verbs-that-start-with-a

200+ Verbs That Start with A | Huge List with Definitions and Examples

Welcome to our collection of the most attractive, awesome, adorable, and absolutely amazing verbs that start with A. A verb expresses action or a state of being. In English, every word sits in a specific place and plays a specific role in a sentence. As such, verbs typically come after the subject of the sentence and before the object of the sentence.

In English alphabets, the letter A stands at the first place. It’s also one of the most commonly used letters in the English language. By doing small everyday affirmations and using beneficial words, such as verbs that start with A, you are enhancing your English writing and speaking skills.

There are many ways to achieve and incorporate verbs that begin with A. One is to dwell on whatever comes to mind as you read through this list of action words starting with A, another is to use some of these words in text messages, emails, social media or in holiday cards.

There are many more ways to use these verbs that start with A when describing an action. Enjoy this amazing list of A verbs!

Verbs That Start with A You Always Use

Be sure to abandon anyone who attempts to abase your writing skills without offering constructive criticism. In the meantime, enjoy this amazing list of verbs that start with A you always use in your daily life:

1. Absorb

  • Definition: take in or soak up (energy or a liquid or other substance) by chemical or physical action
  • Synonyms: soak up, suck up, mop up
  • Example: Buildings can be designed to absorb and retain heat.

2. Access

  • Definition: obtain or retrieve (computer data or a file)
  • Synonyms: retrieve, gain, obtain
  • Example: Information can be accessed from several files and displayed at the same time.

3. Accept

  • Definition: consent to receive or undertake (something offered)
  • Synonyms: receive, welcome, take
  • Example: He accepted a pen as a gift.

4. Act

  • Definition: take action; do something
  • Synonyms: take measures, take a move, react
  • Example: He knew he had to act quickly.

5. Adjust

  • Definition: alter or move (something) slightly in order to achieve the desired fit, appearance, or result
  • Synonyms: modify, alter, regulate
  • Example: You can adjust the height of the chair.

6. Allow

  • Definition: let (someone) have or do something
  • Synonyms: permit, let, authorize
  • Example: Allow me to introduce myself.

7. Arrange

  • Definition: put (things) in a neat, attractive, or required order
  • Synonyms: order, set out, lay out
  • Example: My secretary will arrange a meeting with her.

8. Advise

  • Definition: offer suggestions about the best course of action to someone
  • Synonyms: counsel, guide, direct
  • Example: Her mother was away and couldn’t advise her.

9. Answer

  • Definition: say or write something as a reaction to someone or something
  • Synonyms: reply, respond, acknowledge
  • Example: ‘Of course I can,’ she answered.

10. Ask

  • Definition: say something in order to obtain an answer or some information
  • Synonyms: query, question, interrogate
  • Example: If there is anything you want, don’t hesitate to ask me.

Verbs That Start with A You Usually Use

If you are learning English it would be useful to learn these popular verbs first. The only way to familiarize yourself with verbs starting with A is to memorize them. Be sure to review this list of verbs to commit some of the most popular ones to your memory.

1. Arrive

  • Definition: reach a place at the end of a journey or a stage in a journey
  • Synonyms: come, appear, approach
  • Example: We arrived at his house and knocked at the door.

2. Affect

  • Definition: have an effect on; make a difference to
  • Synonyms: influence, act on, infact
  • Example: Your opinion will not affect my decision.

3. Apply

  • Definition: make a formal application or request
  • Synonyms: put in, appeal, petition
  • Example: You need to apply to the local authority for a grant.

4. Appear

  • Definition: come into sight; become visible or noticeable, especially without apparent cause
  • Synonyms: materialize, take shape, emerge
  • Example: He refused to appear nude in the film.

5. Approach

  • Definition: come near or nearer to (someone or something) in distance or time
  • Synonyms: near, close in on, reach
  • Example: They had to approach the castle through thick swamps.

6. Attend

  • Definition: be present at (an event, meeting, or function)
  • Synonyms: be at, take part in, sit in on
  • Example: We were obligated to attend the opening ceremony.

7. Avoid

  • Definition: keep away from or stop oneself from doing (something)
  • Synonyms: steer clear of, circumvent
  • Example: The doctor told me to avoid bending and stretching.

8. Attempt

  • Definition: make an effort to achieve or complete (something difficult)
  • Synonyms: try, strive, endeavor
  • Example: The prisoners attempted an unsuccessful escape from jail.

9. Approve

  • Definition: officially agree to or accept as satisfactory
  • Synonyms: accept, bless, ratify
  • Example: My parents don’t approve of me smoking cigarettes.

10. Advertise

  • Definition: publicize information about (a vacancy)
  • Synonyms: publicize, post, announce
  • Example: For every job we advertise we get a hundred applicants.

Verbs That Start with A You Often Use

One of the most important parts of a sentence when using the English language or any language for that matter, is the verb. These verbs beginning with A are used to tell the listener or reader what action is being performed by the subject of the sentence. Let’s explore few of them:

1. Assign

  • Definition: allocate (a job or duty)
  • Synonyms: allot, give
  • Example: It’s wise to assign special exercises to the weaker students.

2. Adopt

  • Definition: choose to take up, follow, or use
  • Synonyms: embrace, take on, acquire
  • Example: We want them to adopt a healthier lifestyle.

3. Add

  • Definition: join (something) to something else so as to increase the size, number, or amount
  • Synonyms: attach, build on, add on
  • Example: The chef chose to add a little salt to the stew to make its taste better.

4. Accuse

  • Definition: charge (someone) with an offence or crime
  • Synonyms: summons, cite, inculpate
  • Example: He was accused of murdering his wife’s lover.

5. Afford

  • Definition: have enough money to pay for
  • Synonyms: run to, manage
  • Example: We were too poor to afford a doctor.

6. Aim

  • Definition: point or direct (a weapon or camera) at a target
  • Synonyms: point, focus, sight
  • Example: The gun was aimed at her head.

7. Alter

  • Definition: change in character or composition, typically in a comparatively small but significant way
  • Synonyms: change, amend, modify
  • Example: We’ve had to alter some of our plans.

8. Amend

  • Definition: make minor changes to (a text, piece of legislation, etc.) in order to make it fairer or more accurate, or to reflect changing circumstances
  • Synonyms: revise, alter, change
  • Example: The president agreed to amend the constitution and allow multi-party elections.

9. Absent

  • Definition: go away or remain away
  • Synonyms: keep away, slip away, withdraw
  • Example: Halfway through the meal, he absented himself from the table.

10. Announce

  • Definition: make a formal public statement about a fact, occurrence, or intention
  • Synonyms: declare, post, notify
  • Example: We are happy to announce the engagement of our daughter.

Verbs That Start with A You Sometimes Use

Verbs, in theory, are pretty straightforward. But, not everybody would be able to provide a definition, even if they know how to use them within a sentence. You need to be familiar with verbs starting with letter A that’s why we have gathered few of them for you in the following list:

1. Analyze

  • Definition: examine (something) methodically and in detail, typically in order to explain and interpret it
  • Synonyms: examine, inspect, survey
  • Example: We need to analyze our results more clearly.

2. Annoy

  • Definition: make (someone) a little angry; irritate
  • Synonyms: irritate, anger, displease
  • Example: Her constant chatter was starting to annoy me.

3. Abuse

  • Definition: use (something) to bad effect or for a bad purpose; misuse
  • Synonyms: misuse, misapply, exploit
  • Example: She abused her friend’s trust.

4. Appeal

  • Definition: make a serious, urgent, or heartfelt request
  • Synonyms: call, plead, beg
  • Example: The government appealed to the people to stay calm.

5. Appoint

  • Definition: assign a job or role to (someone)
  • Synonyms: nominate, designate, commission
  • Example: She has been appointed to the board.

6. Argue

  • Definition: give reasons or cite evidence in support of an idea, action, or theory, typically with the aim of persuading others to share one’s view
  • Synonyms: contend, assert, declare
  • Example: She argued that the proposed law should be defeated.

7. Assault

  • Definition: to attack someone violently
  • Synonyms: hit, strike, beat
  • Example: She was sexually assaulted while walking home through the park alone at night.

8. Assure

  • Definition: tell someone something positively to dispel any doubts
  • Synonyms: convince, satisfy, guarantee
  • Example: I assure you the project with be completed on time.

9. Attach

  • Definition: join or fasten (something) to something else
  • Synonyms: fasten, fix, join
  • Example: Attach a recent photograph to your application form.

10. Abduct

  • Definition: take (someone) away illegally by force or deception; kidnap
  • Synonyms: kidnap, carry of, seize
  • Example: If someone attempts to abduct you, make noise.

Verbs That Start with A You Occasionally Use

There’s a tendency amongst people to stick to certain verbs that they know, and pushing themselves to use new and rare ones becomes a bit of a challenge. Let’s stroll down through a list of verb words that start with A you occasionally use in your daily life:

1. Avert

  • Definition: prevent or ward off (an undesirable occurrence)
  • Synonyms: stop, prevent, avoid
  • Example: He managed to avert the closure of the factory.

2. Abase

  • Definition: behave in a way that belittles or degrades (someone)
  • Synonyms: humiliate, bellitel,
  • Example: He refused to abase himself in the eyes of others.

3. Abate

  • Definition: (of something unpleasant or severe) become less intense or widespread
  • Synonyms: subside, lessen, decrease
  • Example: We must abate the noise in our big cities.

4. Abolish

  • Definition: formally put an end to (a system, practice, or institution)
  • Synonyms: put an end to, stop, end
  • Example: The government is planning to abolish subsidies to farmers.

5. Adore

  • Definition: love and respect (someone) deeply
  • Synonyms: love, cherish, admire
  • Example: We adore them for their generosity.

6. Applaud

  • Definition: show approval or praise by clapping
  • Synonyms: clap, cheer, whistle
  • Example: The audience stood and applauded her performance.

7. Advance

  • Definition: move forwards in a purposeful way
  • Synonyms: proceed, push on, move along
  • Example: The mob advanced on us, shouting angrily.

8. Assert

  • Definition: state a fact or belief confidently and forcefully
  • Synonyms: declare, maintain, state
  • Example: He asserted that there were spies in the government.

9. Assume

  • Definition: to accept something to be true without question or proof
  • Synonyms: presume, suppose
  • Example: Many daughters assume that their mothers are invulnerable.

10. Affirm

  • Definition: state emphatically or publicly
  • Synonyms: declare, state, assert
  • Example: They neither affirmed nor denied their guilt.

Verbs That Start with A You Seldom Use

Understanding how to use the verbs is a high priority for any English learner. Mastering verbs is a cornerstone of a strong English vocabulary because it allows you to describe actions and states of being. Let’s pluck few action verbs starting with A in the below list.

1. Affiliate

  • Definition: officially attach or connect (a subsidiary group or a person) to an organization
  • Synonyms: associated, allied, related
  • Example: All youth groups will have to affiliate to the National Youth Agency.

2. Adulate

  • Definition: praise (someone) excessively
  • Synonyms: fawn, gush, praise
  • Example: He adulated to the King Vakhtang VI and was devoted of his oath till the end.

3. Adorn

  • Definition: make more beautiful or attractive
  • Synonyms: embellish, decorate, furnish
  • Example: She likes to adorn herself with jewels.

4. Administer

  • Definition: manage and be responsible for the running of (a business, organization, etc.)
  • Synonyms: manage, direct, control
  • Example: They had the right to administer their own internal affairs.

5. Adhere

  • Definition: believe in and follow the practices of
  • Synonyms: observe, obey, comply
  • Example: All members of the association adhere to a strict code of practice.

6. Acquaint

  • Definition: make someone aware of or familiar with
  • Synonyms: familiarize, enlighten
  • Example: New staff should be acquainted with fire exit routes.

7. Accrue

  • Definition: (of a benefit or sum of money) be received by someone in regular or increasing amounts over time
  • Synonyms: result, arise, follow
  • Example: Ability to think will accrue to you from good habits of study.

8. Accumulate                       

  • Definition: gather together or acquire an increasing number or quantity of
  • Synonyms: gather, collect, assemble
  • Example: Investigators have yet to accumulate enough evidence.

9. Accord

  • Definition: give or grant someone (power, status, or recognition)
  • Synonyms: tender, present, award
  • Example: All the powers were accorded to the head of state.

10. Acclaim

  • Definition: praise enthusiastically and publicly
  • Synonyms: praise, applaud, cheer
  • Example: The work was acclaimed as a masterpiece.

Positive Verbs That Start with A

When you use a positive verb, you can communicate your message more strongly and confidently than when using other verbs. Positive verbs can also make your writing more interesting and help prevent you from using the same words too many times. Let’s stroll down through a list of positive verbs that start with A:

1. Abide

  • Definition: accept or act in accordance with (a rule, decision, or recommendation)
  • Synonyms: obey, observe, follow
  • Example: If the employee decides not to abide by the contract, he will surely lose his job.

2. Absolve

  • Definition: declare (someone) free from guilt, obligation, or punishment
  • Synonyms: exonerate, discharge, acquit
  • Example: They agree to absolve us from our obligation.

3. Accelerate

  • Definition: (especially of a vehicle) begin to move more quickly
  • Synonyms: speed up, hurry up, get a move on
  • Example: This car can accelerate from nought to sixty in ten seconds.

4. Accommodate

  • Definition: (of a building or other area) provide lodging or sufficient space for
  • Synonyms: lodge, house, put up
  • Example: The hotel can accommodate up to 500 guests.

5. Accomplish

  • Definition: achieve or complete successfully
  • Synonyms: fulfill, achieve, attain
  • Example: You can accomplish anything if you believe in it.

6. Accredit

  • Definition: give credit to (someone) for something
  • Synonyms: attribute, chalk up
  • Example: He was accredited with being one of the world’s fastest sprinters.

7. Achieve

  • Definition: successfully bring about or reach (a desired objective or result) by effort, skill, or courage
  • Synonyms: attain, reach, realize
  • Example: He achieved his ambition to become a press photographer.

8. Acknowledge

  • Definition: accept or admit the existence or truth of
  • Synonyms: admit, accept, grant
  • Example: She won’t acknowledge responsibility for her actions.

9. Acquire

  • Definition: buy or obtain (an asset or object) for oneself
  • Synonyms: obtain, come by, get
  • Example: She has acquired a good knowledge of English.

10. Activate

  • Definition: make (something) active or operative
  • Synonyms: operate, turn on, switch on
  • Example: He touched the communications device to activate it.

Verbs That Start with A to Describe a Person

There are many verbs that start with A to describe a person that you could more often use to describe characters’ actions. Use this list of A verbs to create stronger mood, atmosphere, and characterization:

1. Admire

  • Definition: regard with respect or warm approval
  • Synonyms: applaud, praise, commend
  • Example: A fool always finds a bigger fool to admire him.

2. Assist

  • Definition: help (someone), typically by doing a share of the work
  • Synonyms: help, aid, abet
  • Example: Please assist her in moving the furniture.

3. Amaze

  • Definition: surprise (someone) greatly; fill with astonishment
  • Synonyms: astonish, astound, surprise
  • Example: “Your skills amaze me,” she said, with heavy sarcasm.

4. Amuse

  • Definition: cause (someone) to find something funny
  • Synonyms: entertain, please, delight
  • Example: I often amuse myself by reading.

5. Authorize

  • Definition: give official permission for or approval to (an undertaking or agent)
  • Synonyms: permit, allow, sanction
  • Example: Only the president can authorize a nuclear attack.

6. Avenge

  • Definition: inflict harm in return for (an injury or wrong done to oneself or another)
  • Synonyms: requite, punish, vindicate
  • Example: He vowed in silent fervour to avenge their murders.

7. Attain

  • Definition: succeed in achieving (something that one has worked for)
  • Synonyms: achieve, accomplish, reach
  • Example: Here is your opportunity to attain a goal.

8. Anticipate

  • Definition: regard as probable; expect or predict
  • Synonyms: expect, foresee, predict
  • Example: She anticipated scorn on her return to the theatre.

9. Aspire

  • Definition: direct one’s hopes or ambitions towards achieving something
  • Synonyms: pursue, intending, optimistic
  • Example: Those who aspire to the education front bench should reach higher levels.

10. Agree

  • Definition: have the same opinion about something; concur
  • Synonyms: concur, sympathize, concede
  • Example: I completely agree with your recent editorial.

Verbs That Start with A – Full List (200+)

  • Arrest
  • Allot
  • Actuate
  • Approach
  • Absolve
  • Astonish
  • Anathematize
  • Arrive
  • Analyze
  • Avenge
  • Aim
  • Abase
  • Authenticate
  • Apportion
  • Aggravate
  • Abuse
  • Address
  • Attain
  • Annoy
  • Apologize
  • Automate
  • Abrogate
  • Adjourn
  • Anoint
  • Adjoin
  • Adulate
  • Americanize
  • Agglomerate
  • Afford
  • Attribute
  • Assemble
  • Allow
  • Animalize
  • Assist
  • Acquit
  • Adorn
  • Appreciate
  • Antedate
  • Apostrophize
  • Acquire
  • Auction
  • Appropriate
  • Acquiesce
  • Acknowledge
  • Autograph
  • Antagonize
  • Admire
  • Age
  • Arrow
  • Alter
  • Africanize
  • Accommodate
  • Attach
  • Arbitrate
  • Argue
  • Assimilate
  • Auscultate
  • Attempt
  • Ascribe
  • Atomize
  • Arch
  • Achieve
  • Ambush
  • Alert
  • Approve
  • Abstract
  • Armourplate
  • Anticipate
  • Annihilate
  • Align
  • Awake
  • Act
  • Articulate
  • Anglicize
  • Apostatize
  • Avoid
  • Abort
  • Anchor
  • Announce
  • Abandon
  • Arrange
  • Allude
  • Aggregate
  • Amortize
  • Accept
  • Apply
  • Ally
  • Accrue
  • Affiliate
  • Add
  • Amalgamate
  • Assault
  • Audit
  • Allege
  • Asphalt
  • Annex
  • Attract
  • Aberrate
  • Adore
  • Anger
  • Assuage
  • Accuse
  • Abbreviate
  • Abduct
  • Alleviate
  • Abridge
  • Allegorize
  • Accustom
  • Abate
  • Authorize
  • Awaken
  • Append
  • Agonize
  • Arouse
  • Acidify
  • Amputate
  • Attend
  • Ascertain
  • Abhor
  • Accumulate
  • Acidulate
  • Adulterate
  • Assign
  • Attack
  • Accredit
  • Atrophy
  • Arm
  • Attenuate
  • Adopt
  • Amuse
  • Assess
  • Assure
  • Aerate
  • Affix
  • Accost
  • Afflict
  • Alienate
  • Abjure
  • Associate
  • Alternate
  • Amplify
  • Animate
  • Accomplish
  • Abominate
  • Abstain
  • Admit
  • Achromatize
  • Amass
  • Appoint
  • Air
  • Aspire
  • Agree
  • Advance
  • Adapt
  • Appear
  • Acclimatize
  • Arraign
  • Amaze
  • Apprehend
  • Affect
  • Abolish
  • Ape
  • Adjust
  • Afforest
  • Abnegate
  • Accompany
  • Ameliorate
  • Angle
  • Amble
  • Assassinate
  • Affirm
  • Actualize
  • Adduce
  • Applaud
  • Assume
  • Abound
  • Allocate
  • Administer
  • Amend
  • Appal
  • Award
  • Abet
  • Assert
  • Absorb
  • Avert
  • Atone
  • Account
  • Appease
  • Annotate
  • Attune
  • Alarm
  • Appeal
  • Abscond
  • Acclaim
  • Astound
  • Abdicate
  • Accelerate
  • Arise
  • Ask
  • Amnesty
  • Agitate
  • Abide
  • Allure
  • Answer
  • Activate
  • Annul
  • Amount
  • Alloy
  • Ache
  • Advise

Final Thoughts on Verbs That Start with A

What An amazing achievement you’ve made by reaching the end of this collection of verbs that start with A! Were you able to find the perfect A verbs to describe whatever was in your mind?

The more we read the verbs that start with A, the more we naturally pick up new vocabulary words. And, if you enjoy acting as the author of the verbs that begin with A instead of the reader, an extensive vocabulary list will help you craft catchy sentences.

Be sure to applaud every attempt you make to sit down and write. It’s the kind of skill that develops the more we flex the muscle. Did any of these A-verbs jump out at you? Add them to your vocabulary and you’ll have an extensive vocabulary of verbs starting with A in no time at all.

People also search for positive words that start with Aadjectives that start with A and nouns that start with A.