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

Open your heart and mind to an amazing collection of some verbs that start with O! These verbs that begin with O will give you that optimal oomph towards outrageously optimistic actions done in your daily life.

In English alphabets, the letter O is a fascinating letter and also one of the most commonly used letters in the English language. From obey to offend, list of O-verbs provide a certain level of fancy to our writing and speech in daily life. They can be a breeding place for a beginner of English language.

Adding verbs that start with O to your daily affirmations, in your poems, when playing word games, sending texts to those you care about and writing in greeting cards will help to spread some smiles and happiness. This will also increase your confidence and is an important bunch which can help you improve your English language skills.

Choose your words carefully and wisely. With that in mind, here is the most comprehensive list of outstanding action words starting with O. If you’re looking for a way to boost your ever increasing vocabulary, look through this list of verbs that start with O and use them until everyone around you is oozing with over-flowing joy!

Table of Contents

Verbs That Start with O You Always Use

Learning the most frequent English verbs makes tactical sense when you’re starting to learn the language. Let’s stroll down through an amazing list of some commonly used verbs that start with O:

1. Obey

Definition: submit to the authority of (someone) or comply with (a law)
Synonyms: heed, bow to, observe
Example: I always obey my father.

2. Observe

Definition: notice or perceive (something) and register it as being significant
Synonyms: notice, perceive, discover

Example: She observed that all the chairs were already occupied.

3. Obtain

Definition: get, acquire, or secure (something)

Synonyms: get, acquire, come by
Example: Further details can be obtained by writing to the above address.

4. Occur

Definition: happen; take place
Synonyms: come about, materialize, arise
Example: The accident occurred at about 3.30 p.m.

5. Offer

Definition: present or proffer (something) for (someone) to accept or reject as desired
Synonyms: put forward, provide, give

Example: May I offer you a drink?

6. Open

Definition: move (a door or window) so as to leave a space allowing access and vision

Synonyms: unlock, unfasten, unlatch
Example: She opened the door and went in.

7. Operate

Definition: (of a person) control the functioning of (a machine, process, or system)
Synonyms: work, run, use
Example: The airline operates flights to 25 countries.

8. Overload

Definition: load with too great a burden or cargo
Synonyms: overburden, overcharge, encumber

Example: The lights went out because the system was overloaded.

9. Order

Definition: give an authoritative instruction to do something

Synonyms: instruct, command, direct
Example: She ordered me to leave.

10. Option

Definition: buy or sell an option on
Synonyms: choice, preference, election
Example: The novel was optioned for the screen by his production company.

Verbs That Start with O You Usually Use

The most common English verbs-words expressing an action like “to eat” or a state like “to be”, should be at the top of your list. Below, there is a list of some verbs starting with O you should begin with and the best if you’re studying English as beginners.

1. Object

Definition: say something to express one’s opposition to or disagreement with something

Synonyms: oppose, take issue with, have a problem with
Example: He objected that the police had arrested him without sufficient evidence.

2. Organize

Definition: arrange systematically; order
Synonyms: arrange, order, assemble
Example: We’ll organize this business into two separate companies.

3. Overcome

Definition: succeed in dealing with (a problem or difficulty)
Synonyms: control, tame, master

Example: He overcame his pain for a time.

4. Obstruct

Definition: block (an opening, path, road, etc.); be or get in the way of

Synonyms: shut off, block, jam
Example: It is an offence to obstruct the police during the course of their duty.

5. Offend

Definition: cause to feel upset, annoyed, or resentful
Synonyms: affront, upset, displease
Example: He looked offended when you called him middle-aged.

6. Omit

Definition: leave out or exclude (someone or something), either intentionally or forgetfully
Synonyms: leave out, exclude, shut out

Example: He was omitted from the second test.

7. Opt

Definition: make a choice from a range of possibilities

Synonyms: choose, select, pick
Example: Consumers will opt for low-priced goods.

8. Optimize

Definition: make the best or most effective use of (a situation or resource)
Synonyms: boost, develop, heighten
Example: We manage our time so that we optimize our productivity.

9. Overhaul

Definition: take apart (a piece of machinery or equipment) in order to examine it and repair it if necessary
Synonyms: service, maintain, repair

Example: The mechanic overhauled the car’s engine.

10. Overflow

Definition: (especially of a liquid) flow over the brim of a receptacle

Synonyms: surplus, flood, surfeit
Example: The river overflowed its banks.

Verbs That Start with O You Often Use

There’s good news as you start learning (or revising) the most useful English verbs: many are very simple and easy to memorize. Review some of these verbs beginning with O in the following list and boost your ever increasing vocabulary.

1. Own

Definition: have (something) as one’s own; possess
Synonyms: possess, keep, hold

Example: His father owns a restaurant.

2. Occasion

Definition: cause (something)

Synonyms: cause, give rise to
Example: The injury was believed to have occasioned his death.

3. Ought

Definition: used to indicate duty or correctness, typically when criticizing someone’s actions
Synonyms: must, have to
Example: Your sister ought to clean up this mess.

4. Overlap

Definition: extend over so as to cover partly
Synonyms: lap, overlay, overspread

Example: The floor was overlapped with sheets of newspaper.

5. Overprice

Definition: charge too high a price for

Synonyms: overrate, overvalue, inflate
Example: Everything in the store is grossly overpriced.

6. Overweight

Definition: put too much weight on; overload
Synonyms: overburden, overcharge
Example: Try not to overweight the boxes.

7. Oversee

Definition: supervise (a person or their work), especially in an official capacity
Synonyms: look after, supervise, firect

Example: We’ve just appointed a coordinator who will oversee the whole project.

8. Obligate

Definition: require or compel (someone) to undertake a legal or moral duty

Synonyms: oblige, compel, commit
Example: The contract obligates you to pay monthly.

9. Overheat

Definition: make or become too hot
Synonyms: superheat, warm, reheat
Example: My car got overheated during the long journey.

10. Orchestrate

Definition: arrange or score (music) for orchestral performance
Synonyms: arrange, adapt, score

Example: She orchestrated the entire event.

Verbs That Start with O You Sometimes Use

As a matter of fact, vocabulary – rather than pronunciation or grammar – is probably the most difficult aspect of learning English language. With that in mind, here is a list of the sometimes used verbs starting with letter O for English learners.

1. Orient

Definition: to direct (something, such as a book or film) toward the interests of a particular group
Synonyms: accustom, acquaint, familiarize
Example: The program is intended to orient students toward a career in medicine.

2. Ordain

Definition: make (someone) a priest or minister; confer holy orders on
Synonyms: appoint, induct, install

Example: He was ordained a minister before entering Parliament.

3. Objectify

Definition: to treat as an object or cause to have objective reality

Synonyms: disapproving, depersonalize
Example: They believe that beauty pageants objectify women.

4. Outgrow

Definition: grow faster or taller than
Synonyms: develop, grow
Example: The more vigorous plants outgrow their weaker neighbours.

5. Occupy

Definition: reside or have one’s place of business in (a building)
Synonyms: inhabited, settled, live in

Example: He occupies an office on the 12th floor.

6. Overcook

Definition: cook too much or for too long

Synonyms: burnt, chewy, charred
Example: Do not overcook meat or it will be chewy.

7. Ossify

Definition: become rigid or fixed in attitude or position; cease developing

Synonyms: harden, stagnate, rigidify

Example: Our political system has ossified.

8. Outsource

Definition: obtain (goods or a service) by contract from an outside supplier
Synonyms: subcontracting, outward, offshoring
Example: We outsource all our computing work.

9. Overrate

Definition: have a higher opinion of (someone or something) than is deserved
Synonyms: overestimate, overvalue, oversell
Example: His father greatly overrated his abilities.

10. Officiate

Definition: act as an official in charge of something, especially a sporting event
Synonyms: take charge, direct, supervise
Example: A referee from a neutral country will officiate at the competition.

Verbs That Start with O You Occasionally Use

A good vocabulary signals a good mind. That’s useful whether you’re a helping professional or not, in your work life and outside. We’ve gathered below a list of some occasionally used verb words that start with O for you:

1. Oblige

Definition: make (someone) legally or morally bound to do something
Synonyms: require, compel, bind
Example: Her job obliges her to work overtime and on weekends.

2. Obscure

Definition: keep from being seen; conceal
Synonyms: hide, conceal, cover
Example: His face was partially obscured by sunglasses.

3. Obsess

Definition: preoccupy or fill the mind of (someone) continually and to a troubling extent
Synonyms: possess, haunt, consume
Example: He was obsessed with the idea of revenge.

4. Oppress

Definition: keep (someone) in subjection and hardship, especially by the unjust exercise of authority
Synonyms: persecute, abuse, maltreat
Example: For years now, the people have been oppressed by a ruthless dictator.

5. Originate

Definition: to happen or appear for the first time in a particular place or situation
Synonyms: arise, derive, begin
Example: The disease is thought to have originated in the tropics.

6. Outsmart

Definition: defeat or get the better of (someone) by being clever or cunning
Synonyms: outplay, outwit, make a fool of
Example: The hero is invariably outsmarted by the heroine.

7. Outpace

Definition: go, rise, or improve faster than
Synonyms: excel, outperform, outrun
Example: He outpaced all six defenders.

8. Orientate

Definition: to aim something at someone or something, or make something suitable for a particular group of people
Synonyms: orient, initiate, introduce
Example: It is essential that the public sector orientates itself more towards the consumer.

9. Offset

Definition: counteract (something) by having an equal and opposite force or effect
Synonyms: counteract, balance, equalize
Example: The loss was partially offset by increases in revenues elsewhere.

10. Overthrow

Definition: remove forcibly from power
Synonyms: bring down, topple, unseat
Example: He said that Allende’s government in Chile was overthrown by the army and the CIA in 1973.

Verbs That Start with O You Seldom Use

Another plus for a good vocabulary is that on encountering uncommon words while reading, you’re less likely to need to stop to look it up. Let’s glance over a list of these rare action verbs starting with O and see how you can use them in your daily life.

1. Obfuscate

Definition: make obscure, unclear, or unintelligible
Synonyms: confuse, muddle, complicate
Example: They are obfuscating the issue, as only insurance companies can.

2. Ogle

Definition: stare at in a lecherous manner
Synonyms: make sheep’s eye at, give someone the glad eye
Example: He was ogling her breasts.

3. Oink

Definition: to make the noise that a pig makes
Synonyms: squeal, fink
Example: He came up to the fence and oinked a little bit.

4. Ooze

Definition: (of a fluid) slowly trickle or seep out of something
Synonyms: seep, discharge, flow
Example: Blood was oozing from a wound in his scalp.

5. Opine

Definition: hold and state as one’s opinion
Synonyms: suggest, submit, propose
Example: ‘The man is a genius,’ he opined.

6. Oust

Definition: drive out or expel (someone) from a position or place
Synonyms: expel, throw out, force out
Example: The rebels ousted the dictator from power.

7. Owe

Definition: have an obligation to pay or repay (something, especially money) in return for something received
Synonyms: be in debt
Example: We still owe $1,000 on our car.

8. Outwit

Definition: deceive by greater ingenuity
Synonyms: outplay, outfox
Example: They thought they had outwitted the new teacher.

9. Overdo

Definition: do, use, or carry to excess; exaggerate
Synonyms: overstate, overplay, dramatize
Example: Don’t overdo the salt in this recipe.

10. Outlaw

Definition: ban or make illegal
Synonyms: ban, prohibit, forbid
Example: That type of gun was outlawed last year.

Positive Verbs That Start with O

We think in words and by those words, we live our lives. The words we think about shape everything from our actions to our feelings. We can expand our minds by growing our vocabulary. Let’s dive in the sea of verbs and pluck few positive verbs that start with O in the below list:

1. Orbit

Definition: to travel completely around
Synonyms: circle, compass, girdle
Example: The moon orbits the Earth.

2. Orate

Definition: make a speech, especially pompously or at length
Synonyms: declaim, speak, sermonize
Example: He orated with more bemusement than anger at President Bush.

3. Oscillate

Definition: move or swing back and forth in a regular rhythm
Synonyms: swing, sway
Example: My emotions oscillate between desperation and hope.

4. Outfit

Definition: provide with a set of clothes
Synonyms: provision, supply, equip
Example: The organization was outfitting every family with shoes.

5. Outbrave

Definition: face (something) with a show of brave defiance
Synonyms: combat, fight, oppose
Example: The Duke sat outfacing his accusers, and outbraving their accusations.

6. Outshine

Definition: be much better than (someone) in a particular area
Synonyms: surpass, excel, outclass
Example: Jesse has begun to outshine me in sports.

7. Overjoy

Definition: to fill with great joy, cause to rejoice
Synonyms: elate, cheer, enchant
Example: That book of Paulo Coelho overjoyed me when I read it.

8. Outclass

Definition: be far superior to
Synonyms: surpass, overshadow, eclipse
Example: Villa totally outclassed us in the first half.

9. Oil

Definition: lubricate, coat, or impregnate with oil
Synonyms: lubricate, grease, lube
Example: I’ll oil that gate for you tomorrow.

10. Okay

Definition: give approval to
Synonyms: authorize, approve, sanction
Example: We are all wondering why the government is suddenly okaying a brand new school on the island.

Verbs That Start with O to Describe a Person

When speaking or writing in the English language you are going to need to use descriptive O verbs. You may be in desperate need to add some new ones to your vocabulary. If that’s the case, then you’re in the right place! Here we will be sharing with you, some of the most common descriptive verbs that start with O to describe a person:

1. Outperform

Definition: perform better than
Synonyms: better, exceed, outmatch
Example: An experienced employee will outperform the novice.

2. Outreach

Definition: reach further than
Synonyms: excel, exceed, surpass
Example: The singer’s talent outreaches the dull songs she is asked to perform.

3. Overfeed

Definition: give too much food to
Synonyms: glutted, overfull, overstuffed
Example: You cannot overfeed a kitten so don’t be afraid to give her too much.

4. Overwhelm

Definition: have a strong emotional effect on
Synonyms: impress, effect, stir
Example: I was overwhelmed with guilt.

5. Overburden

Definition: load (someone) with too many things to carry
Synonyms: overload, muck, overlying
Example: They were overburdened with luggage.

6. Overpower

Definition: defeat or overcome with superior strength
Synonyms: master, control, suppress
Example: Don’t let your emotions overpower you!

7. Oppose

Definition: disagree with and attempt to prevent, especially by argument
Synonyms: resist, repel, withstand
Example: We would vigorously oppose such a policy.

8. Overexcite

Definition: excite excessively
Synonyms: crazed, flipped, excited
Example: Don’t get the children overexcited just before bedtime.

9. Oversaturate

Definition: to saturate to an excessive degree
Synonyms: replete, satiated, stuffed
Example: Even in the severe weather, we were oversaturated with customers.

10. Overact

Definition: (of an actor or actress) act a role in an exaggerated manner
Synonyms: exaggerate, pile it on
Example: He overacts the part of the loving husband.

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

Outfight
Outline
Obstinate
Opt
Offend
Obsess
Outnumber
Outshine
Overstretch
Officiate
Overwrite
Orientalize
Overdramatize
Odorize
Outbrave
Opalize
Outmode
Obligate
Overlap
Ostentate
Obtain
Outmanoeuvre
Overdraw
Overreach
Occidentalize
Overrule
Overcook
Own
Overfeed
Oversew
Omit
Ornament
Overclothe
Outride
Outguess
Outflank
Outperform
Outlast
Overcast
Overexcite
Oversaturate
Oversleep
Overprotect
Order
Oppose
Outface
Outgo
Overreact
Overemphasize
Originate
Open
Oil
Overact
Overestimate
Obfuscate
Ovulate
Overload
Overachieve
Overstuff
Overfly
Outrun
Outroar
Oxygenate
Outplay
Overstay
Overproduce
Outsource
Outstrip
Overvalue
Obnubilate
Ordinate
Overdose
Overshoot
Oust
Overcrop
Overprint
Outshout
Overboil
Overshadow
Overcompensate
Overtake
Overeat
Ovenbake
Obstipate
Overindulge
Outrange
Overstock
Outmaneuver
Oversupply
Overawe
Ooze
Overwork
Outcrop
Oversee
Obliterate
Overextend
Outsmart
Occult
Outlive
Orient
Outsell
Ostracize
Outmarch
Overweary
Occupy
Organize
Objurgate
Overhaul
Occasion
Outweigh
Oppress
Outbid
Outwit
Overcultivate
Output
Outscore
Oblige
Overarch
Outdraw
Overrefine
Obviate
Orientate
Overplay
Offload
Oversimplify
Overtrump
Obey
Oscillate
Oxidate
Oxidize
Overflow
Oppugn
Overgorge
Orate
Obturate
Outcry
Overstress
Overbalance
Overdress
Overgeneralize
Opsonize
Overstep
Overbid
Outdistance
Overfatigue
Overthrow
Orchestrate
Overburden
Overlook
Opine
Occur
Overpay
Obtund
Ok
Override
Orphan
Overhear
Offer
Overheat
Outgrow
Overmaster
Overdo
Overgrow
Offset
Outmatch
Opacify
Optate
Occlude
Overspread
Overstrain
Outclass
Obtrude
Officialize
Overcome
Obstruct
Obscure
Overdrive
Outbalance
Overpower
Overexert
Outgeneral
Operate
Overbear
Owe
Ossify
Overcharge
Ordain
Outlaw
Outpace
Outrival
Orbit
Object
Overcapitalize
Optimize
Overuse
Overwhelm
Overleap
Observe
Overturn
Overprice
Outpoint
Overrun
Overtire
Outfox
Overtax
Outstare
Opalesce
Overspecialize
Ogle
Overhang
Overrate
Overtop
Omen
Overlie
Overcloud
Oxygenize
Overstate
Offsaddle
Overspend
Overlay
Oink
Overfill
Outrank
Overjoy
Osculate

Final Thoughts on Verbs That Start with O

Opine, opt and optimize is what we hope this list of verbs that start with O was for you. Being one of the most used letters, O happens to have many positive and negative verbs for you to select from.

When we choose to undertake the task of writing, we must remain objective, as our prose oozes with interest and insight. And while verbs that start with O are not in short supply, it can be hard to find the right words to express or describe that you want to say.

Our site was created so that you would always have the most useful collection of verbs that begin with O for whatever you choose to use them for.

Whether you need some verbs starting with O to describe an action or a state of being or you just want to improve your vocabulary, these words will always be right here waiting for your return.