Adjectives That Start with C | List, Exercise & Examples

List of Positive Adjectives That Start With C

Adjective	Definition	Example
Calming	Having a soothing or relaxing effect.	The soft music had a calming influence on everyone.
Capable	Having the ability or qualities to achieve something.	She is a capable leader who inspires her team.
Captivating	Holding attention through charm or beauty.	Her captivating performance earned a standing ovation.
Caring	Displaying kindness and concern for others.	He is a caring teacher who goes the extra mile for his students.
Charismatic	Exuding charm and magnetism.	The speaker was so charismatic that the audience was mesmerized.
Charitable	Generous in giving to those in need.	Her charitable acts have helped countless families.
Charming	Pleasantly attractive or delightful.	The small town had a charming atmosphere.
Cheeky	Playfully bold or mischievous.	His cheeky jokes always make us laugh.
Cheerful	Noticeably happy and optimistic.	She always greets people with a cheerful smile.
Cheery	Bright and happy in disposition.	The decorations created a cheery holiday vibe.
Classic	Timeless and of high quality.	The car is a classic model from the 1960s.
Classy	Elegant and sophisticated.	She wore a classy outfit to the gala.
Clever	Quick-witted or resourceful.	His clever solution saved us a lot of time.
Colorful	Full of vibrant colors or lively qualities.	The garden was filled with colorful flowers.
Comfortable	Providing ease or relaxation.	The chair is so comfortable that I could sit in it all day.
Comical	Funny or amusing.	His comical expressions always make us laugh.
Confident	Self-assured and certain.	She walked into the room with a confident stride.
Content	In a state of satisfaction.	He felt content with his life choices.
Convincing	Able to persuade someone to believe or do something.	Her argument was so convincing that everyone agreed.
Cool	Fashionable or impressive.	He has such a cool sense of style.
Courageous	Showing bravery and strength in difficult situations.	The firefighter’s courageous actions saved lives.
Cozy	Comfortable, warm, and inviting.	The cabin was small but incredibly cozy.
Creative	Imaginative and innovative.	Her creative artwork impressed the entire gallery.
Credible	Believable or trustworthy.	The witness provided a credible testimony.
Cute	Endearing and attractive in a charming way.	The puppy is so cute that everyone wants to cuddle it.

List of Negative Adjectives That Start With C

Adjective	Definition	Example
Chauvinistic	Excessively patriotic or prejudiced.	His chauvinistic remarks offended many people.
Cheerless	Gloomy or lacking joy.	The cheerless weather dampened everyone's mood.
Close-minded	Unwilling to consider new ideas.	Her close-minded attitude made discussion difficult.
Clownish	Behaving in a silly or foolish manner.	His clownish antics disrupted the serious meeting.
Clueless	Lacking knowledge or understanding.	She seemed completely clueless about the rules.
Clumsy	Lacking grace or skill in movement.	His clumsy attempts to apologize only made things worse.
Cocky	Overconfident and arrogant.	His cocky attitude annoyed his teammates.
Cold-hearted	Lacking kindness or sympathy.	Her cold-hearted behavior shocked everyone.
Conceited	Excessively proud of oneself.	He was too conceited to listen to anyone's advice.
Condescending	Acting superior or patronizing.	Her condescending tone upset her colleagues.
Conflicting	Inconsistent or contradictory.	The witness provided conflicting statements.
Confounded	Extremely confused or perplexed.	He was confounded by the unexpected results.
Confusing	Difficult to understand or unclear.	The instructions were unnecessarily confusing.
Contemptuous	Showing disdain or disrespect.	Her contemptuous glare silenced the room.
Convulsive	Involving uncontrollable movements or emotions.	His convulsive sobbing alarmed everyone nearby.
Corny	Overused and lacking originality.	The joke was too corny to be funny.
Corrupt	Dishonest or morally depraved.	The corrupt official accepted bribes openly.
Costly	Expensive or causing great loss.	The mistake proved to be costly for the company.
Cowardly	Lacking courage or bravery.	His cowardly actions let his team down.
Crabby	Irritable or easily annoyed.	She’s always crabby in the mornings before coffee.
Crass	Lacking sensitivity or refinement.	His crass comments embarrassed everyone at the dinner.
Craven	Cowardly or lacking courage.	The craven decision to flee showed his true character.
Crazy	Mentally unstable or wildly foolish.	His crazy ideas were dismissed immediately.
Creepy	Causing unease or fear.	The abandoned house had a creepy atmosphere.
Criminal	Relating to or guilty of a crime.	His criminal behavior landed him in prison.
Critical	Inclined to find fault.	She was overly critical of every minor mistake.
Crude	Lacking refinement or tact.	His crude humor offended the audience.
Cruel	Willfully causing pain or harm.	Her cruel words left him heartbroken.
Crushed	Feeling defeated or overwhelmed.	He was crushed by the rejection.
Cursed	Under a spell or marked by misfortune.	The family believed the land was cursed.

Illustration of Adjectives That Start with C

List of Fun Adjectives That Start With C

Adjective	Definition	Example
Cakey	Having the texture or appearance of cake.	The makeup looked a bit cakey under the lights.
Candid	Honest and straightforward.	His candid answer surprised everyone in the room.
Cardboardy	Resembling cardboard in texture or quality.	The cookies were overbaked and tasted cardboardy.
Celestial	Relating to the sky or heavens.	The stars created a celestial view at night.
Ceremonial	Relating to formal or traditional events.	She wore a ceremonial robe during the celebration.
Chalky	Having a dry or powdery texture.	The candy had a strange, chalky aftertaste.
Cheesy	Overly sentimental or tacky.	The romantic comedy was fun but a bit cheesy.
Chewy	Requiring a lot of chewing.	These brownies are so gooey and chewy—delicious!
Chic	Stylish and fashionable.	Her chic outfit turned heads at the party.
Childlike	Innocent or resembling a child.	His childlike enthusiasm was contagious.
Chock-full	Completely full or overflowing.	The basket was chock-full of fresh fruits.
Choppy	Rough or uneven in motion or appearance.	The boat ride was choppy due to high winds.
Chummy	Friendly or sociable.	They became quite chummy after just one meeting.
Citrusy	Having the flavor or aroma of citrus fruits.	The lemonade had a wonderfully citrusy tang.
Clammy	Unpleasantly damp or sticky.	His hands felt clammy before the big presentation.
Classy	Elegant and sophisticated.	Her classy choice of decor impressed the guests.
Cloistered	Secluded or sheltered.	The artist lived a cloistered life in the mountains.
Clumsy	Awkward in movement or behavior.	His clumsy attempt to dance made everyone laugh.
Cockamamie	Ridiculous or nonsensical.	That’s the most cockamamie idea I’ve ever heard!
Comical	Funny or amusing.	His comical expressions always make us laugh.
Computerized	Controlled or operated by computers.	The system is fully computerized for efficiency.
Cosmic	Vast or universal in scope.	The film explored the cosmic mysteries of space.
Cosmopolitan	Sophisticated and worldly.	She has a cosmopolitan taste in food and fashion.
Cottony	Soft and fluffy like cotton.	The clouds looked soft and cottony in the sky.
Craggy	Rugged or uneven, often describing terrain.	The craggy cliffs made for a dramatic coastline.
Crinkly	Wrinkled or creased.	The paper had a crinkly texture that added character.
Crystalline	Clear or resembling crystal.	The water in the lake was crystalline and pure.
Cuddly	Soft and inviting hugs.	The stuffed animal was so cuddly that it became her favorite.
Curly	Having curls or curves.	Her curly hair was the envy of all her friends.
Cushy	Comfortable or easy.	He landed a cushy job with flexible hours.

List of C Adjectives to Describe Someone

Adjective	Definition	Example
Cadaverous	Looking extremely thin or pale.	His cadaverous appearance worried his friends.
Cagey	Reluctant to share information; secretive.	She was cagey about her plans for the weekend.
Callous	Showing no empathy or concern for others.	His callous remarks hurt everyone in the group.
Callow	Inexperienced or immature.	The callow intern struggled to handle the pressure.
Calm	Peaceful and free from disturbance.	He remained calm under pressure during the crisis.
Calming	Having a soothing or relaxing effect.	Her calming presence made everyone feel at ease.
Camera-shy	Reluctant to be photographed.	He’s so camera-shy that he avoids group photos.
Camouflaged	Hidden or blended into surroundings.	Her intentions were cleverly camouflaged.
Cantankerous	Bad-tempered or argumentative.	The cantankerous old man shouted at everyone.
Captivating	Attracting and holding attention.	Her captivating story had the audience spellbound.
Captive	Held under control or influence.	He was a captive audience during her performance.
Carefree	Without worry or responsibility.	She led a carefree life, enjoying each moment.
Careful	Taking care to avoid mistakes or harm.	She was very careful while carrying the fragile vase.
Careless	Lacking attention or responsibility.	His careless mistake cost them the contract.
Caring	Displaying kindness and concern for others.	He is a caring mentor who always supports his students.
Casual	Relaxed and unconcerned.	His casual attitude helped ease the tension in the room.
Catatonic	Appearing lifeless or unresponsive.	She remained in a catatonic state after the shocking news.
Catty	Spiteful or mean in remarks.	Her catty comments about her colleague were unnecessary.
Cautious	Careful to avoid danger or mistakes.	He took a cautious approach to the risky investment.
Cavalier	Showing a lack of concern or seriousness.	His cavalier attitude annoyed his coworkers.
Celebrated	Widely known and praised.	She’s a celebrated author with several bestsellers.
Celestial	Divine or heavenly.	Her voice has a celestial quality that mesmerizes listeners.
Centered	Emotionally stable and focused.	He remained centered despite the chaos around him.
Certain	Sure or confident about something.	She felt certain about her decision to move forward.
Challenging	Demanding or testing one's abilities.	He’s a challenging but rewarding professor.
Charismatic	Exuding charm and appeal.	His charismatic personality makes him a natural leader.
Charitable	Generous in giving to those in need.	Her charitable work has helped many families.
Charmed	Feeling fortunate or lucky.	She felt charmed to have such amazing friends.
Charming	Pleasant and attractive.	His charming smile made a lasting impression.
Chaste	Pure or virtuous.	She led a simple and chaste lifestyle.
Chatty	Talkative in a friendly way.	He’s always chatty at social gatherings.
Chauvinistic	Excessively patriotic or prejudiced.	His chauvinistic views made him unpopular.
Cheap	Stingy or of low quality.	He’s too cheap to tip the waiter fairly.
Cheeky	Playfully bold or mischievous.	His cheeky humor always lightens the mood.
Cheerful	Noticeably happy and optimistic.	She has such a cheerful demeanor that it’s contagious.
Cheerless	Gloomy or lacking joy.	The room felt cheerless without any decorations.
Cheery	Bright and happy in mood.	The cafe has a cheery atmosphere that makes you feel welcome.
Cheesy	Overly sentimental or tacky.	His jokes are always cheesy but endearing.
Chic	Stylish and fashionable.	She looked chic in her black evening gown.
Childish	Immature or silly.	His childish behavior annoyed everyone in the room.
Childlike	Innocent and resembling a child.	Her childlike wonder made her trip to the museum special.
Chinese	Relating to China or its people.	He’s studying Chinese culture and language.
Chiseled	Having well-defined, sharp features.	His chiseled jawline made him look like a movie star.
Chivalrous	Courteous and gallant, especially toward women.	He’s always been a chivalrous gentleman.
Choosy	Picky or selective.	She’s very choosy when it comes to food.
Chubby	Slightly overweight in a pleasant way.	The chubby baby smiled adorably at everyone.
Chummy	Friendly and sociable.	They’ve become quite chummy after working together.
Chunky	Bulky or thick in size.	He wore a chunky sweater to keep warm.
Churlish	Rude or lacking civility.	His churlish behavior upset the entire room.
Civil	Polite and respectful in behavior.	Despite their disagreement, they remained civil.

Adjective	Definition	Example
Civilized	Polite, well-mannered, and culturally advanced.	She handled the disagreement in a civilized manner.
Clammy	Unpleasantly damp or sticky.	His hands felt clammy before the big presentation.
Clamorous	Loud and demanding attention.	The clamorous crowd shouted for answers.
Clandestine	Secretive or hidden.	Their clandestine meeting raised suspicions.
Classic	Timeless and of recognized excellence.	Her dress had a classic design that never goes out of style.
Classy	Elegant and sophisticated.	She looked classy in her tailored suit.
Clean	Free from dirt or impurities.	He keeps a clean and organized workspace.
Clear-cut	Easy to understand or unambiguous.	The policy change was a clear-cut solution.
Clear-headed	Thinking logically and calmly.	She made a clear-headed decision under pressure.
Clever	Quick-witted and resourceful.	His clever remarks always add humor to the conversation.
Clingy	Overly dependent or emotionally attached.	Her clingy behavior made him feel uncomfortable.
Clinical	Objective and unemotional.	His explanation was clinical and lacked empathy.
Clipped	Short and abrupt in speech or manner.	Her clipped response showed her irritation.
Close	Emotionally intimate or physically near.	They have a close friendship that has lasted years.
Close-minded	Unwilling to consider new ideas.	His close-minded attitude hindered progress in the discussion.
Clownish	Silly or foolish in behavior.	His clownish antics made everyone laugh.
Clueless	Lacking knowledge or understanding.	She seemed completely clueless about the situation.
Clumsy	Awkward or lacking coordination.	He dropped the glass due to his clumsy grip.
Cluttered	Messy or disorganized.	Her desk was so cluttered that she couldn’t find anything.
Cocky	Overconfident and arrogant.	His cocky attitude annoyed his peers.
Coercive	Using force or threats to gain compliance.	The manager’s coercive tactics upset the employees.
Cohesive	United or working together effectively.	The team presented a cohesive plan to the board.
Cold	Lacking warmth or emotion.	His cold stare made everyone uncomfortable.
Coldhearted	Unfeeling and lacking compassion.	She was accused of being coldhearted for her decision.
Collaborative	Working well with others.	Their collaborative effort resulted in success.
Colombian	Relating to Colombia or its culture.	He enjoys Colombian coffee every morning.
Colonial	Relating to a colony or colonial period.	The house had a charming colonial architecture.
Colorful	Full of vibrant colors or variety.	His language was colorful but sometimes inappropriate.
Colorless	Lacking vibrancy or interest.	The room looked colorless without decorations.
Colossal	Extremely large or massive.	The company made a colossal mistake with their launch.
Comforting	Providing a sense of comfort or reassurance.	Her words were comforting during the tough times.
Comical	Funny or amusing.	His comical expressions always make us laugh.
Commanding	Authoritative and in control.	She has a commanding presence in the boardroom.
Commendable	Worthy of praise or approval.	Her commendable efforts earned her a promotion.
Committed	Dedicated or loyal to a cause or task.	He’s fully committed to his work.
Common	Ordinary or frequently encountered.	The practice is a common tradition in this region.
Communicative	Willing to share information or ideas.	She’s very communicative and open to suggestions.
Communist	Relating to or supporting communism.	The region adopted communist policies after the revolution.
Compassionate	Showing concern for others.	Her compassionate nature makes her a great counselor.
Compelling	Evoking interest or attention.	His speech was compelling and kept the audience engaged.
Competent	Capable and skilled.	She’s a highly competent manager.
Competitive	Striving to outdo others.	His competitive spirit drives him to succeed.
Complacent	Self-satisfied and unaware of potential dangers.	His complacent attitude hindered his progress.
Complex	Consisting of many interconnected parts.	Her character is complex and hard to understand.
Compliant	Willing to follow rules or requests.	The company is fully compliant with the regulations.
Complicated	Difficult to understand or deal with.	The situation became more complicated as details emerged.
Compulsive	Driven by an irresistible urge.	His compulsive habits include constant checking of his phone.
Concentrated	Focused or intense.	She gave a concentrated effort to complete the project.
Concerned	Worried or interested.	He’s deeply concerned about the upcoming changes.
Concise	Brief and to the point.	Her presentation was concise and well-organized.

Adjective	Definition	Example
Condescending	Acting superior or patronizing.	Her condescending attitude annoyed her coworkers.
Confident	Self-assured and certain in abilities.	He is a confident speaker who captivates his audience.
Conflicted	Feeling uncertain or indecisive.	She felt conflicted about choosing between the two options.
Confounded	Extremely confused or perplexed.	He was confounded by the unexpected outcome of the project.
Confused	Lacking understanding or clarity.	He looked confused after hearing the instructions.
Confusing	Difficult to understand or unclear.	The instructions were so confusing that nobody could follow them.
Connected	Involved or linked with something or someone.	She feels deeply connected to her community.
Conscientious	Diligent and careful in doing tasks.	A conscientious employee ensures no detail is overlooked.
Conservative	Preferring traditional values or cautious in change.	His conservative views on technology surprised the group.
Considerate	Thoughtful and mindful of others' needs.	She’s very considerate when planning group activities.
Consistent	Steady and reliable over time.	His performance has been consistent throughout the season.
Consoling	Providing comfort or support.	She offered consoling words to her grieving friend.
Conspicuous	Easily noticeable or attracting attention.	Her red dress made her conspicuous at the event.
Contagious	Spreading easily from one person to another.	Her contagious laughter brightened everyone's mood.
Contaminated	Impure or polluted.	The water supply was found to be contaminated.
Contemplative	Deep in thought or reflective.	He spent the afternoon in a contemplative mood by the lake.
Contemporary	Modern or current in style or ideas.	The gallery featured contemporary art.
Contemptuous	Showing disdain or disrespect.	His contemptuous remarks offended his peers.
Content	Satisfied or happy with what one has.	She feels content with her current job and lifestyle.
Contentious	Likely to cause disagreement or argument.	The proposal became a contentious topic in the meeting.
Contoured	Shaped or outlined.	Her face was beautifully contoured with makeup.
Contradictory	Inconsistent or opposing.	The two witnesses gave contradictory statements.
Contrite	Feeling or expressing remorse.	He was genuinely contrite after making the mistake.
Controllable	Capable of being directed or managed.	The new system is more controllable than the old one.
Controlling	Overly bossy or domineering.	Her controlling behavior frustrated her team.
Controversial	Causing disagreement or debate.	The decision was highly controversial among the staff.
Conventional	Traditional or widely accepted.	He has a conventional approach to solving problems.
Conversational	Friendly and engaging in tone or manner.	She has a conversational style that puts people at ease.
Convincing	Persuasive and believable.	Her argument was so convincing that everyone agreed.
Cool	Calm, composed, or fashionable.	He’s always so cool under pressure.
Cooperative	Willing to work with others.	The team was very cooperative during the project.
Coordinated	Well-organized or synchronized.	The dancers were perfectly coordinated during their performance.
Corny	Overused or overly sentimental.	His jokes are always corny, but they make us laugh.
Correct	Free from error or accurate.	The teacher praised her for her correct answers.
Corrupt	Dishonest or unethical.	The corrupt politician accepted bribes.
Corruptive	Causing moral decay or dishonesty.	The influence of money can be corruptive in politics.
Cosmopolitan	Sophisticated and worldly.	She has a cosmopolitan taste in art and food.
Courageous	Brave and bold in the face of danger.	The firefighter was celebrated for his courageous actions.
Courteous	Polite and respectful.	The waiter was very courteous and attentive.
Cowardly	Lacking courage or bravery.	His cowardly retreat disappointed his peers.
Coy	Pretending to be shy or modest.	She gave him a coy smile during the conversation.
Crabby	Easily annoyed or irritable.	He’s always crabby in the mornings before coffee.
Crafty	Skilled at deception or clever.	The fox is often portrayed as a crafty animal in fables.
Cranky	Bad-tempered or irritable.	The baby was cranky because she needed a nap.
Crass	Lacking sensitivity or refinement.	His crass comments embarrassed the entire group.
Craven	Cowardly or lacking in courage.	His craven behavior during the crisis was disappointing.
Crazy	Wildly foolish or mentally unstable.	Her crazy ideas often lead to exciting adventures.
Creative	Imaginative and innovative.	She is a creative artist who always surprises us.
Credible	Believable and trustworthy.	The witness gave a credible account of the events.
Creepy	Causing unease or fear.	The abandoned house had a creepy atmosphere.

Adjective	Definition	Example
Crestfallen	Feeling sad or disappointed.	She was crestfallen after failing the exam.
Criminal	Relating to crime or unlawful behavior.	His criminal past made it hard to find a job.
Crippled	Severely damaged or impaired.	The business was crippled by the economic downturn.
Critical	Inclined to find fault or judge harshly.	He gave a critical review of the new movie.
Crooked	Dishonest or bent out of shape.	The politician was accused of being crooked.
Cross	Annoyed or angry.	She was cross with him for being late again.
Crotchety	Bad-tempered or irritable.	The crotchety neighbor yelled at the kids playing outside.
Crude	Lacking refinement or tact.	His crude humor made some people uncomfortable.
Cruel	Willfully causing pain or suffering.	The dictator was known for his cruel policies.
Crummy	Of poor quality or unpleasant.	The hotel room was crummy and not worth the price.
Cryptic	Mysterious or having a hidden meaning.	His cryptic message left everyone confused.
Cuddly	Soft and inviting hugs.	The puppy was so cuddly that everyone wanted to hold it.
Cultural	Relating to the ideas, customs, or social behavior of a society.	The festival showcased cultural diversity.
Cultured	Refined and well-educated.	She’s a cultured individual with a love for the arts.
Cunning	Skillful in achieving goals through deceit.	The villain’s cunning plan nearly succeeded.
Curious	Eager to learn or know something.	The curious child asked many questions about the stars.
Curly	Having curls or waves in hair or texture.	Her curly hair framed her face beautifully.
Cursed	Doomed or under a spell.	The villagers believed the forest was cursed.
Curved	Having a rounded shape.	The artist drew a curved line to represent the path.
Curvy	Having curves, often used to describe a figure.	The dress highlighted her curvy silhouette.
Customer-oriented	Focused on satisfying customers' needs.	The company is very customer-oriented in its approach.
Cute	Endearing and charming in appearance.	The baby’s cute smile melted everyone’s hearts.
Cutting Edge	Innovative and advanced.	This technology is truly cutting edge and ahead of its time.
Cynical	Distrustful of others' motives.	His cynical view of the world made him difficult to work with.

List of Inspirational Adjectives That Start With C

Adjective	Definition	Example
Calm	Free from disturbance or agitation.	Her calm demeanor inspired confidence during the crisis.
Captivated	Deeply interested or mesmerized.	The audience was captivated by the motivational speech.
Carefree	Free from worry or stress.	Their carefree attitude reminds others to live in the moment.
Celebrated	Widely recognized and praised.	He is a celebrated author whose works inspire millions.
Celestial	Relating to the heavens or divine beauty.	The celestial view of the stars filled them with awe.
Ceremonial	Relating to formal or meaningful traditions.	The ceremonial event marked a new beginning for the community.
Certain	Free from doubt or confident in a decision.	She is certain that her efforts will lead to success.
Chance	Full of possibility and opportunity.	It was a chance encounter that changed his life forever.
Cheery	Bright and optimistic in attitude.	Her cheery outlook encouraged everyone to keep going.
Cherished	Highly valued or loved.	The book is a cherished possession that brings her comfort.
Choice	Of high quality or carefully selected.	His choice words inspired the entire team.
Cinematic	Dramatic and visually striking.	The presentation had a cinematic quality that captured the audience's imagination.
Classical	Timeless and of enduring value.	The classical symphony inspired a sense of harmony and beauty.
Clear	Easily understood or free of confusion.	The message was clear, motivating everyone to take action.
Comfortable	Providing ease and reassurance.	Her comfortable presence made the team feel secure in their abilities.
Compelling	Evoking interest, attention, or admiration.	The story was so compelling that it left everyone inspired.
Connected	Feeling close to or in harmony with others.	They felt connected to the cause and dedicated their efforts wholeheartedly.
Continuous	Uninterrupted and ongoing.	Her continuous efforts to improve inspired her peers.
Creative	Showing originality and imagination.	His creative ideas sparked innovation in the organization.
Crucial	Of great importance or significance.	This is a crucial moment to make a difference in the world.

List of Descriptive Adjectives That Start With C

Adjective	Definition	Example
Cackling	Making a harsh, loud laughing sound.	The witch’s cackling laugh echoed through the forest.
Cadaverous	Extremely pale or thin, resembling a corpse.	His cadaverous appearance worried his family.
Cadent	Rhythmic or flowing.	The poem had a cadent structure that was soothing to read.
Caged	Confined or enclosed like in a cage.	The bird looked sad and caged in its small enclosure.
Cagey	Secretive or reluctant to give information.	She was cagey about her plans for the evening.
Caked	Covered with a thick layer of something.	His boots were caked with mud after the hike.
Cakey	Having a texture similar to cake.	The foundation made her skin look cakey in photographs.
Calamitous	Involving disaster or causing great harm.	The earthquake had a calamitous effect on the region.
Calculated	Done with intent or planning.	His response was measured and calculated.
Calibrated	Precisely adjusted for a specific purpose.	The machine was calibrated to ensure accurate measurements.
Californian	Relating to California or its culture.	The surfer had a distinct Californian vibe.
Callous	Insensitive and unfeeling.	His callous attitude offended his coworkers.
Callow	Inexperienced and immature.	The callow intern struggled with the new responsibilities.
Calm	Free from disturbance or stress.	Her calm demeanor helped diffuse the tense situation.
Calming	Having a soothing or relaxing effect.	The soft music was incredibly calming.
Calorific	Containing many calories or producing heat.	This dessert is delicious but highly calorific.
Camera-shy	Reluctant to be photographed.	The celebrity is surprisingly camera-shy in public.
Camouflaged	Hidden or blended into surroundings.	The soldiers were well camouflaged in the dense jungle.
Canary	Bright yellow, like the bird.	She wore a canary yellow dress to the party.
Canceled	Revoked or nullified.	The flight was canceled due to bad weather.
Cancerous	Relating to or resembling cancer.	The growth was determined to be cancerous.
Candid	Open, honest, and straightforward.	He gave a candid explanation of his mistakes.
Canine	Relating to or resembling a dog.	The canine features of the animal were striking.
Cantankerous	Bad-tempered and argumentative.	The cantankerous old man scolded the children for playing too loudly.
Capable	Having the ability or qualities to succeed.	She is a capable leader who inspires her team.
Capital	Excellent or of primary importance.	This is a capital idea for the project.
Capricious	Impulsive or unpredictable.	Her capricious nature made her difficult to work with.
Captivated	Deeply interested or mesmerized.	The audience was captivated by the performance.
Captivating	Attracting and holding attention.	Her captivating smile won everyone’s heart.
Captive	Held under control or influence.	The captive audience listened intently to her speech.
Caramel	Golden-brown in color, like caramel.	She dyed her hair a rich caramel shade.
Cardboardy	Resembling cardboard in texture or quality.	The cookies were overbaked and tasted cardboardy.
Carefree	Without worry or stress.	They enjoyed a carefree day at the beach.
Careful	Taking care to avoid mistakes or harm.	Be careful with that glass—it’s fragile!
Careless	Lacking attention or responsibility.	His careless actions caused the accident.
Caring	Displaying kindness and concern for others.	She’s a very caring friend who always listens.
Carnal	Relating to physical, especially sexual, needs.	The novel explored carnal desires in depth.
Carnivorous	Meat-eating or predatory.	Tigers are carnivorous animals that hunt their prey.
Carpeted	Covered with carpet.	The room was fully carpeted in soft, beige fabric.
Carsick	Feeling nauseous due to motion in a car.	She became carsick during the long, winding drive.
Casual	Relaxed and informal.	He prefers casual clothing over formal suits.
Catastrophic	Disastrous or causing great damage.	The hurricane left catastrophic destruction in its wake.
Catatonic	Appearing lifeless or unresponsive.	He remained in a catatonic state after the shock.
Catchable	Able to be caught.	The ball was perfectly thrown and easily catchable.
Catty	Spiteful or mean-spirited.	Her catty remarks upset her colleagues.
Caustic	Sarcastic in a scathing or bitter way.	His caustic humor made people uncomfortable.
Cautious	Careful to avoid danger or mistakes.	She is always cautious when driving in bad weather.
Cavalier	Showing a lack of concern or seriousness.	His cavalier attitude irritated his coworkers.
Cavernous	Resembling a large, empty space.	The hall felt cavernous with its high ceilings and bare walls.

Adjective	Definition	Example
Ceaseless	Never-ending or continuous.	Her ceaseless energy inspired the entire team.
Celebrated	Widely known and praised.	He is a celebrated author in the literary world.
Celestial	Relating to the heavens or sky.	The celestial beauty of the night sky was mesmerizing.
Centered	Emotionally or mentally balanced.	He remained centered despite the chaos around him.
Central	Of primary importance or located in the center.	The library is in a central location downtown.
Ceramic	Made of clay and hardened by heat.	The ceramic vase was handcrafted by a local artist.
Cerebral	Relating to the brain or intellect.	His arguments were highly cerebral and thought-provoking.
Ceremonial	Related to formal or traditional events.	She wore a ceremonial gown for the inauguration.
Certain	Sure or confident about something.	She was certain that her decision was the right one.
Certifiable	Officially recognized or insane (context-dependent).	His achievements make him a certifiable expert.
Certified	Officially recognized or verified.	She is a certified yoga instructor.
Chagrined	Embarrassed or humiliated.	He felt chagrined after making the mistake in front of the crowd.
Chalky	Having a dry, powdery texture.	The old walls had a chalky surface that needed repainting.
Challenged	Experiencing difficulty or obstacles.	She felt challenged by the complex assignment.
Challenging	Demanding effort and determination.	It was a challenging task, but she succeeded.
Chance	Accidental or random.	It was a chance meeting that changed their lives.
Changeable	Capable of being changed or altered.	The weather in the region is highly changeable.
Changing	Undergoing transformation.	The changing seasons bring a variety of colors.
Chanting	Repeatedly singing or speaking words in rhythm.	The crowd was chanting slogans during the protest.
Charging	Moving forward with force or energy.	The charging bull startled the crowd at the rodeo.
Charismatic	Possessing charm and appeal.	The leader’s charismatic personality won over the audience.
Charitable	Generous and helpful to those in need.	Her charitable efforts have made a significant impact.
Charmed	Feeling fortunate or enchanted.	He lived a charmed life full of opportunities.
Charming	Pleasantly attractive or delightful.	The town had a charming atmosphere that drew tourists.
Charred	Burnt or blackened by fire.	The edges of the toast were slightly charred.
Chaste	Pure and virtuous.	She led a chaste and simple lifestyle.
Chattering	Talking rapidly or noisily.	The students were chattering excitedly before the field trip.
Chatting	Engaging in informal conversation.	They were chatting about their weekend plans.
Chatty	Talkative or prone to conversation.	He’s a chatty person who loves sharing stories.
Chauvinistic	Excessively patriotic or prejudiced.	His chauvinistic remarks offended many listeners.
Cheap	Low in cost or quality.	The shoes looked cheap, but they were comfortable.
Cheapest	The least expensive.	She bought the cheapest option available.
Checkered	Marked by varied events or patterns.	He has a checkered past filled with ups and downs.
Cheeky	Playfully bold or mischievous.	His cheeky grin made everyone laugh.
Cheerful	Noticeably happy and optimistic.	She always has a cheerful smile on her face.
Cheering	Encouraging or uplifting.	The cheering crowd boosted the athlete’s confidence.
Cheerless	Gloomy or lacking joy.	The room felt cheerless without any decorations.
Cheery	Bright and happy in mood.	The café has a cheery atmosphere that draws in customers.
Cheesy	Overly sentimental or tacky.	The movie was so cheesy that it was hard not to laugh.
Chemical	Relating to or involving chemicals.	The chemical smell in the lab was overwhelming.
Cherish	Holding something dear or valuable.	They cherish the memories of their time together.
Cherished	Loved and valued greatly.	Her grandmother’s locket is a cherished heirloom.
Chewable	Able to be chewed easily.	The vitamins come in chewable tablets for kids.
Chewy	Requiring effort to chew.	The cookies were soft and chewy, just the way she liked them.
Chic	Stylish and fashionable.	She looked chic in her tailored dress.
Chicken	Cowardly or timid.	He was too chicken to try the roller coaster.
Chief	Most important or highest in rank.	Her chief responsibility is managing the budget.
Childish	Immature or silly.	His childish behavior embarrassed his colleagues.
Childlike	Innocent or resembling a child.	Her childlike wonder made the trip to the museum exciting.
Chilling	Frightening or causing fear.	The chilling sound in the night startled the campers.

Adjective	Definition	Example
Chilly	Cold or unfriendly in manner or temperature.	The chilly wind made everyone shiver.
Chinese	Relating to China or its people.	She enjoys Chinese cuisine.
Chiseled	Having well-defined, sharp features.	His chiseled jawline made him look like a model.
Chivalrous	Courteous and gallant, especially toward women.	He’s known for his chivalrous nature.
Chock-full	Completely full or overflowing.	The box was chock-full of delicious snacks.
Chocolate	Having the color or flavor of chocolate.	She wore a chocolate brown sweater.
Choice	Of superior quality or carefully selected.	They serve choice cuts of meat at the restaurant.
Choking	Causing difficulty in breathing.	The smoke was choking and made it hard to breathe.
Choosy	Picky or highly selective.	She’s very choosy when it comes to her outfits.
Choppy	Uneven or rough in movement or texture.	The boat ride was choppy due to the strong winds.
Chrome	Having a shiny metallic surface.	The car’s chrome accents gave it a sleek look.
Chronic	Persisting for a long time or recurring.	She suffers from chronic back pain.
Chronological	Arranged in the order of time.	The events were listed in chronological order.
Chubby	Slightly overweight in a pleasant way.	The chubby baby smiled at everyone in the room.
Chuckling	Laughing quietly or softly.	He was chuckling at the funny joke.
Chummy	Friendly and sociable.	They’ve been quite chummy since they started working together.
Chunky	Bulky or thick in size.	He wore a chunky sweater on the cold day.
Churlish	Rude or lacking manners.	His churlish behavior upset everyone at the party.
Cinematic	Dramatic or visually striking, like in films.	The scene had a cinematic quality with its stunning visuals.
Circling	Moving around in a circular path.	The eagle was circling above the forest.
Circular	Shaped like a circle.	They sat at a circular table for the meeting.
Circumstantial	Dependent on specific conditions or details.	The evidence was purely circumstantial.
Citrus	Relating to or resembling citrus fruits.	The soap had a refreshing citrus scent.
Citrusy	Having the flavor or aroma of citrus.	The drink had a citrusy tang.
Civil	Polite and courteous in manner.	Despite the disagreement, they remained civil.
Civilian	Relating to or characteristic of non-military life.	The civilian population was evacuated.
Civilized	Polite, well-mannered, and culturally advanced.	The debate was conducted in a civilized manner.
Clammy	Damp, sticky, and unpleasant.	His hands felt clammy from nervousness.
Clamoring	Loud and persistent in demand or protest.	The crowd was clamoring for justice.
Clamorous	Making loud and confusing noise.	The clamorous market was full of life and energy.
Clandestine	Secretive and hidden from view.	They held a clandestine meeting late at night.
Clanging	Producing a loud, resonant metallic sound.	The clanging of the pots startled the cat.
Clapping	Producing applause or claps.	The audience was clapping loudly for the performer.
Clashing	In conflict or strikingly different.	Their clashing personalities often led to arguments.
Clasped	Firmly held or fastened.	Her hands were clasped tightly in prayer.
Classic	Timeless and universally recognized.	The novel is considered a classic in literature.
Classical	Traditional or relating to classical music or art.	The orchestra played a classical symphony.
Classifiable	Able to be categorized or classified.	The documents were neatly classifiable into sections.
Classified	Kept secret or restricted.	The report contained classified information.
Classy	Elegant and sophisticated.	She looked very classy in her evening gown.
Clean	Free from dirt or mess.	The kitchen was spotless and clean.
Cleanable	Able to be cleaned easily.	The fabric is fully cleanable and stain-resistant.
Cleansed	Made pure or clean.	He felt cleansed after the relaxing spa day.
Clear	Easily understood or free of obstructions.	Her voice was clear and carried across the room.
Clear-cut	Obvious or sharply defined.	The distinction between the two options was clear-cut.
Cleared	Free from obstacles or authorized.	The path was cleared for hikers.
Clear-headed	Thinking logically and calmly.	Despite the pressure, she remained clear-headed.
Clever	Quick-witted and resourceful.	His clever solution impressed everyone in the meeting.
Climatic	Relating to the weather or climate.	The climatic conditions were ideal for farming.
Climbable	Able to be climbed.	The tree was climbable, making it perfect for kids.

Adjective	Definition	Example
Clinging	Holding tightly or persistently.	The child was clinging to her mother’s arm.
Clingy	Overly dependent or emotionally attached.	Her clingy behavior made her friends uncomfortable.
Clinical	Objective and unemotional; related to clinics.	His explanation was clinical and lacked warmth.
Clipped	Short and abrupt in manner or speech.	Her clipped tone made it clear she was annoyed.
Cliquish	Exclusive or forming cliques.	The group’s cliquish behavior made others feel unwelcome.
Clogged	Blocked or obstructed.	The sink was clogged with food debris.
Cloistered	Secluded or sheltered from the outside world.	The monk led a cloistered life in the mountains.
Close	Physically near or emotionally intimate.	They have a very close friendship.
Close-minded	Unwilling to consider new ideas.	His close-minded attitude limited his opportunities.
Closable	Able to be closed.	The box is designed with a closable lid.
Closed	Not open or accessible.	The store was closed for renovations.
Cloudless	Clear and free of clouds.	The sky was cloudless, perfect for stargazing.
Cloudy	Covered with clouds or unclear.	The weather was cloudy with a chance of rain.
Clownish	Foolish or silly in behavior.	His clownish antics disrupted the serious meeting.
Clueless	Lacking knowledge or understanding.	She seemed completely clueless about the situation.
Clumsy	Awkward or lacking coordination.	His clumsy attempt to dance made everyone laugh.
Cluttered	Messy or disorganized.	Her desk was so cluttered that she couldn’t find her papers.
Coachable	Willing and able to learn or improve.	She’s very coachable, always eager to take feedback.
Coarse	Rough in texture or lacking refinement.	The fabric felt coarse against his skin.
Coastal	Located near or relating to the coast.	They enjoyed the coastal scenery during their vacation.
Cockamamie	Ridiculous or nonsensical.	That’s the most cockamamie idea I’ve ever heard!
Cocky	Overconfident and arrogant.	His cocky attitude annoyed everyone.
Codified	Arranged into a systematic code or plan.	The rules were codified into a formal document.
Coercive	Using force or threats to compel action.	The policy was criticized for its coercive tactics.
Cognitive	Relating to mental processes such as thinking.	The study focused on cognitive development in children.
Coherent	Logical and consistent.	Her argument was clear and coherent.
Cohesive	United or working together effectively.	The team presented a cohesive plan to the board.
Coincidental	Happening by chance at the same time.	Their meeting at the airport was purely coincidental.
Cold	Lacking warmth or emotion.	His cold attitude made it difficult to approach him.
Cold-hearted	Unfeeling and lacking compassion.	She was accused of being cold-hearted after firing the employee.
Collaborative	Working well with others.	The project was a collaborative effort by the entire team.
Collapsed	Fallen or caved in.	The building was collapsed after the earthquake.
Collapsing	In the process of falling or caving in.	The bridge was collapsing under the weight of the truck.
Collectable	Worthy of being collected or kept.	The limited-edition coins are highly collectable.
Collegial	Friendly and cooperative among colleagues.	The team had a collegial atmosphere.
Colloquial	Informal or conversational in language.	The book was written in a colloquial style that appealed to readers.
Colombian	Relating to Colombia or its culture.	She enjoys Colombian coffee every morning.
Colonial	Relating to a colony or colonial period.	The house had beautiful colonial architecture.
Colorful	Full of vivid colors or variety.	The parade was a colorful celebration of culture.
Colorless	Lacking color or vibrancy.	The room looked colorless without decorations.
Colossal	Extremely large or massive.	The skyscraper was a colossal achievement in engineering.
Combative	Ready or eager to fight or argue.	His combative attitude made negotiations difficult.
Combined	Brought together or united.	The combined efforts of the group led to success.
Comfortable	Providing ease or relaxation.	The couch was so comfortable that he fell asleep.
Comforted	Reassured or consoled.	She felt comforted by her friend’s kind words.
Comforting	Providing comfort or reassurance.	The comforting hug eased her worries.
Comical	Funny or amusing.	His comical expressions always made people laugh.
Commanding	Authoritative and in control.	She has a commanding presence in the boardroom.
Commemorative	Intended to honor or remember.	They released a commemorative coin for the anniversary.
Commendable	Worthy of praise or recognition.	Her commendable efforts helped the project succeed.

Adjective	Definition	Example
Conflicting	Inconsistent or in disagreement.	The witnesses provided conflicting accounts of the event.
Conformable	Agreeable or compliant with rules or conditions.	The material is conformable to various shapes.
Confounded	Extremely confused or perplexed.	He was confounded by the unexpected test results.
Confused	Lacking clarity or understanding.	She looked confused after hearing the instructions.
Confusing	Difficult to understand or unclear.	The directions were so confusing that no one followed them correctly.
Congealed	Turned from liquid to solid or semi-solid.	The soup had congealed into a thick, gelatinous mass.
Congenial	Pleasant and friendly.	The staff were incredibly congenial and helpful.
Congenital	Present from birth.	She has a congenital heart condition.
Congested	Overcrowded or blocked.	The highway was heavily congested during rush hour.
Congressional	Relating to a congress or legislative body.	The congressional debate lasted for hours.
Congruent	In agreement or harmony.	Their goals were congruent, making collaboration easy.
Congruous	Suitable or appropriate in context.	The new policy is congruous with existing regulations.
Conical	Shaped like a cone.	The mountain had a distinct conical peak.
Connectable	Able to be linked or joined.	The device is connectable to various systems.
Connected	Linked or associated.	She felt deeply connected to her heritage.
Connecting	Bringing things or people together.	The connecting flight was delayed by two hours.
Connective	Serving to join or link.	The connective tissue supports the structure of the body.
Conscientious	Diligent and careful in work or tasks.	He’s a conscientious worker who pays attention to detail.
Conscious	Aware of and responsive to one’s surroundings.	She is conscious of the impact of her actions.
Consecutive	Following one after the other.	She won three consecutive matches in the tournament.
Consensual	Agreed upon by all parties involved.	The decision was made through a consensual agreement.
Consenting	Giving permission or agreement.	Both parties were consenting to the arrangement.
Conservative	Favoring traditional values or cautious in change.	His conservative approach minimized risks.
Considerable	Large in amount or importance.	She made a considerable effort to improve her skills.
Considerate	Thoughtful and mindful of others’ needs.	He is always considerate of his colleagues’ time.
Consistent	Steady and reliable over time.	Her performance has been consistent throughout the season.
Consoling	Providing comfort or reassurance.	His consoling words helped her through a tough time.
Conspicuous	Easily noticeable or attracting attention.	Her red dress made her conspicuous at the party.
Conspiratorial	Suggesting involvement in a secret plan.	They exchanged conspiratorial glances during the meeting.
Constant	Unchanging or continuous.	His support has been a constant source of strength for me.
Constitutional	Relating to a constitution or physical health.	The law was deemed constitutional by the court.
Constricted	Tightened or restricted.	The narrow alley felt constricted and difficult to navigate.
Constrictive	Limiting or restricting freedom or movement.	The rules had a constrictive effect on creativity.
Constructive	Serving a useful or beneficial purpose.	She gave constructive feedback that helped improve the project.
Consumable	Intended to be used up or consumed.	The store sells consumable goods like snacks and drinks.
Consummate	Showing a high degree of skill or flair.	He is a consummate professional in his field.
Contagious	Easily spread from person to person.	Her laughter was so contagious that everyone joined in.
Containable	Able to be controlled or kept within limits.	The fire was quickly deemed containable by the firefighters.
Contaminated	Impure or polluted.	The water supply was contaminated by industrial waste.
Contemplative	Deep in thought or reflective.	He spent the afternoon in a contemplative mood.
Contemporary	Modern or current in style or ideas.	The gallery featured contemporary art exhibits.
Contemptible	Deserving of scorn or disrespect.	His actions were contemptible and deeply upsetting.
Contemptuous	Showing disdain or disrespect.	She gave him a contemptuous glare during the argument.
Content	Satisfied or at peace.	He felt content with his achievements.
Contented	Happy and satisfied.	She led a contented life in the countryside.
Contentious	Causing disagreement or argument.	The policy has become a contentious issue.
Contextual	Relating to or dependent on context.	The meaning of the word is contextual and varies in different situations.
Continual	Repeated or happening frequently.	Her continual interruptions made it hard to focus.
Continuing	Ongoing or in progress.	The continuing success of the campaign was celebrated.
Continuous	Without interruption or pause.	The stream flowed in a continuous motion down the hill.

Adjective	Definition	Example
Contorted	Twisted or bent out of shape.	His face was contorted with pain.
Contoured	Shaped or outlined with precision.	The artist painted the contoured landscape.
Contractual	Relating to a contract or agreement.	Their relationship was defined by contractual obligations.
Contradicting	Opposing or inconsistent.	The two statements were clearly contradicting.
Contradictory	Inconsistent or mutually opposed.	His actions were contradictory to his words.
Contrarian	Opposing popular opinion or practice.	Her contrarian views often sparked debates.
Contrary	Opposite in nature or direction.	His behavior was contrary to what was expected.
Contributive	Helping to bring about a result.	His ideas were contributive to the project’s success.
Contrite	Feeling or expressing remorse.	He appeared contrite after realizing his mistake.
Controllable	Capable of being managed or directed.	The new system is highly controllable.
Controlling	Overly bossy or domineering.	Her controlling nature made teamwork difficult.
Controversial	Causing disagreement or debate.	The new policy is highly controversial.
Convenient	Easy to use or suitable for a particular purpose.	The location of the store is very convenient.
Conventional	Following traditional norms or standards.	He prefers a conventional approach to problem-solving.
Conversational	Friendly or informal in tone.	Her conversational style made everyone feel at ease.
Convex	Curved outward like the surface of a sphere.	The mirror has a convex surface.
Convinced	Completely certain or persuaded.	She was convinced that her decision was correct.
Convincing	Persuasive or believable.	His argument was so convincing that everyone agreed.
Convoluted	Complicated or difficult to understand.	The plot of the movie was too convoluted to follow.
Convulsive	Involving sudden, uncontrollable movements.	He had a convulsive reaction to the shock.
Cooing	Making soft, murmuring sounds.	The baby was cooing happily in her crib.
Cooked	Prepared by heating or cooking.	The vegetables were perfectly cooked.
Cool	Calm, composed, or fashionable.	He always stays cool under pressure.
Cooperative	Willing to work with others.	The students were cooperative during the group activity.
Coordinated	Well-organized or synchronized.	The dancers performed in a perfectly coordinated routine.
Copious	Abundant or plentiful.	They received copious amounts of feedback on their proposal.
Copper	Having the reddish-brown color of copper.	Her hair had a rich copper hue.
Cordial	Warm and friendly.	They had a cordial conversation about their plans.
Corner	Relating to or forming a corner.	The corner table was reserved for the couple.
Cornered	Trapped or in a difficult position.	The cat felt cornered and hissed at the intruder.
Corny	Overused and lacking originality.	His jokes were so corny that everyone rolled their eyes.
Corporate	Relating to a corporation or business.	The event was sponsored by a major corporate brand.
Corpulent	Large or overweight.	The king was described as a corpulent man with a hearty laugh.
Correct	Free from error or accurate.	The answer to the math problem was correct.
Correctable	Able to be fixed or amended.	Most of the errors in the report are correctable.
Corrective	Intended to fix or improve something.	They implemented corrective measures to address the issue.
Corresponding	Matching or equivalent.	The graph shows corresponding data for the two groups.
Corrosive	Causing damage through a chemical reaction.	The acid was highly corrosive and required careful handling.
Corrupt	Dishonest or unethical.	The official was accused of being corrupt.
Corrupting	Causing moral or ethical decay.	Power has a corrupting influence on some leaders.
Corruptive	Tending to corrupt or degrade.	The corruptive nature of money was a central theme in the novel.
Cosmetic	Relating to appearance or surface features.	The changes made to the building were purely cosmetic.
Cosmic	Vast or relating to the universe.	The telescope provided a glimpse into cosmic phenomena.
Cosmopolitan	Sophisticated and worldly.	She has a cosmopolitan outlook on life.
Costly	Expensive or causing a great loss.	The mistake proved to be costly for the company.
Cotton	Made of or resembling cotton.	She wore a cotton dress to stay cool in the heat.
Cottony	Soft and fluffy like cotton.	The clouds looked cottony against the blue sky.
Coughing	Making sudden, noisy expulsions of air from the lungs.	The child was coughing all night due to a cold.
Countless	Too many to count.	The project required countless hours of dedication.
Courageous	Brave and bold in the face of danger.	The firefighter’s courageous actions saved lives.

Adjective	Definition	Example
Courteous	Polite and respectful in manner.	The waiter was very courteous to all the customers.
Covered	Enclosed or concealed by something.	The table was covered with a red tablecloth.
Covert	Hidden or secretive.	They planned a covert operation to retrieve the files.
Coveted	Greatly desired or envied.	She won the coveted Best Actor award.
Cowardly	Lacking courage or bravery.	His cowardly actions disappointed his friends.
Cowering	Cringing or recoiling in fear.	The dog was cowering in the corner during the thunderstorm.
Coy	Pretending to be shy or modest.	She gave a coy smile during the conversation.
Cozy	Comfortable, warm, and inviting.	The cabin had a cozy atmosphere with its fireplace.
Crabby	Irritable or easily annoyed.	He was feeling particularly crabby after missing his morning coffee.
Cracked	Broken or with fine lines on the surface.	The cracked mirror reflected a distorted image.
Crackling	Making sharp, snapping sounds.	The fire was crackling in the fireplace.
Crafty	Clever and deceitful in achieving goals.	The fox is often portrayed as a crafty character in fables.
Craggy	Rugged or uneven, often describing terrain.	The craggy cliffs made the hike challenging.
Crammed	Filled tightly with no space left.	The room was crammed with books and papers.
Cramped	Small and confined in space.	The apartment felt cramped with so many people inside.
Cranky	Bad-tempered or irritable.	The baby was cranky because she needed a nap.
Crashing	Making loud, sudden noises.	The sound of crashing waves filled the air.
Crass	Lacking sensitivity or refinement.	His crass remarks offended everyone at the meeting.
Craven	Cowardly or lacking courage.	His craven decision to avoid the challenge disappointed his team.
Crawling	Moving slowly, especially on hands and knees.	The baby was crawling across the floor.
Crazy	Wildly foolish or mentally unstable.	Her crazy ideas often led to unexpected adventures.
Creaking	Making a high-pitched sound when moving.	The old door was creaking as it opened.
Creaky	Old and likely to make noises when moved.	The creaky stairs echoed in the empty house.
Cream	Having the color or consistency of cream.	She painted the walls a soft cream color.
Creamy	Smooth and rich in texture.	The soup was deliciously creamy.
Creative	Imaginative and original.	His creative ideas brought new life to the project.
Credible	Believable or trustworthy.	Her explanation was detailed and credible.
Creeping	Moving slowly and stealthily.	A spider was creeping along the windowsill.
Creepy	Causing unease or fear.	The abandoned house had a creepy atmosphere.
Crestfallen	Feeling disappointed or dejected.	She was crestfallen after hearing the bad news.
Criminal	Relating to or guilty of a crime.	His criminal behavior shocked everyone.
Crimson	Deep red in color.	The sunset painted the sky a rich crimson hue.
Crinkly	Having small wrinkles or folds.	The gift wrap was crinkly and shiny.
Crippled	Severely damaged or impaired.	The economy was crippled by the financial crisis.
Crippling	Causing severe damage or hardship.	The storm dealt a crippling blow to the city’s infrastructure.
Crisp	Firm, fresh, or clean in appearance.	The apple was deliciously crisp and sweet.
Crispy	Crunchy in texture.	The bacon was perfectly crispy.
Crisscross	Marked with intersecting lines or paths.	The map was full of crisscross roads and trails.
Critical	Expressing judgment or finding fault.	The report was highly critical of the new policy.
Critical-thinking	Logical and analytical in approach.	Critical-thinking skills are essential for solving complex problems.
Criticized	Judged unfavorably or negatively.	The artist was heavily criticized for her controversial work.
Crooked	Bent or dishonest.	The picture frame hung crooked on the wall.
Cropped	Cut short or reduced in length.	She wore a cropped jacket over her dress.
Cross	Annoyed or irritated.	She was cross with him for being late again.
Crossed	Intersected or overlapped.	The wires were accidentally crossed, causing a short circuit.
Crotchety	Bad-tempered or irritable.	The crotchety old man complained about the noise.
Crowded	Full of people or things.	The train was crowded during rush hour.
Crucial	Extremely important or essential.	It’s crucial to follow the safety guidelines.
Crude	Rough or unrefined in behavior or appearance.	His crude remarks offended everyone in the room.
Cruel	Willfully causing pain or suffering.	Her cruel actions left a lasting impact.

Adjective	Definition	Example
Crumbling	Breaking apart into small pieces.	The old castle was crumbling from neglect.
Crumbly	Easily breaking into small fragments.	The cookies were soft and crumbly.
Crummy	Of poor quality or unpleasant.	The hotel room was crummy and overpriced.
Crumply	Full of wrinkles or folds.	The packaging was old and crumply.
Crunchable	Able to be crushed or eaten with a crunch.	These crackers are deliciously crunchable.
Crunching	Making a crisp, cracking noise when pressed.	The sound of crunching leaves filled the air.
Crunchy	Crisp and firm in texture.	The salad was fresh and crunchy.
Crushable	Capable of being crushed.	The aluminum can is lightweight and crushable.
Crushed	Broken or pressed into smaller pieces.	The flowers were crushed underfoot.
Crushing	Overwhelming or devastating.	The team suffered a crushing defeat in the finals.
Crusty	Having a hard outer surface.	The bread had a warm, crusty exterior.
Crying	Shedding tears or calling out loudly.	The crying baby needed attention.
Cryptic	Mysterious or having a hidden meaning.	The message was written in cryptic symbols.
Crystalline	Clear or resembling crystal.	The lake’s water was crystalline and inviting.
Crystallized	Formed into crystals or made clear.	Her ideas became crystallized after much thought.
Cuddly	Soft, warm, and inviting hugs.	The teddy bear was so cuddly that it became her favorite.
Cultivated	Refined and educated, or prepared for crops.	He is a cultivated man with a love for the arts.
Cultural	Relating to culture or customs.	The museum highlights the cultural heritage of the region.
Cultured	Sophisticated and well-educated.	She is a cultured individual with an appreciation for classical music.
Cumbersome	Difficult to carry or handle due to size or weight.	The package was large and cumbersome.
Cumulative	Increasing in quantity or effect over time.	The cumulative effects of the medication took a toll on his health.
Cunning	Clever in achieving goals, often deceitfully.	The thief used a cunning plan to escape.
Culpable	Deserving blame or guilt.	The judge declared him culpable for the crime.
Curable	Able to be healed or remedied.	The disease is rare but curable with early treatment.
Curative	Having healing properties.	This herb is known for its curative effects on the body.
Curious	Eager to learn or know something.	The curious child asked endless questions.
Curly	Having curls or waves in hair or texture.	Her curly hair bounced as she walked.
Current	Happening or existing now.	The current situation requires immediate attention.
Cursed	Doomed or under a spell.	The family believed the house was cursed.
Curt	Brief and to the point, often rudely so.	His curt reply ended the conversation abruptly.
Curved	Bent or rounded in shape.	The curved path led to a hidden garden.
Curvy	Having curves or a rounded shape.	She admired the curvy lines of the sculpture.
Cushy	Easy and comfortable.	He landed a cushy job with flexible hours.
Customary	According to tradition or usual practices.	It’s customary to shake hands when meeting someone new.
Customer-oriented	Focused on satisfying customers' needs.	The business prides itself on being customer-oriented.
Cut	Divided into pieces or shaped by cutting.	The cut flowers were arranged beautifully in a vase.
Cute	Endearing and charming in appearance.	The puppy’s cute antics melted everyone’s hearts.
Cutting	Sharp or able to cut.	The cutting edge of the blade was razor-sharp.
Cutting Edge	Highly innovative and advanced.	The company is known for its cutting-edge technology.
Cylindrical	Shaped like a cylinder.	The container had a cylindrical design.
Cynical	Distrustful of others’ motives.	His cynical view of the world made him difficult to work with.

Featured Adjectives Grouped by Topics

1. Personality Traits

Positive: Caring, Cheerful, Charismatic.
Negative: Cynical, Callous, Combative.
Neutral: Curious, Critical, Calm.

2. Describing Appearance

Positive: Classy, Charming, Colorful.
Negative: Clumsy, Cold, Boring.
Neutral: Clear, Cool, Crowded.

3. Emotions and Feelings

Positive: Calm, Cheerful, Confident.
Negative: Cruel, Cynical, Cautious.
Neutral: Curious, Critical, Careful.

Everyday Use of Adjectives Starting With C

Positive: "Her charming demeanor made her a great host."
Negative: "His cynical remarks dampened the mood."
Neutral: "The clear skies made for a perfect day to hike."

Common Mistakes

1. Misusing “Calm” for “Carefree”

Mistake: "She seemed calm and unconcerned."
Correction: "She seemed carefree and unconcerned."
Tip: Use "calm" for peaceful states and "carefree" for lack of worries.

2. Confusing “Confident” with “Arrogant”

Mistake: "He’s confident and ignores advice."
Correction: "He’s arrogant and ignores advice."
Tip: Confidence is positive; arrogance is dismissive or boastful.

3. Overusing “Creative” for Non-Innovative Tasks

Mistake: "The accountant came up with a creative spreadsheet."
Correction: "The accountant came up with an efficient spreadsheet."

4. Using “Cheerful” for Formal Tone

Mistake: "The report had a cheerful conclusion."
Correction: "The report had an optimistic conclusion."

5. Mixing “Critical” with “Cynical”

Mistake: "She’s cynical about every detail in the project."
Correction: "She’s critical about every detail in the project."

FAQ

What’s the difference between “Cheerful” and “Happy”?

Cheerful implies an outward expression of positivity, while happy refers to an internal state of joy.

Can “Clever” be used negatively?

Yes, it can imply cunning or deceit in some contexts.
Example: "His clever trick fooled everyone."

Is “Cold” always negative?

No, it can describe temperature neutrally or negatively describe a lack of warmth in behavior.

What’s the difference between “Curious” and “Nosy”?

Curious is a neutral or positive trait, while nosy suggests intrusive behavior.

Can “Compassionate” describe non-human subjects?

Rarely, but it can describe actions or policies that demonstrate care for others.