6-letter words with D as the 3rd letter and L as the 5th letter

With the shape __D_L_, the third and fifth positions are fixed while the other four letters vary. Familiar matches include middle, models, medals, and module; the list also reaches playful forms such as fiddly and cuddly. Collins has the broadest dictionary count for this pattern, while the common-word subset is much smaller.

The pattern at a glance

• 76 words match the six-letter pattern _ _ D _ L _ in Collins.
• ENABLE includes 64 matches, and NWL2023 includes 66.
• 14 matches fall within the top 25,000 English words by frequency.
• Matches average 9.9 points a tile.
• MEDFLY tops the scoring at 15 points; FIDDLY and GADFLY score 14.

Why do so many end in E or Y?

The final letter is often E: it ends 39 matches, more than half. Another 16 end in Y, with examples such as widely, bodily, cuddly, and fiddly. Only one matching word ends in L, so an L at the fifth position does not usually predict an L at the end.

The opening letter varies more than the ending. M opens the most, 11 words, then P with 9; R and W contribute 6 each. That spread makes the settled D and L slots the strongest clues, while the first letter can narrow a search without settling it.

6-letter words with D as the 3rd letter and L as the 5th letter

For a score-first rack, MEDFLY is the standout at 15 points. FIDDLY, GADFLY, WADDLY, and JODELS each reach 14; WIDELY and CUDDLY score 13. Those less familiar options can be worth checking when a board leaves room for their letters.

Acceptance is not guaranteed either: Collins lists 76 matches, compared with 66 in NWL2023 and 64 in ENABLE, so check your game's word list before playing an unfamiliar form.