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

Why not let some of these verbs that start with P penetrate into your next piece of writing? Let them pulsate and pop across the page as you weave an interesting story or poem. While you’re at it, consider pairing a P-verb with the occasional P-noun.

It is impossible to pronounce the word P without your lips touching; you can bet on this! In English language the letter P is associated with participate, perform and pay and much more amazing verbs such as persuade and praise. We don’t believe in throwing together low quality collections of verbs, so here you will find the most carefully curated collection of verbs that begin with P.

The letter P is one of the first sounds a baby makes when trying to say ‘papa’ so use these verbs that start with P to permit and persist some amazing actions in your life! Fill your vocabulary with happy and praiseworthy action words starting with P and your perspective and attitude will transform.

Use these in poetry, text messages, social media posts, holiday cards and more. We hope you get much from this list of verbs that start with P.

Table of Contents

Verbs That Start with P You Always Use

As the verbs serve as building blocks in sentence stemming thus proper use of verbs is very important to speak and write correct English. To further enhance your English skills, glance over this list of some commonly used verbs that start with P:

1. Pass

Definition: move or cause to move in a specified direction
Synonyms: go, proceed, move
Example: A train was passing noisily over the bridge.

2. Pay

Definition: give (someone) money that is due for work done, goods received, or a debt incurred
Synonyms: reward, reimburse, recompense

Example: I always keep enough money in the bank to pay my rent on time.

3. Participate

Definition: take part in an action or endeavour

Synonyms: engage, take part, join
Example: She didn’t participate in the discussion.

4. Perform

Definition: carry out, accomplish, or fulfil (an action, task, or function)
Synonyms: do, execute, accomplish
Example: A computer can perform many tasks at once.

5. Permit

Definition: officially allow (someone) to do something
Synonyms: allow, let, authorize

Example: She won’t permit dogs in the house.

6. Place

Definition: put in a particular position

Synonyms: put down, set, position
Example: A newspaper had been placed beside my plate.

7. Play

Definition: engage in activity for enjoyment and recreation rather than a serious or practical purpose
Synonyms: relax, rest, frisk
Example: I play tennis twice a week.

8. Plan

Definition: decide on and make arrangements for in advance
Synonyms: organize, arrange, work out

Example: A meeting has been planned for early next year.

9. Point

Definition: direct someone’s attention towards something by extending one’s finger or something held in one’s hand

Synonyms: signal, refer
Example: When I asked the child where his mother was, he pointed in the direction of the house.

10. Post

Definition: display (a notice) in a public place
Synonyms: affix, attach, fasten
Example: A curt notice had been posted on the door.

Verbs That Start with P You Usually Use

When learning English, students usually give stress on irregular verbs to memorize. There is nothing wrong with this approach but we think that it would be much more useful to learn most frequent verbs in English and the chunks the verbs appear most often in. Let’s take a glance over few of the most common verbs starting with P:

1. Pray

Definition: address a prayer to God or another deity

Synonyms: invoke, call on, implore
Example: The whole family are praying for Michael.

2. Praise

Definition: express warm approval or admiration of
Synonyms: commend, applaud, compliment
Example: A good teacher praises students when they do well.

3. Prepare

Definition: make (something) ready for use or consideration
Synonyms: make ready, put together, produce

Example: The teacher prepared the students for the test.

4. Present

Definition: to give or bestow formally

Synonyms: award, offer
Example: He was presented with a medal at the ceremony.

5. Preserve

Definition: to keep safe from injury, harm, or destruction
Synonyms: protect, maintain
Example: We must preserve our natural resources.

6. Print

Definition: produce (books, newspapers, etc.), especially in large quantities, by a mechanical process involving the transfer of text or designs to paper
Synonyms: run off, copy, reproduce

Example: They printed 10,000 copies of the book’s new edition.

7. Prevent

Definition: keep (something) from happening

Synonyms: stop, avert, block
Example: Action must be taken to prevent further accidents.

8. Produce

Definition: make or manufacture from components or raw materials
Synonyms: build, assemble, construct
Example: The company have just produced a luxury version of the aircraft.

9. Promise

Definition: assure someone that one will definitely do something or that something will happen
Synonyms: swear, pledge, vow

Example: I’ve promised myself some fun when the exams are over.

10. Promote

Definition: support or actively encourage (a cause, venture, etc.); further the progress of

Synonyms: encourage, further, advance
Example: She’s just been promoted to senior sales rep.

Verbs That Start with P You Often Use

It’s essential to learn the right English vocabulary words, so you don’t waste your time trying to memorize a huge collection with very little benefit. Review some of these verbs beginning with P in the following list and boost your ever increasing vocabulary.

1. Park

Definition: bring (a vehicle that one is driving) to a halt and leave it temporarily, typically in a car park or by the side of the road
Synonyms: leave, station, position

Example: He parked his car outside her house.

2. Propose

Definition: put forward (a plan or suggestion) for consideration by others

Synonyms: suggest, offer, present
Example: He proposed a new peace plan.

3. Provide

Definition: make available for use; supply
Synonyms: supply, give, issue
Example: Nature does not provide everything we want.

4. Pull

Definition: exert force on (someone or something) so as to cause movement towards oneself
Synonyms: tug, haul, drag

Example: The little boy pulled her hair.

5. Purchase

Definition: acquire (something) by paying for it; buy

Synonyms: acquire, obtain, procure
Example: He purchased a new suit for a hundred dollars.

6. Push

Definition: exert force on (someone or something) in order to move them away from oneself
Synonyms: shove, thrust, propel
Example: She pushed her glass towards him.

7. Put

Definition: move to or place in a particular position
Synonyms: place, set, lay down

Example: I put the keys on the table.

8. Prefer

Definition: like (one thing or person) better than another or others; tend to choose

Synonyms: favor, choose, pick
Example: I prefer tea to coffee.

9. Possess

Definition: have as belonging to one; own
Synonyms: have, own, hold
Example: I do not possess a television set.

10. Plug

Definition: mention (a product, event, or establishment) publicly in order to promote it
Synonyms: publicize, promote, advertise

Example: During the show he plugged his new record.

Verbs That Start with P You Sometimes Use

Getting a handle on the basic building blocks will put you on the path to having everyday conversations in English. Let’s have a glance over some of the sometimes used verbs starting with letter P which is exactly what we have for you here.

1. Prove

Definition: demonstrate the truth or existence of (something) by evidence or argument
Synonyms: demonstrate, show, determine
Example: I must prove his honesty.

2. Publish

Definition: prepare and issue (a book, journal, piece of music, etc.) for public sale, distribution, or readership
Synonyms: issue, bring out, produce

Example: We publish a quarterly journal.

3. Punish

Definition: inflict a penalty or sanction on (someone) as retribution for an offence, especially a transgression of a legal or moral code

Synonyms: penalize, discipline
Example: I have done wrong and I’m being punished for it.

4. Pursue

Definition: follow or chase (someone or something)
Synonyms: go after, run after, follow
Example: The police officer pursued the van.

5. Prompt

Definition: (of an event or fact) cause or bring about (an action or feeling)
Synonyms: cause, bring about, cause

Example: The violence prompted a wave of refugees to flee the country.

6. Prohibit

Definition: formally forbid (something) by law, rule, or other authority

Synonyms: forbid, ban, embargo
Example: Prohibit the sale of alcoholic beverages.

7. Proceed

Definition: begin a course of action
Synonyms: begin, move, get going
Example: He outlined his plans and then proceeded to explain them in more detail.

8. Pretend

Definition: behave so as to make it appear that something is the case when in fact it is not
Synonyms: profess, pose, affect
Example: I closed my eyes and pretended I was asleep.

9. Pour

Definition: flow rapidly in a steady stream
Synonyms: stream, flow, run
Example: The rainy water poured off the roof.

10. Pose

Definition: present or constitute (a problem or danger)
Synonyms: cause, create, produce
Example: The task poses no special problems.

Verbs That Start with P You Occasionally Use

A good vocabulary is valuable when writing although the use of uncommon words risks your appearing like a show-off. Let’s dive into the ocean of verbs and explore few verb words that start with P:

1. Pledge

Definition: give as security on a loan
Synonyms: mortgage, pawn, guarantee
Example: He pledged his gold watch to pay for her birthday gift.

2. Pop

Definition: go somewhere for a short time, often without notice
Synonyms: go, visit, tootle
Example: She popped in to see if she could help.

3. Persuade

Definition: induce (someone) to do something through reasoning or argument
Synonyms: convince, induce, make
Example: My mother always tries to persuade me to spend time with my younger siblings.

4. Persist

Definition: continue to exist; be prolonged
Synonyms: continue, hold, carry on
Example: If the symptoms persist for more than a few days, then contact your doctor.

5. Perceive

Definition: become aware or conscious of (something); come to realize or understand
Synonyms: discern, recognize, understand
Example: I perceived a change in his behavior.

6. Penetrate

Definition: go into or through (something), especially with force or effort
Synonyms: pierce, puncture, stab
Example: The shrapnel had penetrated his head.

7. Peel

Definition: remove the outer covering or skin from (a fruit or vegetable)
Synonyms: pare, skin, trim
Example: Have you peeled the potatoes?

8. Paint

Definition: cover the surface of (something) with paint
Synonyms: color, decorate, dye
Example: The ceiling was painted dark grey.

9. Pick

Definition: choose (someone or something) from a number of alternatives
Synonyms: choose, select, prefer
Example: He picked his words carefully.

10. Pinch

Definition: grip (something, typically a person’s flesh) tightly and sharply between finger and thumb
Synonyms: nip, squeeze, tweak
Example: She pinched his cheek.

Verbs That Start with P You Seldom Use

Use uncommon verbs in your conversation only if you feel confident the person will understand it and know that you’re choosing that word because it more accurately reflects what you’re trying to say, not that you’re trying to show off. Let’s pluck few rare action verbs starting with P in the following list:

1. Poke

Definition: jab or prod (someone or something) with one’s finger or a sharp object
Synonyms: prod, fig, nudge
Example: He poked Benny in the ribs and pointed.

2. Precede

Definition: come before (something) in time
Synonyms: lead up to, pave the way for, introduce
Example: The meeting was preceded by a brief welcoming speech.

3. Press

Definition: move or cause to move into a position of contact with something by exerting continuous physical force
Synonyms: depress, lean on, pin
Example: She pressed down hard on the gas pedal.

4. Pump

Definition: force (liquid, gas, etc.) to move by or as if by means of a pump
Synonyms: force, drive, push
Example: He pumped the water up from the bottom of the boat.

5. Puncture

Definition: cause a sudden collapse of (mood or feeling)
Synonyms: reverse, prick, put an end to
Example: The earlier mood of optimism was punctured.

6. Panic

Definition: feel or cause to feel panic
Synonyms: overreact, take fright, get worked up
Example: I panicked when I saw smoke coming out of the engine.

7. Purify

Definition: remove contaminants from
Synonyms: clean, refine, cleanse
Example: The filtration plant is able to purify 70 tons of water a day.

8. Pamper

Definition: to treat with extreme or excessive care and attention
Synonyms: coddle, gratify, tickle
Example: She pampered herself with a day at the spa.

9. Prolongate

Definition: to lengthen in duration or space; extend
Synonyms: expand, increase, prolong
Example: In order to prolongate the system’s lifetime, some sensors can be kept inactive while others perform all the tasks.

10. Postpone

Definition: cause or arrange for (something) to take place at a time later than that first scheduled
Synonyms: put off, delay, defer
Example: They decided to postpone their holiday until next year.

Positive Verbs That Start with P

Even if you feel silly saying your affirmations at first, keep going. There’s no harm in being positive and taking a few moments out of each day to encourage and celebrate the most important person in your life by using positive verbs that start with P. Let’s have a look into some of them in the below list:

1. Pacify

Definition: quell the anger, agitation, or excitement of
Synonyms: appease, calm, conciliate
Example: He had to pacify angry spectators.

2. Pardon

Definition: forgive or excuse (a person, error, or offence)
Synonyms: forgive, absolve, excuse
Example: He eventually pardoned his sister for interfering in his marriage.

3. Part

Definition: leave someone’s company
Synonyms: leave, separate, break up
Example: There was a good deal of kissing before we parted.

4. Please

Definition: cause to feel happy and satisfied
Synonyms: nice, agreeable, pleasant
Example: He arranged a fishing trip to please his son.

5. Poise

Definition: be or cause to be balanced or suspended
Synonyms: balance, hang, hover
Example: He poised motionless on his toes.

6. Pleasure

Definition: give sexual enjoyment or satisfaction to
Synonyms: enjoyment, contentment
Example: Tell me what will pleasure you.

7. Power

Definition: supply (a device) with mechanical or electrical energy
Synonyms: activate, actuate, coax
Example: The aircraft is powered by a jet engine.

8. Progress

Definition: move forward or onward in space or time
Synonyms: go, move, advance
Example: The project has been progressing slowly.

9. Promulgate

Definition: promote or make widely known (an idea or cause)
Synonyms: publicize, spread, circulate
Example: These directives have to be promulgated within the organization.

10. Pace

Definition: walk at a steady speed, especially without a particular destination and as an expression of anxiety or annoyance
Synonyms: walk, stride, tread
Example: He slowly paced back and forth in the hospital waiting room.

Verbs That Start with P to Describe a Person

Common words that describe the ways your characters move (such as ‘run’, ‘sit’ and ‘walk’) have many vibrant alternatives. Explore these alternatives because descriptive P verbs are an excellent place to start. Let’s stroll down through a list of some verbs that start with P to describe a person:

1. Prosper

Definition: succeed in material terms; be financially successful
Synonyms: go well, flourish, thrive
Example: The economy prospered under his administration.

2. Purpose

Definition: have as one’s intention or objective
Synonyms: intend, aim, mean
Example: God has allowed suffering, even purposed it.

3. Pal

Definition: to be or become pals, associate as pals
Synonyms: to be buddy, to be friend
Example: They’ve palled around for years.

4. Parent

Definition: be or act as a parent to (a child)
Synonyms: bring up, look after, take care of
Example: All children are special to those who parent them.

5. Partner

Definition: be the partner of
Synonyms: join in, put together, share
Example: She partnered with her sister, and they opened a candy shop together.

6. Peer

Definition: look with difficulty or concentration at someone or something
Synonyms: squint, peep, stare
Example: He peered at her with suspicion.

7. Perfect

Definition: make (something) completely free from faults or defects; make as good as possible
Synonyms: improving, polish up, refine
Example: He’s busy perfecting his bowling technique.

8. Pep

Definition: make someone or something more lively or interesting
Synonyms: improve, enliven, animate
Example: A walk in the morning fresh air will pep you up.

9. Pilot

Definition: be the pilot of (an aircraft or ship)
Synonyms: fly, handle, drive
Example: He piloted the helicopter from Paris to London.

10. Pioneer

Definition: develop or be the first to use or apply (a new method, area of knowledge, or activity)
Synonyms: develop, introduce, evolve
Example: The technique was pioneered by a Swiss doctor in the 1930s.

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

Proceed
Prejudge
Peek
Prevail
Pack
Press
Purr
Premeditate
Popularize
Purpose
Pronounce
Penetrate
Poke
Paralyze
Partition
Punish
Project
Predict
Prosecute
Play
Pain
Put
Patent
Pivot
Pig
Part
Paddle
Pot
Perpetuate
Propagate
Point
Place
Punch
Pore
Pose
Pilfer
Pacify
Pretend
Perspire
Pray
Perk
Pace
Pile
Peak
Polish
Peg
Permit
Picture
Peck
Plunge
Parody
Pit
Prohibit
Padlock
Profile
Pulp
Puke
Plunder
Patrol
Prop
Prospect
Pontificate
Phrase
Practice
Plagiarize
Prescribe
Prevent
Progress
Pledge
Pullulate
Prolong
Persevere
Preoccupy
Pioneer
Pitch
Polymerize
Peregrinate
Presage
Pinch
Ponder
Philosophize
Personify
Putrefy
Pound
Prattle
Pin
Pillage
Potter
Perfume
Purify
Procrastinate
Perceive
Preside
Paste
Poise
Pulverize
Pervert
Paraphrase
Persist
Plate
Photograph
Punctuate
Personalize
Procreate
Propulse
Postdate
Possess
Pity
Pamper
Pearl
Pepper
Pretty
Preform
Pen
Pollute
Pierce
Profane
Pervade
Persecute
Poop
Prune
Precede
Parley
Postpone
Patch
Protrude
Pan
Perforate
Prick
Palm
Pour
Powder
Particularize
Plan
Pinion
Probe
Prophesy
Pry
Pension
Protest
Prosper
Permeate
Palliate
Pause
Pave
Prove
Praise
Promulgate
Puff
Presume
Palaver
Pedal
Pop
Price
Preach
Presuppose
Position
Preexist
Pester
Poach
Pursue
Plump
Power
Polarize
Publish
Plait
Perch
Prize
Pasteurize
Paw
Proliferate
Pay
Peruse
Pal
Populate
Perturb
Paper
Persuade
Profit
Pucker
Pirouette
Predispose
Prefer
Predestinate
Peel
Paragon
Process
Pet
Perform
Perfect
Preserve
Pluck
Pact
Pertain
Puncture
Proportion
Pirate
Poison
Plead
Pare
Protect
Precipitate
Panel
Pant
Partner
Peep
Prepare
Predominate
Predetermine
Push
Program
Peer
Phosphorate
Pleasure
Petition
Patronize
Proclaim
Produce
Propel
Pilot
Print
Provide
Pardon
Profess
Portray
Pat
Prime
People
Piss
Purge
Plaster
Post
Plot
Pad
Prostitute
Pull
Peddle
Plug
Penalize
Perpetrate
Petrify
Patter
Pep
Proctor
Purchase
Plague
Picket
Pass
Pocket
Pasture
Promote
Park
Parent
Parade
Prowl
Privilege
Prevaricate
Prompt
Pair
Pump
Phone
Percolate
Promise
Participate
Pipe
Prey
Propose
Pine
Please
Perish
Pencil
Present
Provoke
Pick
Prelude

Final Thoughts on Verbs That Start with P

The more we read, the more we advance our literacy. Thanks to literature and poetry, a passport isn’t required to enter new realms. The further you escape into fantasy of verbs that start with P, the more your vocabulary will grow.

Ready to dabble in a little writing yourself? Scan through the verbs that start with P to see if you can fancify your next writing piece with any of these verbs. As a matter of fact, mastering the vocabulary list of verbs that begin with P and being able to use it properly are foundational English language skills.

It is our wish that these verbs starting with P have been amazing and that you’ll never again feel unsure where to turn when you need a good list of P-verbs to describe an action or a state of being. Enjoy it!