105 Verbs That Start with U | Huge List with Definitions and Examples

Let us talk about verbs that start with U. We have a pretty long list of verbs that begin with U that we utilize in our daily lives to carry out different actions. Most of these verbs carry the same meaning for example, unlace, unfasten, untie, etc., but are used to specify different actions.

One of the most fascinating things about verbs that start with U is the use of prefix un-. Un- is a prefix freely used in English to form verbs expressing a reversal of some action or state, such as, unbend, uncork, unfasten, etc., or to intensify the force of a verb already having such a meaning e.g. unloose.

Most of the verbs that start with U included in this article start with the prefix un-. See it for yourself how they reverse the meaning of the word that follows the prefix. It is hoped that this concept will be clear to you because it will help you in learning these verbs in a better fashion. Let us now go through the list of action words starting with U given below.

Table of Contents

Verbs That Start with U You Always Use

Verbs in the English language are used to communicate either actions, occurrences, or states of being. Following are some of the verbs that start with U that we use regularly in our daily life routine.

1. Use

Definition: to put something such as a tool, skill, or building to a particular purpose

Synonyms: utilize, employ
Example: She used her key to open the front door.

2. Utter

Definition: to say something or to make a sound with your voice
Synonyms: emit, pronounce, speak
Example: She sat through the whole meeting without uttering a word.

3. Undo

Definition: to unfasten something that is fastened or tied
Synonyms: unfasten, unbutton

Example: Can someone help me to undo my seat belt?

4. Utilize

Definition: to make use of, turn to practical use or account

Synonyms: apply, employ, exercise
Example: We must utilize all available resources.

5. Unclose

Definition: to bring or come out of a closed state
Synonyms: open, unbar
Example: The window was unclosed by someone.

6. Unpack

Definition: to remove the contents of
Synonyms: unburden, discharge

Example: He unpacked his suitcase.

7. Update

Definition: to make something more modern or suitable for use now by adding new information or changing its design

Synonyms: contemporize, modernize, streamline
Example: I need to update my address book.

8. Unbutton

Definition: to unfasten the buttons on something such as a shirt
Synonyms: loose, free, unhook
Example: He unbuttoned his shirt.

9. Unlock

Definition: to enter a password or number in order to be able to use a mobile phone
Synonyms: open, unclose

Example: You need to know the secret PIN to unlock your mobile phone upon power up.

10. Untie

Definition: to free from something that ties, fastens, or restrains

Synonyms: undo, unfasten, unlash
Example: The police man untied the prisoner’s hand.

Verbs That Start with U You Usually Use

All of the actions in our lives are carried out by the use of verbs. Following are some of the verbs starting with U that we usually use to carry out those actions.

1. Undress

Definition: to remove the clothes or covering of
Synonyms: disrobe, strip, unclothe

Example: She undressed the children for bed.

2. Uncover

Definition: to make known, bring to light

Synonyms: expose, reveal
Example: Police uncovered a criminal plot.

3. Uninstall

Definition: to remove a computer program from a computer
Synonyms: remove, delete
Example: The program ran so slowly, I had to uninstall it.

4. Upload

Definition: to copy or move programs or information to a larger computer system or to the internet
Synonyms: send, transmit

Example: She uploaded the pictures from her digital camera to her computer.

5. Unbox

Definition: remove (something, especially a newly purchased product) from a box or other packaging

Synonyms: uncrate, unpack
Example: My wife hasn’t even unboxed her new phone.

6. Underline

Definition: to put emphasis on
Synonyms: accentuate, emphasize
Example: The accident underlines our need for better safety procedures.

7. Unfold

Definition: to open the folds of; spread or straighten out
Synonyms: expand, extend

Example: We’ll have more news as events unfold.

8. Unsettle

Definition: to loosen or move from a settled state or condition; make unstable

Synonyms: distract, disturb, distress
Example: Such a sudden change will unsettle her.

9. Unplug

Definition: to disconnect from an electric circuit by removing a plug
Synonyms: free, open, unclog
Example: I forgot to unplug my guitar from the amp.

10. Unbind

Definition: to remove a band from
Synonyms: undo, unfasten, untie

Example: She managed to unbind her hands.

Verbs That Start with U 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 U that we often use in our talks and writings.

1. Unhook

Definition: to remove from a hook
Synonyms: detach, disjoin, unhitch
Example: He unhooked the fish from the line.

2. Undermine

Definition: to subvert or weaken insidiously or secretly
Synonyms: weaken, enfeeble, debilitate

Example: She tried to undermine my authority by complaining about me to my boss.

3. Unanchor

Definition: to loosen from or as if from an anchor

Synonyms: unbolt, unfasten
Example: He unanchored his ship.

4. Unveil

Definition: to remove a veil or covering from
Synonyms: uncloak, uncover, unmask
Example: The Company will unveil its newest product today.

5. Unlearn

Definition: to put out of one’s knowledge or memory
Synonyms: disremember, forget

Example: It is hard to unlearn bad habits.

6. Unseat

Definition: to dislodge from one’s seat especially on horseback

Synonyms: defrock, depose, deprive
Example: He unseated an incumbent senator.

7. Unroll

Definition: to unwind a roll of; open out
Synonyms: uncoil, unwind
Example: I unrolled the new carpet.

8. Unload

Definition: to remove the contents of something, especially a load of goods from a vehicle
Synonyms: disencumber, empty, remove

Example: It took four hours to unload the truck.

9. Unstitch

Definition: to take out the stitches of

Synonyms: disentangle, undo, untie
Example: She has unstitched my blinds.

10. Uncork

Definition: to open a bottle by pulling out its cork
Synonym: open, remove
Example: “Who wants some wine?” asked Sally, uncorking a bottle.

Verbs That Start with U You Sometimes Use

In order to carry out certain actions in both verbal and written mediums we use some verbs more than the others. These are some of the verbs starting with letter U that we only use sometimes.

1. Underscore

Definition: to make evident

Synonyms: emphasize, stress
Example: These failures underscore the difficulty of what we’re attempting to do.

2. Unfurl

Definition: to release from a furled state
Synonyms: open, outspread, outstretch
Example: The protestors had unfurled their banner.

3. Usurp

Definition: take a position of power or importance illegally or by force
Synonyms: seize, take over, expropriate

Example: Richard usurped the throne.

4. Upsell

Definition: to try to convince (a customer) to purchase something additional or at a higher cost

Synonyms: push, promote
Example: He knows how to upsell without turning off his customer.

5. Uproot

Definition: to remove as if by pulling up
Synonyms: corkscrew, extract
Example: Many trees were uprooted by the storm.

6. Unwrap

Definition: to remove the wrapping from
Synonyms: disclose, open

Example: Aren’t you going to unwrap your presents?

7. Unsubscribe

Definition: to get an organization to remove your name from its mailing list so that you no longer receive email or post from them

Synonyms: disenroll, unjoin, leave
Example: If you don’t like their channel, you can unsubscribe them.

8. Unleash

Definition: to free from or as if from a leash
Synonyms: loose, release, free
Example: The storm unleashed its fury.

9. Unbuckle

Definition: to release the buckle of a shoe, belt, etc. so that you can remove it
Synonyms: unfasten, unlace
Example: She unbuckled her seat belt.

10. Untangle

Definition: to remove the knots from a mass of string, wire, hair, etc. and separate the different threads
Synonyms: unbraid, untwist
Example: She carefully untangled the child’s hair.

Verbs That Start with U You Occasionally Use

Some verbs are only uttered on specific occasions and under specific conditions. These are some of those action verb words that start with U that are occasionally used by us.

1. Unravel

Definition: investigate and solve or explain something complicated or puzzling
Synonyms: untangle, untwine, untwist
Example: Scientists are still unraveling the secrets of DNA.

2. Usher

Definition: to show someone where they should go, or to make someone go where you want them to go
Synonyms: direct, guide, lead
Example: She ushered us into her office and offered us coffee.

3. Upend

Definition: set or turn (something) on its end or upside down
Synonyms: turn, twirl
Example: I upended the bucket to use as a stool.

4. Universalize

Definition: to make universal
Synonyms: generalize, popularize
Example: Observe what is best and to strive to universalize these qualities.

5. Underwrite

Definition: to support something that costs money by promising to pay for it
Synonyms: support, endow, bestow
Example: A university is willing to underwrite an archaeological expedition.

6. Undervalue

Definition: to value, rate, or estimate below the real worth
Synonyms: underestimate, underrate
Example: Her contribution to the project was undervalued.

7. Undercut

Definition: to charge less than a competitor
Synonyms: underbid, undersell
Example: They undercut the competing store by 10 percent.

8. Untame

Definition: to undo the taming of
Synonyms: free, undomesticate
Example: I have untamed my dog.

9. Unharness

Definition: to remove a harness from
Synonyms: remove, unfasten, untie
Example: He unharnessed his cart where there was nobody.

10. Ulcerate

Definition: to affect with or as if with an ulcer
Synonyms: aggravate, blister
Example: The wound began to ulcerate.

Verbs That Start with U You Seldom Use

Following are some of the action verbs starting with U that are seldom used by us. Learning and then using these verbs properly will help you in both written and oral communications.

1. Unfetter

Definition: release from a restraining or inhibiting force
Synonyms: unrestrain, release, free
Example: His imagination is unfettered by the laws of logic.

2. Uglify

Definition: to make ugly
Synonyms: deface, spoil, disfigure
Example: Some Americans are making every effort to uglify China.

3. Underfang

Definition: to trap
Synonyms: entrap, entangle, hook
Example: She has underfanged my sweet little puppy in her farmhouse.

4. Undulate

Definition: to have a continuous up and down shape or movement, like waves on the sea
Synonyms: surge, wave, billow
Example: The road undulates for five miles before a steep climb.

5. Unplait

Definition: undo or untwist the plaits in hair
Synonyms: loose, free
Example: Her mother unplaited Ellen’s hair.

6. Unbraid

Definition: to separate the strands of
Synonyms: disentangle, unravel
Example: I quickly unbraided my hair and brushed it out.

7. Untwine

Definition: make or become unwound or untwisted
Synonyms: disentangle, unbraid
Example: “You do need assistance,” she replied, endeavoring to untwine the vines twisted about his shoulders.

8. Unlash

Definition: unfasten something tied in place with a cord or rope
Synonyms: unfasten, untie
Example: He unlashed his friend who was tied to the chair.

9. Unbethink

Definition: to change one’s mind
Synonyms: rethink, reconsider, reevaluate
Example: I unbethought myself.

10. Unbewitch

Definition: to free from a spell
Synonyms: disenchant, free
Example: Finally, I was unbewitched from her spell.

Positive Verbs That Start with U

Positive verbs specify positive actions happening around us. Such actions make us feel good. Following are some of those positive verbs that start with U that describe those positive actions.

1. Unite

Definition: to put together to form a single unit
Synonyms: combine, conjugate, connect
Example: Party members united in support of their candidate.

2. Uphold

Definition: to give support to
Synonyms: defend, maintain, support
Example: They have a responsibility to uphold the law.

3. Upgrade

Definition: to improve the quality or usefulness of something, or change it for something newer or of a better standard
Synonyms: advance, elevate, promote
Example: We really need to upgrade our training and professionalize the force.

4. Uplift

Definition: to improve a person’s moral or spiritual condition
Synonyms: boost, crane, elevate
Example: Art was created to uplift the mind and the spirit.

5. Unearth

Definition: to make known or public; bring to light
Synonyms: disinter, discover, exhume
Example: An old document was unearthed from the files.

6. Unburden

Definition: to free or relieve from a burden
Synonyms: disburden, discharge
Example: A generous friend unburdened her of that particular financial worry.

7. Upstand

Definition: to stand up on one’s feet, to face difficulty with courage
Synonyms: stand, rise
Example: He upstands to every trouble that comes his way.

8. Unconfound

Definition: to free from a state of confusion, or of being confounded
Synonyms: clear, enlighten
Example: Finally, I found the person who unconfounded me from this sickening confusion.

9. Upcheer

Definition: to cheer up; to become happier
Synonyms: motivate, encourage
Example: He always upcheers his friends.

10. Unionize

Definition: to organize into a labor union
Synonyms: coordinate, organize, prepare
Example: Workers are fighting for the right to unionize.

Verbs That Start with U 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 U to describe a person. Go through these U verbs and find out what they tell us about other people and their state of being.

1. Upset

Definition: to trouble mentally or emotionally
Synonyms: discomfort, bother
Example: The sudden demise of my friend really upset me.

2. Underestimate

Definition: to estimate as being less than the actual size, quantity, or number
Synonyms: underrate, undervalue
Example: Gentleman, do not underestimate me.

3. Urge

Definition: to present, advocate, or demand earnestly or pressingly
Synonyms: encourage, exhort
Example: I strongly urge you to give up smoking.

4. Unwind

Definition: to relax
Synonyms: loosen, relax
Example: She is unwinding in her favorite chair.

5. Upbear

Definition: to bear up
Synonyms: support, raise
Example: I have been upbearing him for a long time now.

6. Undergo

Definition: to submit to
Synonyms: endure, experience, feel
Example: She will have to undergo an operation.

7. Unman

Definition: to deprive of manly vigor, fortitude, or spirit
Synonyms: undo, unnerve, unstring
Example: Sitting in the dock awaiting a sentence will unman the stoutest heart.

8. Unnerve

Definition: to deprive of courage, strength, or steadiness
Synonyms: demoralize, emasculate, paralyze
Example: She was unnerved by his strange manner.

9. Undertake

Definition: to take upon oneself
Synonyms: accept, assume, bear
Example: I want you to undertake all the responsibility.

10. Unbenumb

Definition: to relieve of numbness; to restore sensation
Synonyms: reinstate, restore, revitalize
Example: Ali unbenumbed my broken spirit.

Verbs That Start with U – Full List (105 Words)

Unbox
Uplift
Upload
Undertake
Unseat
Unroll
Upbear
Underwrite
Update
Unfetter
Unlearn
Upend
Undervalue
Unfold
Unbraid
Unload
Unharness
Undercut
Unnerve
Unbuckle
Unhinge
Uncork
Undress
Unthread
Unify
Undeceive
Undulate
Underline
Unscrew
Utilize
Unpack
Undo
Upcheer
Uphold
Underbear
Underrate
Unwrap
Understand
Untangle
Unsettle
Unbridle
Unveil
Unsubscribe
Unshackle
Unstitch
Utter
Uninstall
Understudy
Unplug
Unstick
Unlace
Unpleat
Unpick
Unbenumb
Usher
Uncover
Uproot
Ulcerate
Unbias
Unravel
Unbutton
Underscore
Universalize
Usurp
Unburden
Unconfound
Unmask
Upgrade
Unmuzzle
Undersell
Use
Upstand
Unleash
Urbanize
Uncurl
Unite
Unswaddle
Unsaddle
Unfurl
Unbolt
Unsolder
Uncouple
Undergo
Underestimate
Unhook
Untie
Underfong
Unbar
Unanchor
Unseal
Upset
Undermine
Unwind
Upholster
Unfasten
Upsell
Unearth
Unlock
Unionize
Unnail
Urinate
Unbalance
Unbind
Untwist
Urge

Final Thoughts on Verbs That Start with U

Thank you for going through this article on verbs that start with U. You must have noticed that most of these verbs starting with U denote actions that are performed quite regularly by us such as, unfastening, untying, unlacing, unhooking, unboxing, etc.

Therefore, it is hoped you have enjoyed learning all these verbs that begin with U. But beware of one thing, you can easily jumble up these verbs. Each of these verbs denotes a specific action. 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.

Keeping this thing in mind try and go through this article one more time and try and memorize all of these verbs that start with U.