top of page

Verbs Examples Beginning with the Letter S

 A  B  C  D  E  F  G  H  I  J  K  L  M  N  O  P  Q  R  S  T  U  V  W  X  Y  Z 

Select a vocabulary word to view its full dictionary meaning. Browse nouns, adjectives, or use the dictionary word search(Learn more about parts of speech.)

Learn 1,500 Must-Know Verbs

The Vocabulary Builder Workbook of Verbs
  • 70 lessons, 175 activities

  • Dictionary, thesaurus, workbook

  • TOEFL, IELTS, SAT, GRE, ACT

5 stars

(4.8)

To produce and secrete saliva in the mouth, usually in response to the anticipation or presence of food.

To gradually weakening, depleting, or draining someone or something of energy, vitality, or strength.

To fully satisfy or fulfill one's appetite, desires, or needs.

To use wit, humor, and irony to ridicule or mock individuals, institutions, or societal norms.

To fully enjoy, relish, or appreciate something, typically related to taste or experience.

To climb, ascend, or reach the top of something, typically a physical object or a vertical surface.

To disperse or spread objects, people, or things in various directions, often in a random or disorganized manner.

To reproach, criticize, or rebuke someone in a harsh or stern manner due to their perceived wrongdoing, mistake, or inappropriate behavior.

To intensely search, investigate, or examine something in a thorough and meticulous manner.

To discard, get rid of, or dispose of something, typically because it is no longer needed, useful, or valuable.

To rub or drag a hard or sharp object against a surface with some force, often resulting in the removal or alteration of material from that surface.

To rub or scrape something with a sharp or rough object, usually with one's fingernails or a pointed instrument.

To obtain or acquire something, often in a resourceful or opportunistic manner, especially when faced with limited or scarce options.

To vigorously clean or rub a surface or object using a brush, sponge, or similar tool.

To examine or inspect something closely and meticulously, often with great attention to detail.

To take hold of something forcibly or quickly, often with a sense of urgency or determination.

To provide assistance, aid, or service to others, often in a helpful or supportive capacity.

To reach a resolution or agreement, often after negotiation or discussion.

To break or causing something to break violently into numerous pieces, often with a loud noise and considerable force.

To change or move from one position, state, or condition to another.

To deliberately seek attention or behave in an ostentatious or flamboyant manner in order to impress others or gain recognition.

To pour or spray water or other substances in a continuous, forceful manner.

To decrease in size, volume, or extent.

To wilt, dry, or wither due to loss of moisture or vitality.

To convey meaning, indicate, or represent something.

To imitate or replicate a particular situation, process, or experience in order to understand or explore its characteristics, behavior, or outcomes.

To transfer or draw off liquid from one container or source to another by using a tube or pipe.

To hastily or quickly depart or flee from a place.

To intentionally avoid work or responsibilities, particularly by staying away or being absent from one's obligations without a legitimate reason.

To close or shut something with great intensity, often accompanied by a loud noise.

To kill animals, typically in large numbers and often for the purpose of obtaining meat or other animal products.

The act of deliberately treating someone with indifference, disrespect, or disregard in a manner that undermines their worth or importance.

To suddenly drop or fall into a lower or less favorable condition, state, or position.

To speak indistinctly, hastily, or in a way that lacks clarity or precision.

To intentionally spread false, damaging, or unfavorable information about a person or group with the aim of tarnishing their character or credibility.

To completely cover or suffocate someone or something, often with a soft material or by applying pressure.

To deliberately ignore, reject, or treat someone with disdain or contempt.

To fly or move upward with great height and speed.

To cry or weep audibly and uncontrollably, often accompanied by convulsive or heaving breaths.

To make something less firm, rigid, or harsh in texture, appearance, or behavior.

To calm, comfort, or relieve someone or something from distress, discomfort, or agitation.

To produce or generate offspring, typically in large numbers.

To divide, separate, or break something into two or more parts or pieces.

To speak or utter words in a rapid, disjointed, or faltering manner.

To cause damage, decay, or deterioration to something, typically by exposing it to unfavorable conditions or neglecting its proper care.

To scatter or disperse something in small droplets or particles over a surface.

To begin to grow and emerge from the ground.

To stimulate, encourage, or incite someone or something to take action or to move forward.

To move or gush with a sudden burst of speed.

To waste something, usually a valuable resource, in a careless or reckless manner.

To narrow one's eyes or look with partially closed eyelids, often in an attempt to see more clearly or to reduce the amount of light entering the eyes.

To make something stable, steady, or balanced.

To move unsteadily or sway from side to side, often as a result of being off balance or experiencing dizziness or exhaustion.

To surprise or startle someone or something, typically causing a sudden and often involuntary reaction.

To express or declare something formally, clearly, and explicitly.

To eliminate or destroy all forms of microorganisms, such as bacteria, viruses, and fungi, from a surface, object, substance, or environment.

To attach a negative social or cultural perception to a person, group, or idea, often leading to their exclusion or marginalization.

To encourage or arouse activity, growth, or response in someone or something.

To physically agitate or mix.

To bend one's body forward and downward, often by curving the back and shoulders.

To intentionally or unintentionally causing someone's death or prevent them from breathing by applying pressure or constriction around their throat or neck.

To make something stronger, more robust, or more resilient.

To emphasize, highlight, or place particular importance on something.

To scatter or spread something in a random or disorderly manner.

To make a vigorous attempt to overcome obstacles, achieve a goal, or navigate through a tough situation.

To perplex, challenge, or puzzle someone with a question, problem, or riddle, often leaving them at a loss for a solution or answer.

To temporarily render someone or something unconscious, disoriented, or overwhelmed, often as a result of a sudden, intense, or unexpected event or action.

To speak with involuntary interruptions or repetitions, typically caused by difficulties in fluency and smoothness of speech.

To add or append something supplementary to a main or existing document, text, or statement.

To present or yield something for consideration or judgment, often to a higher authority or decision-maker.

To provide financial assistance, support, or subsidies to an individual, organization, or activity.

To initiate a lawsuit against someone in a court of law.

To experience physical or emotional pain, distress, or hardship.

To deprive someone or something of the ability to breathe, resulting in asphyxiation or the restriction of airflow.

To propose, indicate, or offer an idea, opinion, or course of action.

To condense and present the main points, ideas, or information from a larger text, speech, or piece of content into a concise and coherent form.

To officially call or request someone to appear or attend a particular place, event, or situation.

To add something extra, complement, enhance, or complete an existing thing, system, or entity.

To provide or make available something that is needed or desired.

To provide assistance, help, or encouragement to someone or something.

To exceed or go beyond a particular standard, limit, expectation, or achievement.

To yield, give up, or relinquish control or possession of something or oneself, typically in response to a superior force, authority, or circumstance.

To encircle, encompass, or enclose something or someone from all sides.

To closely observe, monitor, or gather information about someone or something through systematic and often covert means.

To harbor a belief or have a strong inclination that someone or something is involved in wrongdoing, is guilty of a particular action, or is connected to an event or situation under investigation.

To temporarily halt, pause, or discontinue something.

To keep something going, to support or maintain it over time.

To wrap an infant snugly in a soft cloth or blanket, with their arms and legs gently secured to create a feeling of warmth, comfort, and security.

To take something, usually food or liquid, into the mouth and down into the digestive system through the throat.

O exchange or trade one thing for another.

To move or oscillate gently from side to side or back and forth.

To make a solemn or binding declaration, pledge, or promise, often accompanied by invoking a higher power or taking an oath.

To become larger, bigger, or more voluminous, often due to the accumulation of fluid or air.

To deceitfully obtain money, property, or other valuable items from someone through fraudulent means or dishonest practices.

To coordinate or align activities, events, or processes in such a way that they occur simultaneously or in harmony with each other.

To provide or use an insufficient amount of something, usually in an attempt to save time, money, or effort.

To suppress or smother something, such as an emotion, an idea, or a movement.

To conquer, overcome, or bring under control, often through force, persuasion, or the exertion of power or authority.

To prevent or restrain something from being expressed, disclosed, or released.

To place one thing on top of another, typically in such a way that both are visible but one is dominant.

To specify, demand, or require certain conditions, terms, or provisions as part of an agreement, contract, or arrangement.

To make great efforts or to work hard towards a particular goal, objective or outcome.

To overcome or to successfully deal with a challenge, obstacle or difficulty.

To provide evidence or proof to support a claim or assertion.

To deliberately cause damage, disruption, or interference with a particular goal or objective, often for malicious or clandestine purposes.

To provide support or guidance to someone in order to help them achieve a goal or complete a task.

To make an educated guess or form an opinion based on incomplete information or evidence.

To forming an opinion or making an assumption based on incomplete or uncertain information.

To convey contempt, disdain, or disapproval through a facial expression or gesture.

To guide, protect, or care for someone or something, often in a nurturing or supportive manner.

To restrain, confine, or bind someone or something, typically using a physical device such as chains or handcuffs.

To sleep or rest, especially in a light, peaceful and tranquil manner.

To entice or persuade someone to engage in a romantic or sexual relationship.

To completely fill or soak something to the point of complete absorption or capacity.

To gradually diminish or decrease in intensity, strength, or activity.

To actively seek out or request something from someone, usually in a formal or intentional manner.

To produce and release a substance from a gland, organ, or cell in the body.

To bring under control, dominate or conquer by force or by other means.

To separate or divide people or groups based on race, ethnicity, religion, gender, or other characteristics.

To deliberately avoid, ignore, or keep away from someone or something, often due to a strong aversion, disapproval, or a desire to distance oneself.

To reject or refuse something or someone with disdain, contempt, or scorn.

To isolate or separate oneself from others, or to keep a place away from the view or presence of others.

To isolate or separate something from its normal environment or surroundings.

To avoid or evade one's responsibilities, duties, or obligations intentionally.

To express contempt, derision, or mockery towards something, often in a scornful and dismissive manner.

To laugh in a sly, disrespectful, or suppressed manner, often in response to something seen as humorous but also potentially offensive or inappropriate.

To cause someone or something to become ineffective, pointless, or absurd by hindering their potential or rendering them ineffectual.

To accent the weak beats and de-emphasize the strong beats in music, speech, or other forms of sound.

To emit or speak something with force, often in a negative or hostile way.

To speak or express ideas or opinions in a steady, rapid, and often impassioned manner.

To be overcome with intense admiration, adoration, or another strong emotion.

To smile or express amusement or friendliness in a manner that is characterized by a certain insincerity or excessive sweetness.

To make something biased or distorted in a way that is regarded as inaccurate, unfair, or misleading.

To move stealthily or furtively, often with the intention of avoiding detection or attention.

To tarnish, stain, or mar something, typically referring to the reputation, honor, or purity of a person, place, or thing.

To clean something thoroughly in order to eliminate harmful microorganisms, dirt, or contaminants.

To engaging in a petty, often noisy, and trivial argument or disagreement, typically over minor issues.

To rescue or save something from danger, damage, or destruction, and to restore it to a usable or valuable condition.

To make something stronger or more stable, typically through reinforcement or consolidation.

To become or remain inactive or stale, often with little or no growth, advancement, or development.

To replace or displace something or someone with a newer, better, or more advanced alternative.

To make someone or something pure, holy, and morally cleansed.

To move quickly and clumsily, often using one's hands and feet, to get to a particular place or object.

To move quickly and with haste, typically in a low, crouched position and with short, rapid steps.

To turn or slide in a sudden, uncontrolled and significant shift in direction.

To cause to turn or slide, often in a sloppy or uncontrolled manner.

To submerse, to sink or dip beneath the surface of a liquid, usually water.

To turn or pivot around a central point, typically in a horizontal or lateral direction.

To replace or substitute someone or something, often in a forceful or deceitful manner.

To search through debris or waste in order to find something useful or valuable.

To be in a state of intense and suppressed anger, frustration, or resentment.

To include or absorb something into a larger group or category.

To burn slowly, characterized by the emission of smoke or heat without any visible flames.

To spread or diffuse something throughout a space or an object, typically referring to the gradual and even distribution of a substance, emotion, or quality.

To cause someone to be shocked, stunned, or bewildered, often to the point of being unable to think or act coherently.

To cover or wrap something completely, often in a way that obscures it from view or conceals it.

To extend or spread out in a disorganized or haphazard manner, often covering a wide area.

To yield or give in to a force, pressure, temptation, illness, or adverse circumstance.

To hinder, thwart, or obstruct progress or efforts, often by creating obstacles or difficulties that impede success.

To transition or move smoothly from one topic, subject, or activity to another.

To cut or separate something forcefully, often with the intention of completely disconnecting it from its original source or attachment.

To formally withdraw or separate from a larger organization, group, or entity, often in order to establish a new, independent one.

bottom of page