Wondermom ยป Starts With ยป 201 Adjectives That Start With Q (Descriptive Q Words)

201 Adjectives That Start With Q (Descriptive Q Words)

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Want to expand your vocabulary with adjectives starting with the letter Q? You’re in luck because there are over 200!

Below I’m sharing a comprehensive list of Q adjectives ranging from commonly used ones like “quiet” and “quick” to less known gems. Example sentences are also included so you know exactly how to use some of the terms.

A magnifying glass on a pile of wooden blocks.

Full List of Adjectives That Start with the Letter Q

  1. Qabalistic: Pertaining to or resembling the Jewish Kabbalah or its teachings.
  2. Qatari: Relating to Qatar or its people.
  3. Quack: Fraudulent or ignorant pretender to medical skill.
  4. Quackish: Resembling or characteristic of a quack.
  5. Quacky: Having a quality or characteristic of a quack; also, resembling the sound a duck makes.
  6. Quadrable: Able to be squared.
  7. Quadragenarious: Referring to a person in their forties.
  8. Quadragesimal: Relating to the period of Lent; forty.
  9. Quadrangular: Four-sided, especially when all four sides are of equal length.
  10. Quadrantal: Of or concerning a quadrant.
  11. Quadraphonic: Relating to sound transmission from four sources.
  12. Quadrasonic: Another term for quadraphonic.
  13. Quadrate: Square or squared.
  14. Quadratic: Relating to the second degree, especially in algebra.
  15. Quadratojugal: Relating to a bone in the skull of many reptiles and birds.
  16. Quadrature: The construction of a square with the same area as a given figure, often a circle.
  17. Quadrennial: Occurring every four years.
  18. Quadribasic: Having four replaceable hydrogen atoms.
  19. Quadric: A mathematical surface of the second degree in three variables.
  20. Quadricapsular: Having four capsules or compartments.
  21. Quadricornous: Having four horns.
  22. Quadricostate: Having four ribs or ridges.
  23. Quadridentate: Having four teeth or tooth-like projections.
  24. Quadriennial: Occurring every four years; another form of quadrennial.
  25. Quadrifarious: Arranged in four rows or sets.
  26. Quadrifid: Split or cleft into four parts.
  27. Quadrifoil: A design or form with four leaves or lobes.
  28. Quadrifoliate: Having four leaves.
  29. Quadrifurcated: Split into four branches or parts.
  30. Quadrigeminal: Relating to the four twin bodies in the brain.
  31. Quadrigeminous: Another term related to the four twin bodies in the brain.
  32. Quadrigenarious: Rare term, could relate to sets or groups of four.
  33. Quadrijugate: Arranged in sets of four.
  34. Quadrilateral: A shape with four straight sides.
  35. Quadriliteral: Consisting of four letters.
  36. Quadrille: A dance for four couples, or a card game for four players.
  37. Quadrillionth: The ordinal number corresponding to one quadrillion.
  38. Quadrilobate: Having four lobes.
  39. Quadrilobed: Another term for having four lobes.
  40. Quadrilocular: Having four chambers or compartments.
  41. Quadrinodal: Having four nodes or nodal points.
  42. Quadrinominal: Relating to a polynomial of four terms.
  43. Quadripartite: Divided into or consisting of four parts.
  44. Quadripennate: Having feathers or wing-like parts on all sides.
  45. Quadriphonic: Relating to sound transmission from four sources; similar to quadraphonic.
  46. Quadriphyllous: Having four leaves.
  47. Quadrisonic: Another term similar to quadraphonic and quadriphonic, referring to sound from four sources.
  48. Quadrisulcate: Having four grooves or furrows.
  49. Quadrivalent: Having a valence of four; able to form four chemical bonds.
  50. Quadrivalve: Having four valves.
  51. Quadrivalvular: Pertaining to or having four valves.
  52. Quadrivial: Relating to the four “liberal arts” in medieval education: arithmetic, music, geometry, and astronomy.
  53. Quadrumanous: Having four hands; sometimes used to describe primates.
  54. Quadruped: A four-footed animal.
  55. Quadrupedal: Of or relating to a quadruped; four-footed.
  56. Quadruple: Four times the amount or quantity.
  57. Quadrupled: Increased or multiplied by four.
  58. Quadruplex: Having four components; fourfold.
  59. Quadruplicate: One of four copies or identical items.
  60. Quaggy: Marshy or boggy.
  61. Quaint: Attractively unusual or old-fashioned.
  62. Quakerish: Resembling or characteristic of Quakers.
  63. Quakerlike: Another term resembling or characteristic of Quakers.
  64. Quakerly: In a manner of or resembling Quakers.
  65. Quaky: Shaky or trembling; also, relating to earthquakes.
  66. Qualifiable: Capable of being qualified.
  67. Qualified: Competent or capable due to fulfilling specific requirements.
  68. Qualifier: Something that qualifies or modifies the meaning of another element.
  69. Qualitative: Relating to, measuring, or measured by the quality of something.
  70. Qualitied: Possessing certain qualities.
  71. Quality: The standard of something as measured against other things of a similar kind.
  72. Qualmish: Feeling uneasy or sick.
  73. Quantal: Relating to units of energy in quantum mechanics.
  74. Quantifiable: Able to be measured or quantified.
  75. Quantitative: Relating to, measuring, or measured by the quantity of something.
  76. Quantitive: Another term for quantitative.
  77. Quantivalent: Having a quantivalence; relating to the combining power of an atom.
  78. Quantized: Discrete or limited in terms of quantity, especially in quantum mechanics.
  79. Quaquaversal: Pointing in every direction.
  80. Quarantined: Isolated or restricted to prevent the spread of a contagious disease.
  81. Quarreling: Engaging in a heated argument or disagreement.
  82. Quarrellous: Quarrelsome; disposed to argue.
  83. Quarrelsome: Given to or characterized by quarreling or disagreement.
  84. Quarriable: Suitable for quarrying.
  85. Quarried: Extracted from a quarry.
  86. Quarry: A place where stone or minerals are extracted.
  87. Quartan: Relating to fever that recurs every three days.
  88. Quartenylic: Relating to quartenylic acid, a specific organic compound.
  89. Quartered: Divided into four parts.
  90. Quarterfinal: Relating to the round before the semifinals in a tournament or competition.
  91. Quarterhung: Hung at a quarter of the distance from one end.
  92. Quartering: Dividing into four equal parts.
  93. Quarterly: Occurring or published four times a year.
  94. Quartic: Relating to the fourth degree, especially in mathematics.
  95. Quarto: A size of book or paper resulting from folding each sheet into four leaves.
  96. Quartziferous: Containing or bearing quartz.
  97. Quartzose: Composed largely of quartz.
  98. Quartzous: Of, relating to, or containing quartz.
  99. Quashed: Annulled; especially in a legal context, set aside or voided.
  100. Quasi: Seemingly; almost but not really.
  101. Quasi-official: Having a semblance of official status but not truly official.
  102. Quasi-private: Partly private in nature.
  103. Quasi-public: Partly public and partly private in nature.
  104. Quasi-royal: Seemingly royal or resembling royalty.
  105. Quasi-scientific: Seemingly scientific but lacking proper evidence or rigor.
  106. Quatch: Thick, dense, or bushy.
  107. Quaternary: Fourth in order or rank; relating to compounds having four replaceable atoms or radicals.
  108. Quaternate: Arranged in fours or consisting of four items.
  109. Quavering: Trembling, shaky, or vibratory.
  110. Queachy: Marshy, boggy, or yielding underfoot.
  111. Queasy: Nauseated; feeling sick.
  112. Quebecois: Relating to Quebec or its people.
  113. Quechuan: Relating to the Quechua people or their language.
  114. Queen-size: Pertaining to a bed size typically larger than a double but smaller than a king.
  115. Queenlike: Resembling or befitting a queen.
  116. Queenly: Having the rank or qualities of a queen.
  117. Queer: Strange or odd.
  118. Queerer: Comparative form of queer; stranger or odder.
  119. Queerest: Superlative form of queer; strangest or oddest.
  120. Queerish: Somewhat queer or strange.
  121. Quelled: Suppressed or put an end to.
  122. Quenchable: Capable of being quenched or satisfied.
  123. Quenched: Satisfied a thirst or desire.
  124. Quenchless: That cannot be quenched; unquenchable.
  125. Quercine: Of, relating to, or resembling oak.
  126. Quercitannic: Relating to a specific type of tannic acid derived from oak bark.
  127. Queried: Questioned or asked about something.
  128. Querier: One who asks or inquires.
  129. Querulential: Habitually or excessively complaining.
  130. Querulous: Complaining in a petulant or whining manner.
  131. Questing: Seeking to find or obtain something.
  132. Questionable: Doubtful in terms of quality or legitimacy.
  133. Questionary: Pertaining to or containing questions; also, a questionnaire.
  134. Questioning: The act of asking questions; also, indicating doubt or curiosity.
  135. Questionless: Beyond doubt or without question.
  136. Questuary: Pertaining to a quest or search.
  137. Quibbling: Arguing or raising objections about trivial matters.
  138. Quick: Moving or functioning swiftly.
  139. Quick-acting: Acting or responding rapidly.
  140. Quick-drying: Drying in a short amount of time.
  141. Quick-minded: Possessing a rapid and agile intellect.
  142. Quick-paced: Moving or occurring at a rapid pace.
  143. Quick-sighted: Having keen vision; able to see or understand things rapidly.
  144. Quick-tempered: Easily angered or irritated.
  145. Quick-thinking: Able to think and respond rapidly to situations.
  146. Quick-witted: Having a sharp and clever mind; able to think quickly.
  147. Quicker: Comparative form of quick; more rapid.
  148. Quickest: Superlative form of quick; most rapid.
  149. Quicklime: A white, caustic, lumpy powder used in construction and various industries.
  150. Quickset: Growing or set quickly; also, a type of hedge grown from cuttings.
  151. Quicksilvered: Coated with a layer of mercury, often in the context of mirror production.
  152. Quiesce: To become quiet or inactive.
  153. Quiescent: Being at rest; dormant; temporarily inactive.
  154. Quiet: Making little noise; free from disturbances or tumult.
  155. Quietistic: Relating to a passive and mystical form of religious devotion.
  156. Quietsome: Calm or peaceful.
  157. Quietus: A release from life; a death or termination.
  158. Quilled: Having quills or relating to quills; also, adorned with quillwork.
  159. Quilted: Made of padded material sewn in a decorative design.
  160. Quiname: Pertaining to a set or group of five.
  161. Quinary: Relating to the number five.
  162. Quincentenary: A 500th anniversary.
  163. Quincentennial: Another term for a 500th anniversary.
  164. Quininic: Relating to quinine, a compound used in the treatment of malaria.
  165. Quinoidal: Referring to a specific form of organic compounds.
  166. Quinquangular: Having five angles.
  167. Quinquarticular: Relating to five specific doctrinal articles.
  168. Quinquefarious: Arranged in five rows.
  169. Quinquefid: Divided into five parts or lobes.
  170. Quinqueliteral: Consisting of five letters.
  171. Quinquelobared: Having five lobes or sections.
  172. Quinquelocular: Having five chambers or compartments.
  173. Quinquenerved: Having five nerves or veins, especially in the context of leaves.
  174. Quinquennial: Occurring every five years.
  175. Quinquepartite: Divided into or consisting of five parts.
  176. Quinquevalve: Having five valves.
  177. Quinquevalvular: Relating to or having five valves.
  178. Quinquivalent: Having a valence of five.
  179. Quintan: Relating to a fever recurring every four days.
  180. Quintessential: Representing the perfect or typical example of something.
  181. Quintic: Relating to the fifth degree, especially in mathematics.
  182. Quintillionth: The ordinal number corresponding to one quintillion.
  183. Quintuple: Five times the amount or quantity.
  184. Quirked: Characterized by a peculiar or unexpected trait.
  185. Quirkish: Having or characterized by quirks; somewhat quirky.
  186. Quirky: Characterized by peculiar or unexpected traits.
  187. Quite: To a complete degree or to the full or entire extent.
  188. Quits: On equal terms by payment or requital.
  189. Quittable: Able to be quit or left; able to be given up.
  190. Quivering: Trembling or shaking with slight rapid motions.
  191. Quivery: Characterized by or full of quivering; shaky.
  192. Quixotic: Extremely idealistic, unrealistic, and impractical.
  193. Quixotical: Similar to quixotic, denoting a romantic and impractical idealism.
  194. Quizzical: Puzzled or questioning; indicating mild amusement.
  195. Quodlibetical: Pertaining to subtle or academic theological disputes; involving a quodlibet, a topic for debate.
  196. Quondam: Former; of an earlier time.
  197. Quondam (meaning former): This is a repetition; “quondam” already refers to something former or previous.
  198. Quotable: Worthy of being quoted or easily quoted.
  199. Quote-driven: Referring to a system where prices are determined by quotations, especially in financial markets.
  200. Quoted: Mentioned or referred to.
  201. Quotidian: Daily; occurring every day.

Positive Adjectives That Start With Q

It’s amazing how much a few well-chosen words can impact a person’s mood. We have some wonderful positive words that begin with Q to bring some sunshine to someone else’s day.

Common positive words that start with Q are: 

  • Quaint: This adjective describes something that is attractively old-fashioned or charmingly peculiar.
  • Quality: When something is of good quality, it means it is superior or of high standard.
  • Quick-witted: Describing someone as quick-witted means that they are clever and able to think and respond quickly.
  • Quirky: This adjective refers to something that is peculiar or unique in an appealing way.
  • Quiet: Though often associated with silence, describing someone as quiet can also imply a sense of peace, calmness, and serenity.

There are more positive Q words you may like. Some of them are “queenly“, for a boss-like look or feel, and “qualified” to show how good someone is at what they do. The word โ€œquintessentialโ€ tells that something or someone is the best example of its kind.

Try calling your curious friend โ€œquizzicalโ€ next time! These positive Q words will light up your chat!

Negative Adjectives That Begin With Q

Q adjectives can be negative too. These words often paint a picture that is not so good. Words like “quarrelsome” and “queasy” fall into this group. They show unwanted traits or feelings.

Take “quick-tempered” for example, it means someone who angers easily. Or “quiescent“, which talks about inactivity or being at rest, giving off an air of laziness or dormancy.

Using these terms, we describe people and things with less pleasing features or situations that are tricky or uneasy.

  • Querulous: Excessively complaining or irritable.
  • Quaint: Strange or unusual in an old-fashioned or attractive way.
  • Quick-tempered: Easily angered or provoked.
  • Querimonious: Tending to complain or grumble.
  • Quizzical: Indicating mild or amused puzzlement.
  • Quaggy: Soft, boggy, or marshy.
  • Queasy: Feeling nauseous or uneasy.
  • Quandary: A state of uncertainty or perplexity.
  • Querulent: Constantly or habitually complaining.

Neutral Q Words

When it comes to describing things, it’s always useful to have a range of adjectives at your disposal. Words don’t always have to be good or bad. There are several neutral adjectives that can be used to describe things without any positive or negative connotations.

  • Quiet: Characterized by silence or low noise levels.
  • Quick: Happening or done in a short amount of time.
  • Quality: Meeting a high standard of excellence.
  • Quaint: Charmingly old-fashioned or unusual in a pleasing way.
  • Quarterly: Occurring or recurring every three months.
  • Quantitative: Relating to the measurement or quantity of something.
  • Quizzical: Expressing confusion or curiosity.
  • Qualified: Having the necessary skills, knowledge, or experience for a particular job or task.
  • Quotable: Worth quoting or worth mentioning.
  • Questionable: Doubtful or open to being disputed or doubted.

Using these neutral Q adjectives can provide a balanced and unbiased description. Whether you are writing an essay, describing a person, or expressing your thoughts, having a range of adjectives will add depth and richness to your language.

Adjectives Starting With Q to Describe a Person’s Personality

Some positive adjectives that describe personality and start with the letter Q include quintessentialquaintquixoticquantifiable, quality, and quiescent.

These adjectives can be used to describe someone who is unique, charmingly old-fashioned or clever, idealistic or romantic in nature, measurable or able to be counted on for something specific, having good qualities or characteristics, and calm or at peace.

Some other common Q adjectives related to personality are quick, quiet, and quirky

Benefits of Using Q Adjectives

Using Q adjectives can provide several benefits in communication and writing. They enhance vocabulary by introducing unique and uncommon words, improve descriptive writing by adding depth and specificity to descriptions, and allow for the verbal expression of positive attributes.

Additionally, using Q adjectives can lead to greater understanding between speakers/ writers and listeners/readers as they convey specific nuances and characteristics.

Increased Vocabulary

Expanding your vocabulary with adjectives that start with Q can be beneficial in several ways. First, it allows you to express yourself more precisely and effectively. By having a wider range of words at your disposal, you can convey your thoughts and feelings with greater accuracy.

Additionally, an increased vocabulary enables you to understand others better as they use different words to describe their experiences or ideas. Furthermore, enhancing your descriptive writing skills becomes easier when you have more adjectives to choose from.

Whether you’re writing a story or describing something in detail, incorporating varied and nuanced language adds depth and interest to your writing. Lastly, using positive Q adjectives allows for the verbal expression of positive attributes in people or things around us, enabling us to highlight their good qualities and create uplifting conversations.

Improved Communication

Using Q adjectives can greatly improve communication skills. These descriptive words starting with the letter Q add specificity and detail to descriptions, making it easier to convey ideas and emotions effectively.

This is especially important in crisis situations where clear and concise communication is crucial. By incorporating Q adjectives into our vocabulary, we can enhance our ability to communicate clearly and have a greater impact on those around us.

Greater Understanding

Using Q adjectives can lead to greater understanding in various contexts. By incorporating these descriptive words into our vocabulary, we can better communicate and express ourselves.

When we have a wider range of adjectives to choose from, we can provide more detailed descriptions and convey our thoughts more accurately. This is especially useful when writing essays or engaging in conversations where precision and clarity matter.

Q adjectives allow us to add depth and richness to our writing, making it more interesting and engaging for the reader. They help us highlight specific qualities or characteristics in a person or an object, giving others a clearer picture of what we are trying to convey.

Improved descriptive writing

Using Q adjectives in descriptive writing can greatly enhance the quality of your writing. These adjectives, such as quintessential, quaint, and quixotic, add depth and vividness to descriptions.

They help create a more engaging and memorable reading experience for your audience. By incorporating Q adjectives, like quantifiable and quality, you can express specific qualities and characteristics with precision.

This not only improves your descriptive writing but also enhances both written and spoken communication skills overall.

Verbal expression of positive attributes

Using positive adjectives that start with the letter Q allows individuals to express and highlight positive attributes in their verbal communication. These adjectives can be used to describe people, experiences, or situations in a positive way.

For example, words like “quintessential” and “quality” can be used to emphasize excellence and high standards. By using these adjectives, individuals can effectively convey positivity and create a more vibrant and engaging conversation.

How to Choose the Right Q Adjectives

To choose the right Q adjectives, consider the context and what you want to convey. Think about the specific qualities or characteristics you want to describe. For example, if you want to express something unique or unusual, you might choose words like “quirky” or “quixotic.” If you’re describing someone’s demeanor or behavior, consider using words like “quiet” or “quarrelsome.”.

It’s also important to remember that some Q adjectives may not be followed by the letter U. This can give your writing a distinct and interesting flavor. Experiment with different combinations of Q adjectives and see which ones fit best in your sentence or conversation.

Using Q adjectives can enhance your vocabulary and add depth and variety to your communication. They can help paint a picture in descriptive writing and allow for more nuanced expression of positive attributes.

By choosing the right Q adjectives, you can make your language come alive and engage your audience more effectively.

Examples of Q Adjectives in Sentences

Quixotic: She embarked on a quixotic quest, determined to change the world.

Quaint: The town’s narrow, cobblestone streets and charming cottages gave it a quaint atmosphere.

Questionable: His questionable actions raised doubts about his integrity and honesty.

Querulous: The querulous customer complained about every little detail, making the cashier’s job difficult.

Quarrelsome: The siblings had a quarrelsome relationship, constantly arguing and bickering with each other.

Quixotic

“Quixotic” is a positive adjective that starts with the letter Q. It means foolishly idealistic, impractical, or visionary. This word is often used to describe someone who has lofty or extravagant ideals that may not be practical or achievable.

It is associated with Don Quixote, a fictional character known for his impractical and idealistic adventures.”.

Quaint

“Quaint” is a word that describes something as attractively unusual or old-fashioned. It can be used to describe places, objects, or styles that have a charming and nostalgic feel.

For example, you might use “quaint” to describe a small village with cozy cottages and cobblestone streets. Or you could use it to describe a tea shop with vintage decor that feels quaint and inviting.

The word “quaint” adds depth and nuance to descriptions and characterizations in both writing and speech.

Questionable

“Questionable” is an adjective that describes something that is likely to be inaccurate or of poor quality. It means that there are doubts or concerns about its validity or reliability.

This term can be used to refer to things that are controversial, contentious, open to question, or open to doubt. For example, if someone makes a questionable claim, it means that their statement may not be entirely true or reliable.

Being aware of the meaning of “questionable” helps us understand when something might not be trustworthy or accurate.

Querulous

“Querulous” is an adjective that starts with the letter Q. It means complaining in a petulant or whining manner. When someone is described as “querulous,” it means they are constantly complaining or expressing dissatisfaction.

An example sentence using this adjective could be: “He became querulous and demanding.” This word is used to characterize or describe the act of complaint.

Quarrelsome

“Quarrelsome” is an adjective that describes someone who likes to argue or fight. It is a negative word that suggests they have a difficult and aggressive nature. For example, you could say “He is known for his quarrelsome nature and is always looking for an argument.” Other negative adjectives starting with Q are “questionable” and “quackish.”

Printable List of Adjectives That Start With Q

Click the image below to download/print a list of Q adjectives.

A list of adjectives that start with q.

Whether you are a writer, a poet, or simply someone who enjoys using words to paint a vivid picture, having a collection of adjectives that start with the letter Q at your disposal can be both helpful and inspiring. Experiment with different combinations and find the perfect words to bring your descriptions to life.

Remember, the key to effective writing is not only choosing the right words but also arranging them in a way that creates a vivid and engaging experience for your audience. So, go ahead, explore the world of adjectives that start with Q, and let your creativity soar!

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