| purist | A person who insists on absolute adherence to traditional rules or structures, especially in language or style. | |
| pusillanimous | Showing a lack of courage or determination; timid | |
| putrid | Decaying or rotting and emitting a fetid smell | |
| quail | A small, short-tailed game bird resembling a partridge, typically having brown camouflaged plumage | |
| quandary | A state of perplexity or uncertainty over what to do in a difficult situation | |
| querulous | Complaining in a petulant or whining manner | |
| quiescent | In a state or period of inactivity or dormancy | |
| quintessential | Representing the most perfect or typical example of a quality or class | |
| quixotic | Exceedingly idealistic; unrealistic and impractical | |
| quotidian | Of or occurring every day; daily | |