| despot | A ruler with absolute power, often ruling with oppression or cruelty | |
| desuetude | a state of disuse or inactivity | |
| devoid | entirely lacking or free from | |
| devolve | Transfer or delegate (power) to a lower level, especially from central government to local or regional administration | |
| dexterity | Skill in performing tasks, especially with the hands | |
| diaphanous | Light, delicate, and translucent | |
| diatribe | A forceful and bitter verbal attack against someone or something | |
| dichotomy | A division or contrast between two things that are or are represented as being opposed or entirely different | |
| didactic | Intended to teach, particularly in having moral instruction as an ulterior motive | |
| diffident | Shy and lacking self-confidence | |