arguing with the referee.

10. Distribute

Definition: to give something out to several people, or to spread or supply something
Synonyms: give out, issue, dispense
Example: The books will be distributed free to local schools.

Verbs That Start with D You Often Use

With the help of most common verbs beginning with D used in daily life, your English comprehension will sky-rocket once you’ve memorized their definition, synonyms and usage. Have a look over some of such verbs in the following list:

1. Dedicate

Definition: to give all of your energy, time, etc
Synonyms: devote, commit, pledge
Example: He has dedicated his life to scientific research.

2. Disqualify

Definition: to stop someone from being in a competition or doing something because they are unsuitable or they have done something wrong
Synonyms: banned, barred, eliminated
Example: Two top athletes have been disqualified from the championship after positive drug tests.

3. Defend

Definition: to protect someone or something against attack or criticism; to speak in favour of someone or something
Synonyms: protect, guard, shield
Example: White blood cells help defend the body against infection.

4. Determine

Definition: to control or influence something directly, or to decide what will happen
Synonyms: control, decide, regulate
Example: Your health is determined in part by what you eat.

5. Defeat

Definition: to win against someone in a fight, war, or competition
Synonyms: beat, conquer, get the better of

Example: They defeated the Italian team and reached the final.

6. Decorate

Definition: to add something to an object or place, especially in order to make it more attractive
Synonyms: ornament, adorn, furnish
Example: They decorated the wedding car with ribbons and flowers.

7. Define

Definition: to say what the meaning of something, especially a word, is
Synonyms: explain, describe
Example: Before I answer your question, could you define your terms a little more?

8. Draw

Definition: to make a picture of something or someone with a pencil or pen
Synonyms: produce, pull out, take out
Example: The children drew pictures of their families.

9. Deflate

Definition: If something that has air or gas inside it deflates, or is deflated, it becomes smaller because it loses the air or gas
Synonyms: let down, collapse, flatten
Example: He deflated one of the tyres.

10. Drop

Definition: to fall or to allow something to fall
Synonyms: let fall, release, unhand

Example: She dropped her keys.

Verbs That Start with D You Sometimes Use

English has a unique tone and there are plenty of uncommon verbs you sometimes use in your everyday life. Review some of these verbs starting with letter D in the following list and see how you can use them in your life:

1. Degrade

Definition: to cause people to feel that they or other people have no value and do not have the respect or good opinion of others
Synonyms: devalue, debase, demean
Example: Pornography degrades women.

2. Drag

Definition: to move something by pulling it along a surface, usually the ground
Synonyms: draw, pull, tug
Example: Pick the chair up instead of dragging it behind you!

3. Delight

Definition: to give someone great pleasure or satisfaction
Synonyms: charm, enchant, captivate
Example: Peter’s academic success delighted his family.

4. Demand

Definition: to ask for something forcefully, in a way that shows that you do not expect to be refused
Synonyms: ask, inquire
Example: The union is demanding a seven percent pay rise this year.

5. Deny

Definition: to say that something is not true

Synonyms: contradict, repudiate, oppose
Example: Neil denies breaking the window.

6. Demonstrate

Definition: to show or make something clear
Synonyms: display, show, exhibit

Example: These numbers clearly demonstrate the size of the economic problem facing the country.

7. Detect

Definition: to notice something that is partly hidden or not clear, or to discover something, especially using a special method
Synonyms: note, observe, make out
Example: Some sounds cannot be detected by the human ear.

8. Demoralize

Definition: to make someone or something feel much less confident
Synonyms: dishearten, dispirit
Example: Losing several games in a row had completely demoralized the team.

9. Dig

Definition: to break up and move soil using a tool, a machine, or your hands
Synonyms: cultivate, harrow, spade
Example: Digging in the garden is good exercise.

10. Denote

Definition: to represent something

Synonyms: designate, indicate
Example: The colour red is used to denote passion or danger.

Verbs That Start with D You Occasionally Use

Learning and memorizing rare verb definitions and usage is often cited as one of the most difficult aspects for English learners. But they’re so significant you might be using them whenever you speak English! Let’s explore below few rare verb words that start with D:

1. Depart

Definition: to go away or leave, especially on a journey
Synonyms: leave, go
Example: The plane departs at 6 a.m.

2. Discover

Definition: to find information, a place, or an object, especially for the first time
Synonyms: find, locate, come across
Example: We searched all morning for the missing papers and finally discovered them in a drawer.

3. Depend

Definition: to be decided by or to change according to the stated thing
Synonyms: turn on, hang on
Example: Whether or not we go to Mexico for our holiday depends on the cost.

4. Drain

Definition: if you drain something, you remove the liquid from it, usually by pouring it away or allowing it to flow away, and if something drains, liquid flows away or out of it
Synonyms: void, unload, evacuate
Example: We drained the pond and filled it with fresh water.

5. Deplore

Definition: to say or think that something is very bad
Synonyms: abhor, detest, despise
Example: We deeply deplore the loss of life.

6. Descend

Definition: to go or come down
Synonyms: go down, come down, dive
Example: The path descended steeply into the valley.

7. Deprive

Definition: to take something, especially something necessary or pleasant, away from someone
Synonyms: disposses, bereave, relieve
Example: He claimed that he had been deprived of his freedom.

8. Differ

Definition: to be not like something or someone else, either physically or in another way
Synonyms: vary, diverge, contradict
Example: The twins look alike, but they differ in temperament.

9. Depress

Definition: to cause someone to feel unhappy and without hope
Synonyms: sadden, cast down, get down
Example: This weather depresses me.

10. Describe

Definition: to say or write what someone or something is like
Synonyms: report, narrate, express
Example: He described the painting in detail.

Verbs That Start with D You Seldom Use

To boost up your vocabulary with the rare verbs and their correct usage makes a difference in learning and correctly speaking English. Let’s explore few rare action verbs starting with D in the below list:

1. Derogate

Definition: to talk about or treat someone or something in a way that shows you do not respect him, her, or it
Synonyms: devalue, reduce, lessen
Example: This does not derogate from his duty to act honestly and faithfully.

2. Designate

Definition: to choose someone officially to do a particular job
Synonyms: appoint, nominate
Example: Traditionally, the president designates his or her successor.

3. Dampen

Definition: to make something slightly wet
Synonyms: moisten, damp, wet
Example: Rain had dampened the tent so we left it to dry in the afternoon sun.

4. Despair

Definition: to feel despair about something or someone
Synonyms: give up, lose heart
Example: Don’t despair! We’ll find a way out!

5. Daunt

Definition: to make someone feel slightly frightened or worried about their ability to achieve something
Synonyms: intimidate, abash, demoralize
Example: She was not at all daunted by the size of the problem.

6. Despise

Definition: to feel a strong dislike for someone or something because you think that that person or thing is bad or has no value
Synonyms: detest, hate, abhor
Example: The two groups despise each other.

7. Decay

Definition: to become gradually damaged, worse, or less; to cause something to do this
Synonyms: decompose, rot, putrefy
Example: Sugar makes your teeth decay.

8. Deter

Definition: to prevent someone from doing something or to make someone less enthusiastic about doing something by making it difficult for that person to do it or by threatening bad results if they do it
Synonyms: put off, discourage, warn
Example: These measures are designed to deter an enemy attack.

9. Decompose

Definition: to decay, or to cause something to decay
Synonyms: decay, rot, putrefy
Example: The body must have been decomposing for several weeks.

10. Detract

Definition: to make something seem less valuable or less deserving of admiration than it really is
Synonyms: belittle, diminish, reduce
Example: All that make-up she wears actually detracts from her beauty, I think.

Positive Verbs That Start with D

There are so many positive verbs that carry a positive sentiment and they’re fantastic to use in countless situations. We’ve gathered some positive verbs that start with D for you in the below list:

1. Deck

Definition: to decorate or add something to something to make an effect
Synonyms: decorate, bedeck, adorn
Example: The wedding guests were decked out in their finery.

2. Deduce

Definition: to reach an answer or a decision by thinking carefully about the known facts
Synonyms: conclude, understand, assume
Example: We cannot deduce very much from these figures.

3. Derive

Definition: to get something from something else
Synonyms: obtain, get, take
Example: The institute derives all its money from foreign investments.

4. Depict

Definition: to represent or show something in a picture or story
Synonyms: portray, represent, illustrate
Example: Her paintings depict the lives of ordinary people in the last century.

5. Develop

Definition: to (cause something to) grow or change into a more advanced, larger, or stronger form
Synonyms: grow, evolve, mature
Example: It became clear that he wasn’t developing like all the other little boys.

6. Devise

Definition: to invent a plan, system, object, etc., usually using your intelligence or imagination
Synonyms: conceive, think up, work out
Example: He’s good at devising language games that you can play with students in class.

7. Dispatch

Definition: to send something, especially goods or a message, somewhere for a particular purpose
Synonyms: send, send off, forward
Example: Two loads of cloth were dispatched to the factory on 12 December.

8. Disillusion

Definition: to disappoint someone by telling them the unpleasant truth about something or someone that they had a good opinion of or respected
Synonyms: disabuse, undeceive, enlighten
Example: I’m sorry to disillusion you, but pregnancy is not always wonderful.

9. Depute

Definition: to ask someone to act or speak for you
Synonyms: appoint, designate
Example: I’ve deputed Lara Brown to speak for me at the conference.

10. Dispense

Definition: to give out things, especially products, services, or amounts of money
Synonyms: distribute, pass out, allocate
Example: There is a vending machine on the platform that dispenses snacks.

Verbs That Start with D to Describe a Person

There are plenty of ways to spice up your writing with a few nimble substitutions for the more common verbs; descriptive D verbs are an excellent place to start. Let’s glance over a list of verbs that start with D to describe a person:

1. Deserve

Definition: to have earned or to be given something because of the way you have behaved or the qualities you have
Synonyms: merit, earn, warrant
Example: After all that hard work, you deserve a holiday.

2. Deepen

Definition: to make something deeper, or to become deeper
Synonyms: grow, increase, intensify
Example: One way of preventing further flooding would be to deepen the river bed.

3. Donate

Definition: to give money or goods to help a person or organization
Synonyms: give, contribute, grant
Example: An anonymous businesswoman donated one million dollars to the charity.

4. Disenchant

Definition: to free from illusion
Synonyms: disillusioned, disappointed, fed up
Example: If you thought that you could pass this course without doing any work, let me be the first to disenchant you.

5. Dignify

Definition: to cause something to be respected and considered important
Synonyms: distinguish, honor
Example: I’m not even going to dignify that stupid question with an answer.

6. Dream

Definition: to experience events and images in your mind while you are sleeping
Synonyms: set one’s heart on, set one’s sight on
Example: What did you dream about last night?

7. Discuss

Definition: to talk about a subject with someone and tell each other your ideas or opinions
Synonyms: talk over, talk about
Example: The police want to discuss these recent racist attacks with local people.

8. Dulcify

Definition: to make agreeable
Synonyms: mollify, appease, calm
Example: The exquisite melody dulcifies whatever pain the singer’s words express.

9. Drink

Definition: to take liquid into the body through the mouth
Synonyms: swallow, quaff
Example: He drank three glasses of water.

10. Drive

Definition: to move or travel on land in a motor vehicle, especially as the person controlling the vehicle’s movement
Synonyms: operate, pilot, steer
Example: She drives a red sports car.

Verbs That Start with D – Full List (352 Words)

The English language has many useful verbs, and though some of them are difficult to learn, they’re actually more common and interesting. Let’s pluck some of verbs that start with D in the following list:

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

Final Thoughts on Verbs That Start with D

We hope so that you got some great motivation from our list of verbs that start with D. Whether you are a professional writer, an English language leaner, a student, or just want to enhance your vocabulary, it’s good to have a full arsenal of verbs that begin with D and their definitions and synonyms in your backpocket.

The verbs that start with D are important and their learning is the best medicine when seeking to flourish your vocabulary. This good list of D-verbs can make for an interesting scan and a useful addition to your prose.

This list of amazing and interesting verbs starting with D will take your writing to new heights and free from drab verbs. Take a journey through these D-verbs with us.