300+ Verbs That Start with C | Huge List with Definitions and Examples

Chase or catch, care or cheat, cheer or clash all are welcome to this catchy list of verbs that start with C! Does your favorite author captivate your senses? Isn’t it amazing how the written word can do just that?

One of the best ways to make your way to the top of the literary charts is to build a robust vocabulary list. Then, whenever the threat of writer’s block tries to carry you away, you can catapult yourself back to the computer screen and resume your masterpiece.

The letter C is one of the most used in the English language and there are numerous verbs that begin with C to use for all sorts of situations and occasions, from holiday cards and texts to poetry, scrabble and social media. Having noticed that most of the collections of action words starting with C contain all sorts of nonsense and negative words, we decided to carefully curate for you a true list of verbs that start with C.

We’ve gathered here the most used verbs that start with C below if you need a refresher on verbs. We hope you find what you are looking for, enjoy and have a great day.

Table of Contents

Verbs That Start with C You Always Use

Pay attention to your English speech or writing for just a day. You’ll start to notice the verbs you use the most. To further enhance your English skills, glance over this list of some commonly used verbs that start with C:

1. Call

Definition: give (a baby or animal) a specified name
Synonyms: name, baptize, designate
Example: They called their daughter Hannah.

2. Cancel

Definition: decide or announce that (a planned event) will not take place
Synonyms: call off, abandon, postpone

Example: We canceled our dinner reservation.

3. Care

Definition: feel concern or interest; attach importance to something

Synonyms: bother, mind
Example: They don’t care about human life.

4. Catch

Definition: intercept and hold (something which has been thrown, propelled, or dropped)
Synonyms: seize, grab, snatch
Example: She threw the bottle into the air and caught it again.

5. Change

Definition: make (someone or something) different; alter or modify
Synonyms: shift, transition, advance

Example: A leopard cannot change its spots.

6. Charge

Definition: demand (an amount) as a price for a service rendered or goods supplied

Synonyms: bill, invoice, levy
Example: How much do you charge for a haircut?

7. Chat

Definition: talk in a friendly and informal way
Synonyms: talk, gossip, chatter
Example: She chatted to her mother on the phone every day.

8. Clean

Definition: make clean; remove dirt, marks, or stains from
Synonyms: wash, cleanse, wipe

Example: Clean your teeth properly after meals.

9. Come

Definition: move or travel towards or into a place thought of as near or familiar to the speaker

Synonyms: approach, advance, near
Example: She came into the room and shut the door.

10. Cook

Definition: prepare (food, a dish, or a meal) by mixing, combining, and heating the ingredients
Synonyms: prepare, make, get
Example: Shall I cook dinner tonight?

Verbs That Start with C You Usually Use

English language has a unique tone. There are some verbs starting with C you should begin with and the best if you’re studying English as beginners. Let’s take a glance over few of them in the following list:

1. Count

Definition: determine the total number of (a collection of items)

Synonyms: add up, sum up, calculate
Example: Do not count your chickens before they are hatched.

2. Connect

Definition: bring together or into contact so that a real or notional link is established
Synonyms: attach, join, fasten
Example: Can I connect my printer to your computer?

3. Create

Definition: bring (something) into existence
Synonyms: generate, produce, make

Example: He created a new system of teaching foreign languages.

4. Cut

Definition: make an opening, incision, or wound in (something) with a sharp-edged tool or object

Synonyms: gash, pierce, penetrate
Example: Do not cut down the tree that gives you shade.

5. Camp

Definition: live for a time in a tent, especially while on holiday
Synonyms: encamp, outspan, bivouac
Example: I camped overnight in a field.

6. Carry

Definition: support and move (someone or something) from one place to another
Synonyms: convey, transfer, move

Example: I’ll carry your luggage to your room.

7. Cheat

Definition: act dishonestly or unfairly in order to gain an advantage

Synonyms: betray, deceive
Example: My father cheated on his income tax by not declaring all the tips he received as a taxi driver.

8. Cheer

Definition: shout for joy or in praise or encouragement
Synonyms: encourage, motivate, inspire
Example: The crowd cheered as he crossed the finish line.

9. Chew

Definition: bite and work (food) in the mouth with the teeth, especially to make it easier to swallow
Synonyms: munch, bite, nibble

Example: He chews with his mouth open.

10. Choose

Definition: pick out (someone or something) as being the best or most appropriate of two or more alternatives

Synonyms: select, pick, take
Example: He chose a seat facing the door.

Verbs That Start with C You Often Use

Now open your eyes and ears, and you’ll notice even more verbs everywhere. You should be familiar with the words you read or hear over and over. Review some of these verbs beginning with C in the following list and boost your ever increasing vocabulary.

1. Clap

Definition: strike the palms of (one’s hands) together repeatedly, typically in order to applaud someone or something
Synonyms: applaud, put one’s hand together

Example: She clapped her hands again.

2. Clash

Definition: meet and come into violent conflict

Synonyms: fight, contend, confront
Example: The two sets of supporters clashed outside the stadium.

3. Climb

Definition: go or come up a (slope or staircase); ascend
Synonyms: mount, scale, ascend
Example: He climbed over the fence.

4. Coach

Definition: travel by coach
Synonyms: conveyance by minibus

Example: Fly or coach to the shores of the Mediterranean.

5. Collect

Definition: bring or gather together (a number of things)

Synonyms: gather, accumulate, assemble
Example: The agency would collect and disseminate information.

6. Color

Definition: change the colour of (something) by painting, dyeing, or shading it
Synonyms: tint, dye, tinge
Example: We colored the water with red ink.

7. Challenge

Definition: dispute the truth or validity of
Synonyms: question, dispute, confront

Example: It is possible to challenge the report’s assumptions.

8. Compare

Definition: estimate, measure, or note the similarity or dissimilarity between

Synonyms: contrast, collate, balance
Example: I can easily compare the two paintings and figure out which one is authentic.

9. Complain

Definition: express dissatisfaction or annoyance about something
Synonyms: protest, grumble, moan
Example: He complained bitterly that he had been unfairly treated.

10. Construct

Definition: build or make (something, typically a building, road, or machine)
Synonyms: build, erect, put up

Example: The building was constructed in 1993.

Verbs That Start with C You Sometimes Use

You’ll need to learn and memorize these verbs you use sometimes. It is a good place to start with a list of the sometimes used verbs starting with letter C which is exactly what we have for you here.

1. Compete

Definition: strive to gain or win something by defeating or establishing superiority over others
Synonyms: take part, play, participate
Example: She competed against students from around the country.

2. Contain

Definition: have or hold (someone or something) within
Synonyms: hold, carry, accommodate

Example: The room was barely big enough to contain everyone who came to the meeting.

3. Commence

Definition: begin

Synonyms: start, start off, get going
Example: Work will commence on the new building immediately.

4. Crawl

Definition: move forward on the hands and knees or by dragging the body close to the ground
Synonyms: creep, drag, trail
Example: The child crawled across the floor.

5. Captivate

Definition: attract and hold the interest and attention of; charm
Synonyms: enthral, enchant, fascinate

Example: He was captivated by her beauty.

6. Caress

Definition: touch or stroke gently or lovingly

Synonyms: stroke, fondle, kiss
Example: She caressed the girl’s forehead.

7. Cease

Definition: come or bring to an end
Synonyms: halt, stop, come to an end
Example: The fighting along the border has temporarily ceased.

8. Cater

Definition: provide people with food and drink at a social event or other gathering
Synonyms: feed, serve, provision
Example: A local restaurant catered the banquet.

9. Chase

Definition: pursue in order to catch or catch up with
Synonyms: pursue, run after, follow
Example: Police chased the stolen car through the city.

10. Choke

Definition: (of a person or animal) have severe difficulty in breathing because of a constricted or obstructed throat or a lack of air
Synonyms: gag, retch, cough
Example: The unwary guard was choked to death by a prisoner.

Verbs That Start with C You Occasionally Use

Some verbs used in English appear quite rare but are very simple to use. Learn these verbs well, because they’re so significant you might be using them whenever you speak English! Let’s stroll down through this amazing list of verb words that start with C:

1. Curve

Definition: form or cause to form a curve
Synonyms: bend, turn, loop
Example: Her mouth was curved in a smile.

2. Crack

Definition: break or cause to break without a complete separation of the parts
Synonyms: split, fracture, fissure
Example: The ice all over the bog had cracked.

3. Crash

Definition: (of a vehicle) collide violently with an obstacle or another vehicle
Synonyms: hit, strike, ram
Example: A racing car had crashed, wrecking a safety barrier.

4. Claim

Definition: state or assert that something is the case, typically without providing evidence or proof
Synonyms: assert, declare, profess
Example: The Prime Minister claimed that he was concerned about Third World debt.

5. Concentrate

Definition: focus all one’s attention on a particular object or activity
Synonyms: focus, direct, centre
Example: She couldn’t concentrate on the film.

6. Concern

Definition: make (someone) anxious or worried
Synonyms: worry, disturb, trouble
Example: The roof of the barn concerns me because eventually it will fall in.

7. Censure

Definition: express severe disapproval of (someone or something), especially in a formal statement
Synonyms: condemn, criticize, lambast
Example: The company was heavily censured by inspectors from the Department of Trade.

8. Clarify

Definition: make (a statement or situation) less confused and more comprehensible
Synonyms: simplify, explain, clear up
Example: Could you clarify the first point please?

9. Craft

Definition: exercise skill in making (an object), typically by hand
Synonyms: artifice, art, skill
Example: He crafted the chair lovingly.

10. Cultivate

Definition: prepare and use (land) for crops or gardening
Synonyms: dig, turn, farm
Example: They live in settled communities and roughly cultivate the soil.

Verbs That Start with C You Seldom Use

This is especially true if there are some words you’re seldom hearing, and you’re not sure what they mean! You need to be familiar with these action verbs starting with C that’s why we have gathered few of them for you in the following list:

1. Carve

Definition: cut (a hard material) in order to produce an object, design, or inscription
Synonyms: sculpt, cut, chisel
Example: The statue was carved out of a single piece of stone.

2. Chop

Definition: cut (something) into pieces with repeated sharp blows of an axe or knife
Synonyms: cut up, mince, split
Example: They had to chop their way through the undergrowth.

3. Clasp

Definition: grasp (something) tightly with one’s hand
Synonyms: grip, clutch, seize
Example: She clasped her son in her arms.

4. Claw

Definition: scratch or tear something with the claws or the fingernails
Synonyms: tear, lacerate, slash
Example: The dog clawed a hole in the carpet.

5. Clench

Definition: (with reference to the fingers or hand) close into a tight ball, especially as a manifestation of extreme anger
Synonyms: clutch, contract, clamp
Example: She clenched her fists, struggling for control.

6. Cling

Definition: hold on tightly to
Synonyms: clutch, grip, grasp
Example: She clung to Joe’s arm.

7. Cascade

Definition: (of water) pour downwards rapidly and in large quantities
Synonyms: pour, gush, surge
Example: The water was cascading down the stairs.

8. Collide

Definition: hit by accident when moving
Synonyms: hit, strike, bump into
Example: The car collided with a tree.

9. Collude

Definition: cooperate in a secret or unlawful way in order to deceive or gain an advantage over others
Synonyms: conspire, intrigue, connive
Example: The two companies had colluded to fix prices.

10. Confess

Definition: admit that one has committed a crime or done something wrong
Synonyms: acknowledge, admit, reveal
Example: He confessed that he had attacked the old man.

Positive Verbs That Start with C

There are so many positive verbs, and they’re fantastic to use in countless situations. Positive verbs can help with creativity, cooperation, and celebration. Let’s dive in the sea of verbs and pluck few positive verbs that start with C in the below list:

1. Confirm

Definition: establish the truth or correctness of (something previously believed or suspected to be the case)
Synonyms: authentic, substantiate, validate
Example: I’ve accepted the job over the phone, but I haven’t confirmed in writing yet.

2. Concrete

Definition: form (something) into a mass; solidify
Synonyms: harden, solidify, become firm or solid
Example: The statues were concreted to the ground.

3. Complete

Definition: finish, making or doing
Synonyms: finished, ended, finalized
Example: The student completed his math homework.

4. Celebrate

Definition: acknowledge (a significant or happy day or event) with a social gathering or enjoyable activity
Synonyms: commemorate, observe, remember
Example: We always celebrate our wedding anniversary with dinner in an expensive restaurant.

5. Chant

Definition: say or shout repeatedly in a sing-song tone
Synonyms: shout, sing, chorus
Example: Protesters were chanting slogans.

6. Chaperon

Definition: accompany and look after or supervise
Synonyms: accompany, escort, take care of
Example: She chaperoned the children at all times.

7. Chill

Definition: make (someone) cold
Synonyms: cool it, cool off
Example: They were chilled by a sudden wind.

8. Chuckle

Definition: laugh quietly or inwardly
Synonyms: chortle, giggle, titter
Example: I chuckled at the astonishment on her face.

9. Comfort

Definition: ease the grief or distress of
Synonyms: soothe, solace
Example: The victim was comforted by friends before being taken to hospital.

10. Combine

Definition: join or merge to form a single unit or substance
Synonyms: merge, incorporate, blend
Example: Combine the eggs with a little flour.

Verbs That Start with C to Describe a Person

The English language is vast, with a lot of words used to describe specific things or particular movements. There are plenty of ways to punch up your copy with a few nimble substitutions for the more common verbs; descriptive C verbs are an excellent place to start. Let’s stroll down through a list of some verbs that start with C to describe a person:

1. Congratulate

Definition: give (someone) one’s good wishes when something special or pleasant has happened to them
Synonyms: applaud, plaid, praise
Example: I must congratulate you on your excellent exam results.

2. Consent

Definition: give permission for something to happen
Synonyms: allow, accept, approve
Example: She finally consented to answer our questions.

3. Counsel

Definition: give advice to (someone)
Synonyms: advise, recommend
Example: Lawyers had counselled him not to say anything.

4. Chum

Definition: form a friendship with someone
Synonyms: intimate, mate, musketeer
Example: In fact, I chummed with you even more than with your brothers.

5. Cure

Definition: relieve (a person or animal) of the symptoms of a disease or condition
Synonyms: heal, restore, rehabilitate
Example: He was cured of the disease.

6. Civilize

Definition: bring (a place or people) to a stage of social and cultural development considered to be more advanced
Synonyms: enlighten, edify, educate
Example: He was a teacher who had a civilizing influence on the students.

7. Contribute

Definition: give (something, especially money) in order to help achieve or provide something
Synonyms: give, donate, grant
Example: He contributed much money to the charity.

8. Convince

Definition: cause (someone) to believe firmly in the truth of something
Synonyms: persuade, satisfy, assure
Example: He convinced me that the story was true.

9. Commend

Definition: praise formally or officially
Synonyms: praise, compliment, applaud
Example: He was commended by the judge for his courageous actions.

10. Cooperate

Definition: work jointly towards the same end
Synonyms: collaborate, pull together, combine
Example: He cooperated in the relief efforts.

Verbs That Start with C – Full List (300+)

Convince
Chime
Corset
Correlate
Court
Compare
Culminate
Charm
Consider
Clean
Complain
Correspond
Convict
Clot
Compensate
Curve
Claw
Corner
Cross
Collaborate
Cherish
Couple
Code
Converse
Collude
Complicate
Cobble
Contemplate
Cover
Crochet
Conjure
Conceive
Cloud
Censor
Circumscribe
Call
Congeal
Condescend
Create
Comb
Capitalize
Coffer
Compile
Coo
Cash
Congest
Collide
Clutch
Color
Crumple
Centralize
Click
Clam
Carburet
Chirp
Coincide
Confuse
Caricature
Confiscate
Case
Coin
Crawl
Cater
Cost
Chew
Counterfeit
Cascade
Christen
Connect
Compose
Carry
Console
Counteract
Crease
Cloy
Caress
Claim
Curl
Converge
Crossrule
Contend
Confine
Cut
Cadge
Confer
Consecrate
Curse
Contribute
Capsize
Conspire
Cleave
Coax
Chop
Croak
Club
Compliment
Crisscross
Cable
Conform
Construct
Communicate
Climb
Clink
Convene
Congratulate
Challenge
Ceil
Condition
Clash
Contrast
Censure
Clap
Cannonade
Covet
Cancel
Conglomerate
Convalesce
Compute
Conjugate
Change
Camouflage
Calve
Creep
Cohabit
Concentrate
Caulk
Cane
Check
Constitute
Cream
Commit
Curtail
Constrain
Char
Clone
Crossbreed
Crush
Cooperate
Cock
Christianize
Cube
Chirr
Cauterize
Cough
Captivate
Cork
Concede
Cogitate
Catch
Clown
Curb
Cremate
Chatter
Cluck
Configure
Coat
Cave
Copy
Charter
Canonize
Convert
Careen
Crown
Channel
Cook
Cleanse
Castrate
Chase
Commence
Crib
Confess
Commute
Choke
Crinkle
Caw
Connote
Cast
Contravene
Cure
Caparison
Contain
Clear
Chuck
Colour
Cower
Conquer
Cajole
Compound
Coexist
Clench
Confide
Conduce
Calibrate
Complete
Capture
Condole
Certify
Chap
Crank
Close
Chalk
Carbonize
Centuplicate
Cease
Conglutinate
Chance
Contest
Crenelate
Confound
Cheer
Conclude
Collar
Capitulate
Chat
Cup
Card
Crumb
Cudgel
Comprehend
Crimp
Conciliate
Cause
Coerce
Coagulate
Cackle
Comment
Care
Churn
Calculate
Contrive
Crunch
Command
Continue
Compel
Chip
Cuckold
Comply
Calcify
Conceal
Civilize
Chill
Cling
Cotton
Contaminate
Cheat
Cry
Chaperone
Crackle
Caper
Constipate
Calm
Cheep
Coach
Circulate
Count
Cement
Crosscheck
Criticize
Crumble
Colonize
Celebrate
Collapse
Combine
Chloroform
Clapper
Counter
Conserve
Compress
Coarsen
Conjecture
Cram
Camber
Confirm
Cuddle
Cuff
Comfort
Corrupt
Copperplate
Cart
Consist
Compete
Carve
Counterbalance
Cloister
Crystallize
Correct
Countersign
Cripple
Conduct
Curdle
Characterize
Crack
Clarify
Consult
Contort
Copulate
Cage
Cool
Clothe
Chant
Choose
Credit
Coop
Creak
Concatenate
Confront
Coordinate
Clasp
Chuckle
Cheapen
Clog
Cite
Clamp
Classify
Combat
Countermark
Concern
Corroborate
Consume
Crop
Contradict
Corrode
Crash
Contact
Chide
Crucify
Cruise
Cultivate
Calligraph
Camp
Come
Collate
Codify
Convey
Coil
Coast
Categorize
Condense
Coddle
Charge
Cap
Crow
Collect
Commemorate
Cringe
Canvass
Centre
Convulse
Consolidate
Control
Chisel
Computerize
Condemn
Commission
Contract

Final Thoughts on Verbs That Start with C

What a caring, colorful and catchy achievement you’ve made by reaching the end of this collection of verbs that start with C! Were you able to find the perfect verbs starting with C to describe whatever was in your mind?

To get your creative juices flowing, check out this list of verbs that begin with C and see if you can enrich your prose a little bit more with these C-verbs. Challenge yourself to further expand your mastery of this letter with this comprehensive list of verbs that start with C. You’ll be well on your way to building a strong vocabulary.

We sure hope so that you can enhance your English speaking and writing skills through this amazing list of C-verbs. Have a great day!