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

In this article we are going to talk about verbs that start with S. As you are well aware of the fact that our lives are full of actions and to carry out those actions we need to utter certain words. Those words are called verbs.

Let us talk a little about the letter S first. The letter S is the seventh most common letter in English. This is the one of the reasons that the list of verbs that start with S is a large one. We could not list all S verbs here but we have tried to come up with a compelling collection of verbs that begin with S for you to learn.

All of the verbs that start with S given in this article are necessary for the completion of thought. While going through the list of verbs given below, keep two things in mind. First, try and learn each one of these verbs. Second, try to insert these verbs into your own sentences to see how different actions are performed by them.

Now without making you wait any further, let’s go through the list of action words starting with S provided below.

Table of Contents

Verbs That Start with S You Always Use

There are a lot of verbs that we use on a regular basis in our daily life routine. Below is list of some of those verbs that start with S that we always make use of.

1. See

Definition: to be conscious of what is around you by using your eyes
Synonyms: discern, perceive, glimpse
Example: Turn the light on so I can see.

2. Say

Definition: utter words so as to convey information
Synonyms: speak, utter, pronounce

Example: She said goodbye to all her friends and left.

3. Save

Definition: keep safe or rescue (someone or something) from harm or danger

Synonyms: rescue, extricate
Example: The doctor saved my life.

4. Speak

Definition: say something in order to convey information or to express a feeling
Synonyms: state, declare, tell
Example: I spoke to him last night.

5. Search

Definition: try to find something by looking or otherwise seeking carefully and thoroughly
Synonyms: hunt, look, explore

Example: The police searched the woods for the missing boy.

6. Show

Definition: to make it possible for something to be seen

Synonyms: reveal, view, express
Example: Let me show you this new book I’ve just bought.

7. Share

Definition: to have or use something at the same time as someone else
Synonyms: split, divide
Example: He shared the pie with her.

8. Sing

Definition: to make musical sounds with the voice, usually a tune with words
Synonyms: chant, intone, yodel

Example: The children sang two songs by Schubert at the school concert.

9. Set

Definition: put, lay, or stand (something) in a specified place or position

Synonyms: place, put, lay
Example: Delaney set the mug of tea down.

10. Spend

Definition: to give money as a payment for something
Synonyms: lay out, expend, disburse
Example: She spends a lot of money on clothes.

Verbs That Start with S You Usually Use

We have a pretty long list of verbs that we utilize in our daily lives to carry out different actions. Following is a list of verbs starting with S that we usually make use of in our daily lives.

1. Seek

Definition: attempt to find something

Synonyms: search, look
Example: They came here to seek shelter from biting winter winds.

2. Send

Definition: to cause something to go from one place to another
Synonyms: dispatch, convey, address
Example: We sent a reminder letter but received no reply.

3. Scream

Definition: to make a loud, piercing sound
Synonyms: shriek, screech, yell

Example: A spider landed on her pillow and she screamed.

4. Shave

Definition: (of a man) cut the hair off the face with a razor

Synonyms: trim, barber, crop
Example: He washed, shaved, and had breakfast.

5. Sell

Definition: give or hand over (something) in exchange for money
Synonyms: dispose of, trade, vend
Example: They had sold the car.

6. Select

Definition: carefully choose as being the best or most suitable
Synonyms: pick, take

Example: Children must select their subjects wisely.

7. Separate

Definition: to (cause to) divide into parts

Synonyms: divide, split, break
Example: The north and south of the country are separated by a mountain range.

8. Settle

Definition: resolve or reach an agreement about (an argument or problem)
Synonyms: resolve, sort out
Example: The dispute between Nauman and Nayyar has got settled.

9. Serve

Definition: to provide food or drinks
Synonyms: provide, supply, provide

Example: Do they serve meals in the bar?

10. Shrink

Definition: become or make smaller in size or amount

Synonyms: contract, diminish
Example: The workforce shrank to a thousand.

Verbs That Start with S You Often Use

Whether in a sentence or on their own, verbs are the primary functional part of the sentence. Following are some of the verbs beginning with S that we often use in our talks and writings.

1. Sail

Definition: travel in a boat with sails, especially as a sport or recreation
Synonyms: boat, yacht

Example: The ship was sailing to China.

2. Score

Definition: gain (a point, goal, run, etc.) in a competitive game

Synonyms: get, gain
Example: McCartney scored a fine goal.

3. Scare

Definition: cause great fear or nervousness in
Synonyms: frighten, terrify
Example: A black cat scared me last night.

4. Seize

Definition: to take something quickly and keep or hold it
Synonyms: grab, grasp, snatch

Example: I seized his arm and made him turn to look at me.

5. Shape

Definition: give a particular shape or form to

Synonyms: form, fashion, make
Example: Most caves are shaped by the flow of water through limestone.

6. Shop

Definition: visit one or more shops or websites to buy goods
Synonyms: buy, purchase
Example: She shops for groceries twice a week.

7. Shift

Definition: (of an idea, opinion, etc.) to change
Synonyms: move, carry, transfer

Example: Society’s attitudes towards women have shifted enormously over the last century.

8. Spark

Definition: emit sparks of fire or electricity

Synonyms: gleam, glint, glitter
Example: The ignition sparks as soon as the gas is turned on.

9. Shower

Definition: to take a shower
Synonyms: wash, bathe
Example: I shower every morning.

10. Satisfy

Definition: meet the expectations, needs, or desires of (someone)
Synonyms: please, content

Example: I am not satisfied with your result.

Verbs That Start with S You Sometimes Use

Verbs are important because they help people communicate about different events in their lives by combining words into sentences. Following are some of the verbs starting with letter S that we only use sometimes in our day-to-day lives.

1. Skate

Definition: move on ice skates or roller skates in a gliding fashion
Synonyms: glide, flow, skim
Example: The boys were skating on the ice.

2. Shrug

Definition: raise (one’s shoulders) slightly and momentarily to express doubt, ignorance, or indifference
Synonyms: beckon, flourish, wave

Example: Jimmy looked enquiringly at Pete, who shrugged his shoulders.

3. Smear

Definition: coat or mark (something) messily or carelessly with a greasy or sticky substance

Synonyms: stain, mark, streak
Example: His face was smeared with dirt.

4. Scrape

Definition: drag or pull a hard or sharp implement across (a surface or object) so as to remove dirt or other
Synonyms: rake, drag, push
Example: Remove the green tops from the carrots and scrape them.

5. Shovel

Definition: move (coal, earth, snow, or a similar substance) with a shovel
Synonyms: scoop, spade, dig

Example: Would you give me a hand shoveling the snow away from the garage door?

6. Sensualize

Definition: make something sensual

Synonyms: debase, debauch, demoralize
Example: By the neglect of prayer, the thoughts are sensualized.

7. Swell

Definition: become or make greater in intensity, number, amount, or volume
Synonyms: expand, bulge, distend
Example: Her bruised knee was already swelling up.

8. Specialize

Definition: concentrate on and become expert in a particular subject or skill
Synonyms: particularize, specify
Example: He is specializing in tropical medicine.

9. Standardize

Definition: cause something to conform to a standard
Synonyms: systematize, regulate
Example: There is a movement to standardize web design.

10. Satirize

Definition: deride and criticize by means of satire
Synonyms: mock, ridicule
Example: The movie satirized the notion of national superiority.

Verbs That Start with S You Occasionally Use

Choosing appropriate verb for the action that you want to carry out is of utmost importance because without that you wouldn’t be able to convey your message properly. These are some of the verb words that start with S that are occasionally used by us.

1. Synthesize

Definition: make (something) by synthesis, especially chemically
Synonyms: manufacture, unify, blend
Example: This drug was first synthesized in 1929.

2. Sabotage

Definition: deliberately destroy, damage, or obstruct (something), especially for political or military advantage
Synonyms: wreck, damage, vandalize
Example: Power lines from South Africa were sabotaged by rebel forces.

3. Steward

Definition: (of an official) supervise arrangements or keep order at (a large public event)
Synonyms: administrate, conduct
Example: The event was organized and stewarded properly.

4. Scrutinize

Definition: examine or inspect closely and thoroughly
Synonyms: survey, examine, inspect
Example: She leaned forward to scrutinize their faces.

5. Salvage

Definition: to save goods from damage or destruction
Synonyms: rescue, save, recover
Example: An emerald and gold cross was salvaged from the wreck.

6. Synchronize

Definition: cause to occur or operate at the same time or rate
Synonyms: contemporize, coincide
Example: Soldiers used watches to synchronize movements.

7. Scribble

Definition: write or draw (something) carelessly or hurriedly
Synonyms: scratch, scrawl
Example: He took the clipboard and scribbled something illegible.

8. Scorch

Definition: burn the surface of (something) with flame or heat
Synonyms: burn, sear, singe
Example: Surrounding houses were scorched by heat from the blast.

9. Scrawl

Definition: write something in a hurried, careless way
Synonyms: scribble, scratch, doodle
Example: Charlie scrawled his signature on the cheque.

10. Strum

Definition: to move your fingers across the strings of a guitar or similar instrument
Synonyms: play, pluck, thrum
Example: He was sitting in the bedroom strumming a guitar.

Verbs That Start with S You Seldom Use

There are some verbs that are very complex in nature and because of that they are not used a lot in our talk and writings. These are some of those action verbs starting with S that are seldom used by us.

1. Saunter

Definition: walk in a slow, relaxed manner
Synonyms: stroll, amble, wander
Example: Adam sauntered into the room.

2. Salve

Definition: soothe (wounded pride or one’s conscience)
Synonyms: lighten, alleviate, soothe
Example: Charity salves our conscience.

3. Satiate

Definition: to completely satisfy yourself or a need, especially with food or pleasure, so that you could not have any more
Synonyms: fill, satisfy
Example: He drank greedily until his thirst was satiated.

4. Scald

Definition: injure with very hot liquid or steam
Synonyms: burn, scorch, sear
Example: The tea scalded his tongue.

5. Scavenge

Definition: search for and collect (anything usable) from discarded waste
Synonyms: search, hunt, look
Example: People sell junk scavenged from the garbage.

6. Scrimp

Definition: to save money by spending less than is necessary to reach an acceptable standard
Synonyms: economize, save
Example: I have scrimped and saved to give you a good education.

7. Scintillate

Definition: to emit flashes of light
Synonyms: sparkle, shine, gleam
Example: The sleek boat seemed to scintillate with a dark blue light.

8. Secede

Definition: to withdraw from an organization (such as a religious communion or political party or federation)
Synonyms: withdraw, break away, leave
Example: South Carolina seceded from the Union in 1860.

9. Scourge

Definition: to cause great suffering or a lot of trouble
Synonyms: curse, plague
Example: The country has been scourged by famine in recent years.

10. Serenade

Definition: to play a piece of music or sing for someone, especially for a woman while standing outside her house at night
Synonyms: chant, sing, warble
Example: Romeo serenaded Juliet in the moonlight.

Positive Verbs That Start with S

There are verbs that are used to convey positive messages and to express positive actions. These are some of the positive verbs that start with S that describe positive actions performed by us.

1. Soar

Definition: to rise very quickly to a high level
Synonyms: rise, escalate
Example: All night long fireworks soared into the sky.

2. Sustain

Definition: to cause or allow something to continue for a period of time
Synonyms: continue, keep up, maintain
Example: The economy looks set to sustain its growth into next year.

3. Stimulate

Definition: to encourage something to grow, develop, or become active
Synonyms: restore, energize, revitalize
Example: The government plans to cut taxes in order to stimulate the economy.

4. Surpass

Definition: to do or be better than
Synonyms: excel, transcend, exceed
Example: The book’s success has surpassed everyone’s expectations.

5. Sympathize

Definition: feel or express sympathy
Synonyms: agree, support, commend
Example: He sympathized with her and put an arm about her shoulders.

6. Sweeten

Definition: make or become sweet or sweeter, especially in taste
Synonyms: sugar, freshen
Example: The apple mixture can be sweetened with honey.

7. Socialize

Definition: participate in social activities; mix socially with others
Synonyms: interact, converse
Example: He loved socializing with his staff.

8. Spruce

Definition: make someone or something smarter or tidier
Synonyms: tidy, clean, sort out
Example: The fund will be used to spruce up historic buildings.

9. Sprout

Definition: to begin to grow
Synonyms: germinate, bud
Example: It takes about three days for the seeds to sprout.

10. Snuggle

Definition: to curl up comfortably or cozily
Synonyms: nestle, settle, embrace
Example: The children snuggled up to their mother to get warm.

Verbs That Start with S to Describe a Person

Verbs have this amazing trait of explaining the state of being of a person. Following are some of the verbs that start with S to describe a person. Go through these S verbs and find out what they tell us about other people and their state of being.

1. Smile

Definition: to make a happy or friendly expression in which the corners of your mouth curve up
Synonyms: grin, beam, twinkle
Example: She was smiling broadly.

2. Smell

Definition: perceive or detect the odor or scent of (something)
Synonyms: scent, savor
Example: I think I can smell something burning.

3. Shine

Definition: to show great ability in an activity
Synonyms: excel, gem
Example: Shaw is an underrated actor who truly shines in this movie.

4. Seem

Definition: to give the effect of being; to be judged to be
Synonyms: appear, look
Example: He’s 16, but he often seems younger.

5. Shiver

Definition: shake slightly and uncontrollably as a result of being cold, frightened, or excited
Synonyms: tremble, quiver, shake
Example: They were shivering in the damp foggy cold.

6. Shout

Definition: (of a person) utter a loud cry, typically as an expression of a strong emotion
Synonyms: yell, roar, cry
Example: Why do you shout at your children?

7. Shudder

Definition: (of a person) tremble convulsively, typically as a result of fear or revulsion
Synonyms: shake, shiver, tremble
Example: She still shuddered at the thought of him.

8. Sophisticate

Definition: make (someone or something) more sophisticated
Synonyms: refine, reform, transform
Example: She’ll sophisticate me, I know that!

9. Seethe

Definition: to feel very angry but to be unable or unwilling to express it clearly
Synonyms: boil, rage, simmer
Example: By the end of the meeting he was seething.

10. Strut

Definition: walk with a stiff, erect, and apparently arrogant or conceited gait
Synonyms: swagger, swank, parade
Example: The boys strutted around trying to get the attention of a group of girls who were nearby.

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

Shove
Scrawl
Swap
Saunter
Sponsor
Shuffle
Subsidize
Sell
Shape
Scald
Surpass
Steward
Sovietize
Sleek
Strip
Strengthen
Submit
Service
Suffice
Say
Sleep
Scintillate
Strum
Snap
Shorten
Suspect
Steal
Solve
Sound
Swear
Slow
Sustain
Star
Spit
Shift
Smack
Stink
Support
Shave
Ski
Step
Spring
Secure
See
Shred
Shelter
Slide
Savor
Synchronize
Sow
Scrape
Swallow
Sink
Spruce
Separate
Show
Standardize
Sway
Sense
Stand
Stop
Skid
Shop
Sculp
Scrap
Sabotage
Sparkle
Shear
Sanctify
Sublime
Start
Score
Succeed
Surround
Sanction
Scream
Stay
String
Smell
Sail
Secularize
Shock
Scowl
Snow
Stimulate
Spark
Strew
Struggle
Sweep
Sacrifice
Signify
Suit
Squeeze
Sprout
Sit
Strive
Slit
Slaughter
Shine
Sterilize
Smooth
Stable
Scoop
Square
Saw
Season
Synthesize
Skate
Shudder
Sizzle
Sentinel
Saint
Smile
Sight
Surrender
Salute
Satisfy
Sew
Spice
Sweeten
Stir
Supple
Scrub
Spirit
Stylize
Stumble
Style
Squire
Seat
Stave
Shrivel
Scandalize
Shrink
Sire
Squat
Scamper
Send
Sympathize
Soothe
Symbolize
Save
Soup
Skill
Swim
Sweat
Soar
Serve
Stitch
Swank
Scramble
Suspend
Satirize
Suppose
Scrabble
Slip
Spoil
Shrug
Scold
Savvy
Stigmatize
Search
Spin
Swell
Sting
Stun
Survey
Script
Sinew
Snug
Scribble
Smash
Suffer
Steady
Store
Sister
Stress
Specialize
Scratch
Spot
Stem
Strike
Spread
Scrutinize
Suggest
Squint
Swing
Shed
Shatter
Solemnize
Spend
Size
Spiritualize
Study
Sugar
Spatialize
Supervize
Sign
Snivel
Simplify
Snuggle
Stamp
Sag
Slick
Spill
Screech
Survive
Shake
Spray
Smear
Smoke
Sing
Supply
Sport
Summarize
Scare
Slam
Stick
Scale
Substitute
Screw
Sensualize
Sprain
Speak
Stabilize
Strut
Sophisticate
Signal
Socialize
Shut
Sharpen
Share
Select
Ship
Sensitize
Shiver
Shoot
State
Set
Speed
Surprise
Sentence
Split
Spell
Shoe
Skylark
Seize
Seduce
Shout
Shovel
Sort

Final Thoughts on Verbs That Start with S

Let us now conclude our discussion on verbs that start with S. By now you must have known that if we didn’t have a collection of verbs up our sleeves we would not have been able to excel in our lives, especially verbs that begin with S. Our lives would have come to a standstill.

Verbs in the English language are used to communicate either actions, occurrences, or states of being. Hence, the more verbs you know, the more versatile your talks and writings can get.

As S is one of the mostly used letter, the verbs starting with it are great in number too. By using maximum number of verbs starting with S in your everyday talks will help you distinguish yourself from the rest of the people. An enthralling list of verbs that start with S has been provided to you in this article above. Go through it a couple of times and try to learn all the verbs it contains.