If you’re struggling to find the right descriptive words beginning with the letter D for your novel, don’t fret. Below you’ll find 10 interesting words to spark some ideas in your mind.
1. Dauntless
Definition
A dauntless person is bold and unafraid. They will not back down.
Examples
“His dauntless pursuit of a woman who had repeatedly expressed disinterest was appalling.”
“It was no surprise to anyone that the dauntless Barbara stood up to the madman who would be king in only a few short years.”
How it Adds Description
The word dauntless conveys the spirit of a character in a single word. It indicates that this person is fearless and possesses an unbreakable spirit. Using it in your novel lets the reader know that the character will stop at nothing to achieve whatever they want, right or wrong.
2. Debonair
Definition
A debonair character is smooth and sophisticated, yet good-natured.
Examples
“Though their financial circumstances were dire, the couple came across as debonair throughout our dealings with their estate.”
“He was a debonair man who knew no strangers but suffered no fools.”
How It Adds Description
The use of the word debonair adds an instant understanding of many facets of a character. It indicates that this person is dignified but exhibits a laid-back presence. It can lend a bit more seriousness to a character in a lighthearted novel or conversely, let your reader know that this character will offer a bit of levity to an otherwise dark tale.
3. Delectable
Definition
Extremely good or pleasant; A delectable dish can taste delicious. A delectable person may be very pleasing to the eye.
Examples
“Every single course served from the menu was a delectable masterpiece.”
“Jonathan knew he shouldn’t stare, but Veronica was easily the most delectable woman he had ever laid eyes upon.”
How It Adds Description
Whether talking about a person or food, the word delectable adds a certain sultry, sensual aspect to your prose that lends a certain underlying sexiness to the overall tone of the novel.
4. Demulcent
Definition
Demulcent refers to some sort of balm that eases or calms. It can be literal or figurative.
Examples
“The thick, demulcent cream Vigo applied to my burns provided immediate relief.”
“The demulcent tone of her voice calmed the horrific animals that were only moments ago preparing to attack our campsite.”
How It Adds Description
Demulcent is a great word to use to bring the tumultuous back down to the serene. It moves a climactic scene into the calmer aftermath that begins your next act.
5. Didactic
Definition
The word didactic is used to reference teachable moments, such as those found in parables or novels with a message of morality.
Examples
“His didactic speech was littered with outdated references and declarations of questionable morality.”
“I was insulted that the publisher called my life’s work didactic and boring.”
How It Adds Description
Use the word didactic in your novel to describe overly tedious accounts on a subject without boring your readers with more involved descriptions. You can simplify with a brief description such as “his didactic account of his job” rather than including more boring details that do not move your plot forward.
6. Dispassionate
Definition
Dispassionate indicates a mostly neutral attitude toward the subject at hand.
Examples
“It was quite obvious from her dispassionate response to being told her husband was dead that there was more here than met the eye.”
“It wasn’t yet obvious whether the witness so calmly describing the scene was merely dispassionate or still in shock.”
How It Adds Description
Including the word dispassionate in a character’s behavior can instantly change the tone of your scene and add a layer to your character. You are letting your reader know that this character is unconcerned or disinterested, leading you to reveal the reasons for their behavior as your novel unfolds.
7. Dexterous
Definition
Dexterous refers to possessing exceptionally skilled mental or physical capabilities.
Examples
“His life was saved thanks to the dexterous hands of his surgeon.”
“She was quite a dexterous speech writer with many accolades to show for her work.”
How It Adds Definition
Dexterous creates a sense of trust for the character in your scene. You are letting readers know that the person in your scene possesses exceptional mental acuity or the deft manual skills they will need to see their story arc through.
8. Dogged
Definition
A dogged person is relentless in completing whatever mission they embark upon.
Examples
“It was her dogged determination that led her to unearth the remains of the victim she’d been seeking since the killer’s arrest last year.”
“Despite the unknown stalker’s dogged efforts to find Veronica, she continued to elude him.”
How It Adds Definition
If you want to show your readers that your character will stop at nothing, using the word dogged to let them know that this person will not stop until they achieve success. Your readers will know that this character is going to keep coming back hard until they get what they want or someone even more dogged stops them.
9. Droll
Definition
You can reference something you find funny or out of place as droll.
Examples
“The droll decor of our detached garage apartment conflicted sharply with the luxurious interior of the landlord’s mansion next door.”
“I found her father to be quite droll, but in the most delightful way.”
How It Adds Description
Describing something as droll can provide a hint of comedy to an otherwise serious or dark story. Scenes like a brutal killer at home having a tea party in a tiara with his daughter can be quite droll and add to the dimension of his character, as well as introduce humor into your novel.
10. Dulcet
Definition
Dulcet describes something pleasant in nature.
Examples
“The dulcet tones of Roberta Flack serenading us through the spa’s audio system added just the ambiance I craved.”
“The sky was filled with the dulcet hues of sunset.”
How It Adds Definition
Dulcet is an incredible descriptive word to use for something appealing or satisfying. It applies a surface value to things that can mask a decidedly unpleasant underbelly. A dulcet smile may mislead you into thinking a character is good when they are instead evil, adding a bit of misdirection to your novel.