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

In this article, we are going to talk about verbs that start with L. Verbs are words that describe an action or talk about something that happens. They take many different forms depending on their subjects, the time they refer to and other ideas we want to express.

It is a well-known fact that if you want to stand out from rest of the people around you, you must have a wide range of words at your disposal to perform and explain your actions, particularly verbs that start with L.

There are hundreds of verbs that begin with L that you must learn because they will make your speech and writing much more compact. We have designed for you an amazing collection of verbs that start with L. You must try to learn all of them because they will be a big help in perfecting your expressive language.

Let’s now dive into the following list of action words starting with L to make ourselves familiar with it. Try and memorize all the verbs given in this list.

Table of Contents

Verbs That Start with L You Always Use

There is a variety of verbs that we use in your day-to-day life, whether it is in writing or speaking. These are some of the verbs that start with L that we use regularly.

1. Live

Definition: to make one’s home in a particular place or with a particular person
Synonyms: reside, stay
Example: He lives in Moscow.

2. Learn

Definition: to get knowledge or skill in a new subject or activity
Synonyms: acquire, grasp, master

Example: He is learning French.

3. Leave

Definition: go away from

Synonyms: depart, go
Example: She is going to leave for London on June 6.

4. Let

Definition: to allow
Synonyms: allow, permit
Example: They would not let anyone go out.

5. Lie

Definition: be in a horizontal position on a surface
Synonyms: recline, rest, sprawl

Example: He lies awake at night, worrying.

6. Look

Definition: to direct one’s gaze toward someone or something or in a specified direction

Synonyms: glance, gaze, stare
Example: People were looking at him.

7. Lay

Definition: put something down gently or carefully
Synonyms: put, place, set
Example: She laid the baby on the bed.

8. Lose

Definition: to no longer have something because you do not know where it is
Synonyms: forget, misplace

Example: I’ve lost my ticket.

9. Lack

Definition: to be deficient or missing

Synonyms: miss, require
Example: Many of these people lack the basic necessities of life.

10. List

Definition: to make a list of
Synonyms: record, register
Example: I’ve listed some useful reading material on the handout.

Verbs That Start with L You Usually Use

Verbs are an indispensable part of our daily lives. We can’t imagine communicating, writing, or reading without these verbs. Here are some verbs starting with L that we usually make use of.

1. Last

Definition: to continue in time

Synonyms: remain, continue, endure
Example: The movie lasted about two hours.

2. Light

Definition: to provide with light or lighting
Synonyms: torch, fire
Example: Please light the candles.

3. Load

Definition: to put a lot of things into a vehicle or machine
Synonyms: fill up, pack, stuff

Example: How long will it take to load this sand onto the lorry?

4. Lend

Definition: to give something to someone for a short period of time, expecting it to be given back

Synonyms: loan, grant
Example: Stewart asked me to lend him my car.

5. Land

Definition: to arrive on the ground or other surface after moving down through the air
Synonyms: arrive, touch, settle
Example: We should land in Madrid at 7 a.m.

6. Limit

Definition: to control something so that it is not greater than a particular amount, number, or level
Synonyms: restrict, check

Example: I’ve been asked to limit my speech to ten minutes maximum.

7. Line

Definition: to form a row along the side of something

Synonyms: bound, fringe, border
Example: Thousands of people lined the streets to watch the presidential procession pass by.

8. Link

Definition: to make, form, or suggest a connection with or between
Synonyms: associate, connect, relate
Example: All our workstations are linked together with each other.

9. Lecture

Definition: to deliver an educational lecture
Synonyms: expatiate, teach, speak

Example: He was lecturing at the University of Birmingham.

10. Locate

Definition: to discover the exact place or position of

Synonyms: find, discover, pinpoint
Example: Engineers were working very hard to locate the fault in the electrical system.

Verbs That Start with L You Often Use

Verbs are very important for language development because they help us build sentences. Following is a list of verbs beginning with L that we often use to build phrases and sentences.

1. Launch

Definition: start or set in motion an activity or enterprise
Synonyms: start, begin

Example: The programme was launched a year ago.

2. Leak

Definition: (of a liquid or gas) to escape from a hole or crack in a pipe or container

Synonyms: seep, escape
Example: Water was leaking from the pipe.

3. Lean

Definition: be in or move into a sloping position
Synonyms: slant, incline, bend
Example: He leaned back in his chair.

4. Lick

Definition: pass the tongue over something in order to taste
Synonyms: wet, moisten

Example: She licked the sauce off her finger.

5. Latch

Definition: fasten a door or gate with a latch

Synonyms: fasten, secure
Example: She latched the door carefully.

6. Level

Definition: to make a surface flat
Synonyms: flatten, smooth
Example: Level the wet cement before it sets.

7. Lure

Definition: tempt a person to do something, especially by offering some form of reward
Synonyms: tempt, entice, attract

Example: The child was lured into a car.

8. Lock

Definition: to secure something with a lock

Synonyms: secure, seal
Example: He forgot to lock the car.

9. Legalize

Definition: make (something that was previously illegal) permissible by law
Synonyms: decriminalize, legitimize
Example: They wanted to legalize gambling in this city.

10. Lead

Definition: to guide on a way
Synonyms: show, guide

Example: He led the officers to his hiding place.

Verbs That Start with L You Sometimes Use

Verbs are the building blocks of phrases, clauses and sentences; they are needed for the creation of a complete thought. Following is a list of verbs starting with letter L that we sometimes use in our everyday lives.

1. Lodge

Definition: to make an official complaint about something
Synonyms: submit, register, enter
Example: The US lodged a formal protest against the arrest of the foreign reporters.

2. Leverage

Definition: to use something that you already have in order to achieve something new or better
Synonyms: employ, wield

Example: The organization needs to leverage its key resources.

3. Labor

Definition: to work hard; to make great effort

Synonyms: toil, work
Example: They labored from dawn to dusk.

4. Laminate

Definition: overlay a flat surface, especially paper, with a layer of plastic
Synonyms: cover, overlay, coat
Example: We will laminate your photos in clear plastic.

5. Loiter

Definition: to move slowly around or stand in a public place without an obvious reason
Synonyms: linger, potter, skulk

Example: She saw Mary loitering near the cinema.

6. Liberate

Definition: to free (something, such as a country) from domination by a foreign power

Synonyms: discharge, free, release
Example: The prisoners have been liberated.

7. Lubricate

Definition: to use a substance such as oil to make a machine operate more easily
Synonyms: oil, grease
Example: A car engine needs to be well lubricated with oil.

8. Leather

Definition: beat or thrash someone
Synonyms: beat, strap, belt
Example: He leathered him severely.

9. Legislate

Definition: to make or enact laws
Synonyms: constitute, appoint, commission
Example: They legislated against discrimination in the workplace.

10. Leapfrog

Definition: to improve your position by going past other people quickly
Synonyms: plunge, rise, upsurge
Example: They’ve leapfrogged from third to first place.

Verbs That Start with L You Occasionally Use

Some verbs are either more complex or just simply less frequent than others. Following is a list of verb words that start with L that are occasionally used in our writings and conversations.

1. Lambast

Definition: criticize someone harshly
Synonyms: criticize, castigate, chastise
Example: The professor lambasted me for my careless mistake.

2. Lobby

Definition: seek to influence (a legislator) on an issue
Synonyms: influence, persuade, sway
Example: Small businesses have lobbied hard against changes in the tax laws.

3. Levy

Definition: to impose a tax, fee, or fine
Synonyms: impose, charge, exact
Example: A tax of two per cent was levied on all cargoes.

4. Lampoon

Definition: to publicly criticize someone by using ridicule, irony, or sarcasm
Synonyms: satirize, mock, ridicule
Example: The actor was lampooned by the press.

5. Lard

Definition: insert strips of fat or bacon in (meat) before cooking
Synonyms: grease, oil
Example: The roast was larded with bacon.

6. Lather

Definition: to produce a lather from soap, or to cover something or someone in lather
Synonyms: scrub, sponge
Example: He stood under the shower lathering himself with the soap.

7. Libel

Definition: to defame someone by publishing a libel
Synonyms: defame, malign
Example: The jury found that he was libeled by a newspaper.

8. Litigate

Definition: resort to legal action to settle a matter
Synonyms: prosecute, contest
Example: They agreed to litigate all disputes in this court.

9. Ligate

Definition: tie up an artery or vessel
Synonyms: bandage, bind, dress
Example: The uterine artery was ligated by the surgeon.

10. Liquidate

Definition: to cause a business to close, so that its assets can be sold to pay its debts
Synonyms: reimburse, repay, clear
Example: The owners were ordered to liquidate the company and pay their creditors.

Verbs That Start with L You Seldom Use

There are some verbs that are used to a minimal extent in our daily lives. By going through the list given below, confirm it for yourself how many of these action verbs starting with L have you heard of?

1. Levitate

Definition: rise or cause to rise and hover in the air, typically by means of supposed magical powers
Synonyms: float, surge, rise
Example: I swear to God he levitated over the bar.

2. Lacerate

Definition: tear or make deep cuts in flesh or skin
Synonyms: cut, gash, slash
Example: The point had lacerated his neck.

3. Lance

Definition: to cut the skin with a sharp tool in order to release infected matter that has collected under it
Synonyms: peck, pick, pierce,
Example: Doctor lanced her boil this morning.

4. Leaven

Definition: permeate and transform something for the better
Synonyms: infuse, suffuse, imbue
Example: He needs to leaven his speeches with more humor.

5. Lacquey

Definition: behave in a servile way towards someone
Synonyms: conduct, carry, act
Example: He had lacqueyed and flattered Walpole.

6. Languish

Definition: to exist in an unpleasant or unwanted situation, often for a long time
Synonyms: rot, decay, deteriorate
Example: He has been languishing in jail for the past 20 years.

7. Lucubrate

Definition: write or study, especially by night
Synonyms: elaborate, expatiate, expound
Example: I shall go and lucubrate somewhere nice and quiet.

8. Lout

Definition: to bow in respect
Synonyms: stoop, bow
Example: He louted as the queen passed by.

9. Limn

Definition: to draw or paint
Synonyms: picture, portray, draw
Example: Miss Read limns a gentler world in her novels.

10. Lacquer

Definition: to give a smooth finish or appearance to something
Synonyms: gleam, glitter, shine
Example: The stylist lacquered her hair.

Positive Verbs That Start with L

Among every category of verbs, some carry positive connotation whereas some do not. Following are some of the positive verbs that start with L that talk about positive actions and experiences.

1. Love

Definition: feel deep affection for someone
Synonyms: adore, cherish
Example: He loves his wife dearly.

2. Like

Definition: to feel attraction toward or take pleasure in
Synonyms: want, fancy, admire
Example: He likes baseball.

3. Laugh

Definition: to show emotion (such as mirth, joy, or scorn) with a chuckle
Synonyms: cackle, chortle
Example: The audience was laughing hysterically.

4. Lift

Definition: raise to a higher position or level
Synonyms: raise, hoist, heave
Example: He lifted his trophy over his head.

5. Lighten

Definition: to make light, clear, interesting
Synonyms: relieve, alleviate
Example: She attempted a joke to lighten the atmosphere.

6. Luster

Definition: to give luster or distinction to
Synonyms: coruscate, flame, flash
Example: Her pearl necklace lustered softly in the candlelight of the restaurant.

7. Lounge

Definition: to stand or sit in a relaxed way
Synonyms: relax, repose, rest
Example: John was lounging on the sofa.

8. Lavish

Definition: to expend or bestow with profusion
Synonyms: heap, pour, shower
Example: The media is lavishing praise on the film.

9. Legitimize

Definition: to make legitimate
Synonyms: validate, legitimate, permit
Example: Elon Musk helped legitimize cryptocurrencies in the eyes of Wall Street investors.

10. Limber

Definition: warm up in preparation for exercise or activity, especially sport or athletics
Synonyms: prepare, practice, train
Example: The acrobats were limbering up for the big show.

Verbs That Start with L to Describe a Person

Verbs also have the power of describing the state of being of a person, like the verbs am, is, be, feel, etc. Following are some of the verbs that start with L to describe a person. Try and add new L verbs to this list that can help us define a person.

1. Label

Definition: to describe or designate someone with a label
Synonyms: mark, tag, ticket
Example: William has been labelled as a bad guy.

2. Leap

Definition: to achieve something suddenly, usually fame, power, or importance
Synonyms: soar, succeed
Example: He leapt to fame after his appearance in a Broadway play.

3. Limp

Definition: to walk lamely
Synonyms: halt, hobble
Example: The injured player limped off the field.

4. Long

Definition: to feel a strong desire or craving
Synonyms: want, desire, craving
Example: She longed for a little more excitement.

5. Lark

Definition: to engage in harmless fun or mischief
Synonyms: cavort, disport, frisk
Example: We would rather lark about in the summer than get part-time jobs.

6. Linger

Definition: to be slow in parting or in quitting something
Synonyms: crawl, creep
Example: The fans lingered outside the door.

7. Lag

Definition: fail to keep up with another or others in movement or development
Synonyms: dawdle, straggle, linger
Example: They waited for Tim who was lagging behind.

8. Lord

Definition: to act like a lord
Synonyms: domineer, dominate
Example: He lords it over his friends.

9. Lynch

Definition: to kill someone for an alleged offence without a legal trial
Synonyms: hang, execute, kill
Example: Her father had been lynched for a crime he didn’t commit.

10. Lionize

Definition: to treat someone as an object of great interest or importance
Synonyms: celebrate, fete, glorify
Example: She was lionized everywhere after her novel won the Pulitzer Prize.

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

Librate
Lavish
Lithograph
Leak
Limp
Lib
Lord
Limn
Larn
Lampoon
Levitate
Launder
Leach
Lantern
Lawe
Linger
Lounge
Lambaste
Loosen
Localize
Litigate
Liberalize
Lip
Lour
Lag
Langure
Loan
Lighten
Lapidate
Luge
Locomote
Lie
Lap
Lech
Liquor
Larrup
Lard
Luminesce
Leave
Lacerate
Landscape
Lithotype
Leash
Louse
Lute
Lube
Lumber
Luncheon
Lactate
Laze
Labour
Lank
Lux
Lattice
Labor
Link
Legislate
Litter
Londonize
Loo
Lull
Laminate
Ladle
Line
Latibulize
Lacquer
Latch
Levant
Laureate
Lengthen
Lame
Leaguer
Lade
Leer
Lear
Lynch
Lath
Level
Lam
Laniate
Latrate
Lather
Lurk
Lifen
Lance
Lappet
License
Last
Lecher
Lark
Lose
Lash
Liquidize
Loll
Loose
Legalize
Lachrymate
Learn
List
Lessen
Ladder
Lay
Levy
Lill
Legitimize
Lake
Liberate
Lumine
Lapidify
League
Liaise
Lowball
Laveer
Lapse
Labefy
Light
Lustrate
Lodge
Lob
Liquate
Leech
Loot
Lare
Let
Length
Lack
Lobby
Leather
Legitimatize
Loathe
Lop
Lese
Lyophilize
Love
Live
Linearize
Lubricate
Lurch
Levigate
Lime
Lanch
Legend
Leap
Like
Laden
Limit
Languish
Liquefy
Ladify
Lout
Lisp
Ligature
Luxate
Lopper
Luminate
Lace
Lollygag
Lin
Load
Letheonize
Lament
Loricate
Ligate
Laugh
Lust
Loom
Laconize
Long
Lead
Lignify
Lege
Loiter
Loft
Language
Lamb
Liss
Launch
Lethargize
Lariat
Lambast
Leaf
Lig
Legitimate
Limbec
Laud
Lecture
Lateralize
Loam
Lever
Lasso
Lift
Leese
Lustre
Luxuriate
Leg
Lixiviate
Lesson
Lope
Limber
Lure
Laicize
Lunch
Liquify
Louden
Lipread
Lend
Lucubrate
Lump
Labiate
Loop
Lunge
Loaf
Lionize
Latinize
Lenify
Lusk
Look
Lave
Libel
Lock
Label
Log
Lilt
Lexicalize
Lean
Low
Lease
Locate
Lot
Limb
Leverage
Levee
Lug
Lower
Lipstick
Luster
Land
Lithe
Labialize
Lollop
Liquidate
Lick
Luff
Literalize
Lige

Final Thoughts on Verbs That Start with L

Thank you for avidly reading this article on verbs that start with L. Now that you have learnt these verbs starting with L, the next step is also very critical for you, and that comprises the practical application of these verbs in phrases and sentences that you either write or utter.

Practically applying these verbs that begin with L in your daily life routine will not just enhance your skill level but will also groom your expressive language. You will be able to achieve excellence in your speech and writing, if you learn the art of using these verbs correctly.

After finishing this article, there is one more thing that you can do. There are many more verbs that start with L that you can include in each of the above given categories. If you do that it will better your learning experience even further.