Adjectives That Start With N

This is in no way an exhaustive list, and most of the words will not be new to you, but there may be some that had slipped your mind. It's always good to refresh your memory. Each adjective is accompanied by its definition.

Start adding n-adjectives to your vocabulary with this alphabetical list of options for adjectives that start with "n."

• naive - unaffectedly, or sometimes foolishly, simple; childlike; not suspicious; credulous
• naked - not wearing any clothes; undressed
• nameless - indescribable, lacking a name
• narcissistic - overly self-involved
• narrow - not wide; limited in meaning, size, amount, or extent
• nasal - of the nose
• nasty - very dirty, filthy; offensive in taste or smell; morally offensive; very unpleasant; mean; malicious; ill-humored
• national - relating to an entire country; characteristics of a country
• native - belonging to a locality or country by birth, production, or growth; indigenous
• natural - of, or arising from, nature; in accordance with what is found or expected in nature; not artificial or manufactured
• nauseous - affected with nausea, feeling as if one might throw up
• needy - in, or characterized by, need, or poverty; very poor; having or showing a need for affection or emotional support
• nearsighted - being able to better see near objects rather than distant ones; myopic
• naughty - not behaving properly; mischievous or disobedient
• nebulous - unclear; vague; indefinite
• nefarious - having harmful or criminal intent
• negligent - habitually failing to do the required thing; neglectful
• nerdy - describing a person regarded as socially dull, unsophisticated, awkward, etc., especially one who is preoccupied with academics, intellectual hobbies, etc.
• nervous - characterized by or having a disordered state of the nerves; characterized by or showing emotional tension, restlessness, agitation; fearful; apprehensive
• neutral - impartial; neither good nor bad
• noble - having or showing high moral qualities or ideals, or greatness of character; having excellent qualities; superior; of high hereditary rank or title; aristocratic
• nocturnal - active during nighttime hours
• noisy - making, or accompanied by, noise; making more sound than is expected or customary; full of noise
• nominal - minimal amount

The good n-adjectives aren't all in the early part of alphabetical order. Keep exploring for even more descriptive words to boost your vocabulary.

• nonalcoholic - a beverage usually containing less than 0.5% alcohol by volume
• nonchalant - without warmth or enthusiasm; not showing interest; showing cool lack of concern; casually indifferent
• nondescript - plain-looking, with no distinguishing features
• nonessential - not required; not of primary importance
• nonpartisan - not controlled or influenced by, or supporting, any single political party
• nonprofit - expressly established for or done as public service, charitable work, etc. and not for earning a profit
• nonsensical - unintelligible, foolish, silly, absurd
• normal - ordinary, what is expected
• normative - relating to or establishing a behavioral norm
• nostalgic - reminiscent of past occurrences; fond remembrance
• nosy - being too interested in other people's lives; prying
• notable - famous, worthy of attention
• noteworthy - worthy of note; deserving notice; outstanding; remarkable
• nourishing - providing nutrients; sustaining life; providing for growth and development
• novel - new and unusual; especially, being the first of its kind
• noxious - harmful to the health; corrupting; unwholesome
• numb - without feeling
• nude- completely unclothed or uncovered; bare
• nutty - containing or producing many nuts; having a nut-like flavor; (slang) crazy or wild
• numb - weakened in or deprived of the power of feeling or moving; deadened; insensible
• numerous - many in number, a large quantity
• nutritious - nourishing; of value as food
• notorious - widely but unfavorably known or talked about
• nostalgic - of or related to a longing for something far away or long ago, or for former happy circumstances
• null - not valid or enforceable; associated with a zero value

Wondering how you can fit some of these n-adjectives into your writing and conversations? Review these sentences featuring some of the adjectives that start with "n" as examples. They're sure to provide you with ideas on how you can use these words in your own sentences.

• Mr. Scrooge was a nasty man with a nasty temper.
• Carol is so naive that she doesn’t realize Ben is just using her.
• The hallway may be narrow, but the rooms are very large.
• His singing voice is more nasal than his speaking voice.
• English is my native language.
• The amazing curls in Beth’s hair are natural.
• I feel nauseous when I smell beef cooking.
• I liked George until he started calling me 10 times per day. After that, he seemed too needy.
• Sallie is nearsighted, so she needs glasses when she drives to see the road signs clearly.
• Kyle isn’t naughty; he has ADHD and finds it hard to sit still in class.
• Social Services can take children away from parents who are negligent.
• Have you ever noticed how many nerdy guys date really beautiful women?
• Eating Girl Scout cookies can be both delicious and noble. You get to enjoy your Thin Mints with the knowledge that your purchase is helping young girls.
• My roommates are so noisy in the mornings that I can never sleep late.
• You should always paint in a well-ventilated area because paint fumes are noxious.
• There are many noteworthy restaurants in New York City.
• Who first had the novel idea of putting peanut butter and jelly together?
• Berries are both nutritious and delicious.
• The professor was notorious for giving impossible tests.
• Claire always feels nostalgic when she listens to Jimmy Buffet because his music reminds her of childhood summers.
• He seemed so nonchalant about the financial crisis; we had no idea he was going bankrupt.
• Coke is my favorite nonalcoholic drink.
• Most religious organizations and charities are nonprofit organizations.
• Dr. Seuss's books are nonsensical in a way, but they also teach children valuable lessons about all kinds of things.

That’s plenty of adjectives that start with "n" for now, wouldn’t you say? Now, go and n-joy (pun intended!) using all these words in your writing! Incorporate examples of alliteration into your work by adding even more words that start with "n." Opt for some nouns that begin with "n" so you can create some really cool-sounding descriptive word combinations.