Words Ending in DA: Where Latin Meets the Crossword Grid
AGENDA, ARMADA, PANDA — words ending in DA have a distinctly international flavor. Most trace back to Latin, Spanish, or Italian, and they carry a musical, rounded sound that English borrowed enthusiastically. The Latin roots are especially visible: ADDENDA (things to be added), AGENDA (things to be done), PROPAGANDA (things to be propagated) all follow the Latin gerundive pattern. This isn't just trivia — knowing the Latin connection helps you solve crossword clues, because editors often write clues referencing origin or formal usage.
For word game players, the DA ending offers some surprisingly high-value options. CICADA (the buzzing insect) is worth 11 points in Scrabble and appears in crosswords every summer, usually clued around its distinctive sound or 17-year life cycle. ARMADA, clued as the Spanish fleet or any large group of ships, is another six-letter staple. LAMBDA and AGENDA round out the most frequently seen DA words in puzzles. If you play Words With Friends, CANDIDA (a type of yeast) is valid and scores well with its seven letters hitting bonus tiles.
One tip: DA endings cluster in the 5-to-7 letter range, so if your crossword answer is in that zone and the clue has a foreign or formal tone, try DA. See also words ending in EX for another Latin-heavy ending, words ending in P for a contrasting set, and words starting with S for words like SALUDA and SODA.
FAQ
Why do so many DA words come from Latin?
The -DA ending in English frequently reflects the Latin neuter plural or gerundive form. AGENDA literally means "things to be done," ADDENDA means "things to be added." English adopted these wholesale, keeping the original endings intact. For another Latin-influenced pattern, explore words ending in EX.
What are the best DA-ending words for Scrabble?
CICADA (11 points), ARMADA (9 points), and LAMBDA (11 points) offer solid scoring. PROPAGANDA is worth 16 points if you can fit all 11 letters. For shorter, higher-value plays, check out words ending in F where tiles carry more individual point value.