6-letter words with D as the 1st letter and P as the 4th letter

The pattern D _ _ P _ _ leaves 41 six-letter choices across tournament dictionaries, but only nine are classed as common. Familiar forms such as DEEPLY, DEEPER, DUMPED and DIAPER sit beside rarer entries. The fixed P in slot four is the quickest filter: keep it anchored while testing the other letters.

What stands out in this D-and-P pattern?

• Exactly 41 tournament-dictionary entries match D _ _ P _ _.
• Collins includes all 41; NWL2023 has 30 and ENABLE has 29.
• Nine matches are classed as common by word frequency.
• Thirty-two of the 41 entries have dictionary definitions, and the average tile score is 10.9 points.
• DRIPPY, DIMPLY, DAMPLY, DIMPSY and DRAPPY each score 14 Scrabble points.
• Ten matches end in R, more than any other final letter.

Which familiar words fit the D _ _ P _ _ pattern?

DEEPLY and DEEPER share the opening DEE-P, while DUMPED and DIPPED put different vowels before the same fourth-letter P. DIAPER is another recognizable fit, with a distinct ending that can narrow a puzzle search quickly.

The final letter offers a second useful filter: R leads with 10 matches, followed by Y with eight and D with seven. If the clue ends in R, try DEEPER, DIAPER or DRAPER before checking less familiar options. The endings are spread across eight different letters.

Which matches score highest, and what is the catch?

DRIPPY, DIMPLY, DAMPLY, DIMPSY and DRAPPY tie at 14 Scrabble points. Their Y endings and less-common letter combinations create the edge; DEEPLY, DUMPED and DIPPED follow at 12 points each. Those totals are base tile scores, before any board bonuses.

Dictionary coverage differs: Collins has 41 matches, but NWL2023 accepts 30 and ENABLE accepts 29. The entire set is therefore not interchangeable across word games, so check your game's word list before playing an unfamiliar entry. For a broader comparison, the S-first version of this pattern has 98 matches, rather than 41.