270+ Verbs That Start with S | Definitions and Examples Included

We are back at making learning easy for you with a brand-new collection of verbs that start with S. Verbs are simply described as action words or words that denote an activity.

They have a simple definition but a major role to play in a language. They can be placed at the center of a sentence since they carry the movement! How So?

Well, the answer is simple. Without verbs there would be nothing to represent the action of a subject in any sentence. Just like the idea of living in a stagnant world seems boring, a sentence without verb seems plain and dull!

To prevent your language from such anomalies, we have brought together these fascinating action words that start with S.

These amazing verbs that start with S will bring some “action” into your discourse, pun intended! We won’t waste any time and straightway dive into this pool of verbs beginning with S. Let’s get going!

Most Common Verbs That Start with S

Common verbs that start with S may sound like something trivial but do not make the mistake of skipping them! Because you might be familiar with these words already but the synonyms are an added bonus! So let’s look at these verbs starting with S.

1. Settle

• Definition: to solve something
• Synonyms: resolve, conclude
• Example: We need to settle this argument.

2. Shape

• Definition: to change the appearance of something
• Synonyms: form, fashion
• Example: I shaped the sculpture with my own hands.

3. Shop

• Definition: to buy goods
• Synonyms: bargain, purchase
• Example: I shopped for new clothes all weekend.

4. Smile

• Definition: to curve up the lips in happiness
• Synonyms: grin, beam
• Example: She looked up and smiled at me.

5. Smell

• Definition: to detect an odor
• Synonyms: scent, whiff
• Example: I smelt something weird.

6. Say

• Definition: to speak something
• Synonyms: utter, pronounce
• Example: Would you like to say something in your defense?

7. Save

• Definition: to rescue
• Synonyms: secure, extricate
• Example: I forgot to save the file.

8. Shine

• Definition: to excel at something
• Synonyms: beam, outdo
• Example: She shined like a star at the party.

9. Seem

• Definition: to appear
• Synonyms: look, act
• Example: You seem like a friendly person.

10. Shout

• Definition: to make a loud sound
• Synonyms: yell, roar
• Example: She shouted at me.

Verbs That Start with S – Beginner Level

Let’s get back to the basics with these verbs beginning with S, simple yet banging! To ensure a good and long-lasting learning, it is crucial to have a good foundation. So carefully read these verb words that start with S!

1. Sweeten

• Definition: to make something sweet
• Synonyms: sugar, sugarcoat
• Example: I sweeten my tea with stevia.

2. Socialize

• Definition: to participate in social gatherings
• Synonyms: interact, mingle
• Example: I do not feel comfortable socializing with the people of this town.

3. Scare

• Definition: to make someone terrified
• Synonyms: frighten, alarm
• Example You scared me, John!

4. Shift

• Definition: to switch something  
• Synonyms: move, transfer
• Example: We shifted to a new house last month.

5. Spark

• Definition: to radiate light
• Synonyms: gleam, glitter
• Example: The circuit sparked and caught fire.

6. Search

• Definition: to try to find something
• Synonyms: hunt, explore
• Example: Are you sure you searched the whole room?

7. Share

• Definition: to give away a part of something
• Synonyms: split, cut
• Example: I cannot share you with anyone.

8. Scream

• Definition: to make a shrieking sound
• Synonyms: screech, yell
• Example: My stepfather always screams at me.

9. Shave

• Definition: to scrape off hair with a sharp razor
• Synonyms: trim, barber
• Example: I shave my legs in the shower.

10. Select

• Definition: to choose
• Synonyms: pick, prefer
• Example: I selected a girl to be the cheerleader.

Verbs That Start with S – Medium Level

We have some ore verbs starting with letter S, only that they are so much more interesting than the ones covered before. These verbs will spice up your vocabulary with absolute perfection, time to level up folks!

1. Swell

• Definition: to inflate
• Synonyms: expand, bulge
• Example: As an allergic reaction, my lips swelled up.

2. Soar

• Definition: to rise high
• Synonyms: escalate, ascend
• Example: The unicorn soared high into the sky.

3. Sustain

• Definition: to maintain
• Synonyms: continue, keep up
• Example: It is hard to sustain our lifestyle with the rise in inflation.

4. Stimulate

• Definition: to restore something
• Synonyms: energize, revitalize
• Example: Her mean comments stimulated my rude response.

5. Surpass

• Definition: to outdo
• Synonyms: excel, transcend
• Example: Your achievements have surpassed my expectations.

6. Sympathize

• Definition: to feel sympathy
• Synonyms: agree, support
• Example: I sympathize with the flood victims.

7. Shiver

• Definition: to shake due to fear or cold
• Synonyms: tremble, quiver
• Example: Heights make me shiver.

8. Separate

• Definition: to divide
• Synonyms: split, break
• Example: We separated the rooms with a cardboard wall.

9. Scrape

• Definition: to remove a layer in a dragging motion 
• Synonyms: rake, push
• Example: I scrapped the nail paint off my nails.

10. Sabotage

• Definition: to destroy something
• Synonyms: wreck, vandalize
• Example: Our forces were sabotaged at the border.

Verbs That Start with S – Hard Level

Hard? Duh! Nothing’s that hard for you champ! We’re slowly leveling up and learning more complex verbs that begin with S. These verbs will work a long way for you because of their sophistication.

1. Scrutinize

• Definition: to closely examine
• Synonyms: survey, inspect
• Example: I need some time to scrutinize these documents.

2. Shudder

• Definition: to constantly shiver
• Synonyms: shake, tremble
• Example: Even the sight of a lizard makes me shudder.

3. Sophisticate

• Definition: to make something decent
• Synonyms: refine, transform
• Example: A little wine will sophisticate me!

4. Sensualize

• Definition: to make something sensual
• Synonyms: debase, debauch
• Example: The designer mainly uses red color to sensualize the female form.

5. Satirize

• Definition: to ridicule
• Synonyms: mock, scorn
• Example: Her content satirizes the upper class.

6. Steward

• Definition: to help or guide
• Synonyms: administrate, oversee
• Example: I cannot steward such a big function.

7. Salve

• Definition: to embalm or soothe
• Synonyms: lighten, alleviate
• Example: His compliments salved my ego.

8. Satiate

• Definition: to completely satisfy
• Synonyms: fill, quench
• Example: A cold tin of coke will satiate me in this heat.

9. Scavenge

• Definition: to search
• Synonyms: hunt, look
• Example: I scavenged through her belongings but found nothing.

10. Scorch

• Definition: to sear
• Synonyms: burn, singe
• Example: I feel like my skin is scorched in this summer heat.

Verbs That Start with S – Expert Level

Since you are about to jump into the expert-level vocabulary now, you better feel proud of yourself! These 10 verbs that start with the letter S are very important to learn. Incorporating these S verbs into your daily dealings can take your language to new levels!

1. Scrawl

• Definition: to write something in a haphazard manner
• Synonyms: scribble, scratch
• Example: He aimlessly scrawled on the paper.

2. Scald

• Definition: to burn with hot water
• Synonyms: scorch, sear
• Example: My hand was scalded by the steam.

3. Scintillate

• Definition: to sparkle with light
• Synonyms: shine, gleam
• Example: The light house scintillated from far away.

4. Secede

• Definition: to withdraw something
• Synonyms: break away, leave
• Example: I seceded from the federation.

5. Scourge

• Definition: to cause a problem or disturbance
• Synonyms: curse, plagued
• Example: Pakistan is scourged by bad governance.

6. Spruce

• Definition: to tidy up
• Synonyms: clean, sort out
• Example: We spruced up the room in no time.

7. Sprout

• Definition: to grow rapidly
• Synonyms: bloom, bud
• Example: The leaves sprouted back when autumn was over.

8. Snuggle

• Definition: to cozy up
• Synonyms: nestle, settle
• Example: I snuggled my mother before sleeping.

9. Seethe

• Definition: to feel confused
• Synonyms: froth, boil
• Example: Sam was seething at the end of the argument.

10. Strut

• Definition: to walk straight
• Synonyms: swagger, parade
• Example: The soldiers strutted around his residence.

Positive Verbs That Start with S

Words carry energy. Whatever we speak has a lasting impact on the listener. If that’s the case, don’t you think a language that exudes positivity is better than the one that does the opposite of it? Here are some positive verbs that start with S, check them out!

1. Sail

• Definition: to travel through a boat
• Synonyms: boat, ship
• Example: We sailed to our honeymoon destination.

2. Score

• Definition: to gain a point or a score
• Synonyms: get, win  
• Example: I scored an A+ on my math test.

3. Satisfy

• Definition: to make someone feel contented
• Synonyms: please, comfort
• Example: I am satisfied with the results of this skincare serum.

4. Specialize

• Definition: to become an expert at a skill
• Synonyms: particularize, master
• Example: I want to specialize in dermatology.

5. Standardize

• Definition: to bring something up to a set standard
• Synonyms: systematize, normalize
• Example: We tried to standardize this dress code due to its comfort.

6. Synthesize

• Definition: to purify something
• Synonyms: manufacture, unify
• Example: He thoroughly synthesized all of his tools.

7. Synchronize

• Definition: to bring in harmony
• Synonyms: contemporize, orchestrate
• Example: We perfectly synchronized our dance moves after hours of practice.

8. Saunter

• Definition: to take a slow walk
• Synonyms: stroll, amble
• Example: I sauntered in the garden admiring the flowers.

9. Scrimp

• Definition: to save money
• Synonyms: economize, skimp
• Example: I managed to scrimp some money for my trip.

10. Serenade

• Definition: to play music in admiration of someone
• Synonyms: chant, sing
• Example: He serenaded me at the dinner last night.

Action Verbs That Start with S

Life is all about movement and motion. All of this constantly occurring motion is narrated through verbs. Not knowing enough verbs can be a hindrance in the way to good communication. Here are 10 action verbs that start with S!

1. Serve

• Definition: to provide or supply
• Synonyms: aid, assist
• Example: I served the drinks.

2. Seize

• Definition: to take complete control of something
• Synonyms: grab, grasp
• Example: They seized all my belongings at the airport.

3. Shower

• Definition: to take a bath
• Synonyms: wash, rinse
• Example: I showered with cold water to wake myself up.

4. Skate

• Definition: to glide
• Synonyms: flow, skim
• Example: He skated all the way to his home.

5. Shrug

• Definition: to raise shoulders in indifference
• Synonyms: beckon, wave
• Example: He shuddered his shoulders and I got irritated.

6. Smear

• Definition: to coat a liquid on something
• Synonyms: stain, mark
• Example: He smeared the cake all over my face.

7. Shovel

• Definition: to dig with a tool
• Synonyms: scoop, spade
• Example: I shoveled the snow off my porch.

8. Salvage

• Definition: to rescue from damage
• Synonyms: save, recover
• Example: Nothing can salvage me from misery now.

9. Scribble

• Definition: to quickly write something
• Synonyms: scratch, doodle
• Example: She scribbled down my instructions on a piece of paper.

10. Strum

• Definition: to press the buttons of an instrument
• Synonyms: play, pluck
• Example: He was strumming the piano in a corner.

Irregular Verbs That Start with S

This category has got to be the most confusing one! Worry not! We’ve got you covered! Below is a list of some irregular verbs that start with S, through the sentences you will learn how to use them properly without making errors!

1. See

• Definition: to be able to look at something
• Synonyms: discern, perceive
• Example: I have seen the sadness behind her smile.

2. Speak

• Definition: to say something
• Synonyms: state, declare
• Example: I spoke to the authorities yesterday.

3. Show

• Definition: to reveal something
• Synonyms: view, express
• Example: He has shown me his dress.

4. Sing

• Definition: to make a musical melody with one’s voice
• Synonyms: chant, intone
• Example: He sang beautifully.

5. Set

• Definition: to make something secure in its specified place
• Synonyms: place, put
• Example: I have already set all the crockery in the rack.

6. Spend

• Definition: to use money for buying something
• Synonyms: expend, disburse
• Example: I spent all my money on food.

7. Seek

• Definition: to explore
• Synonyms: search, pursue
• Example: I sought his permission for the trip.

8. Send

• Definition: to convey
• Synonyms: dispatch, address
• Example: I sent her a text message last night.

9. Sell

• Definition: to trade
• Synonyms: dispose, vend
• Example: I sold all my jewelry.

10. Shrink

• Definition: to reduce in size
• Synonyms: contract, lessen
• Example: When I washed the dress it shrunk.

Verbs That Start with S – Full List (270+ Words)

Here is a full list of verbs that start with S. Perfect for the times when you need a quick access to our compilation! Make sure you check them all out and try to make your own sentences out of them.

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

Final Thoughts on Verbs That Start with S

Congratulations for successfully going through all of the verbs that start with S.

Verbs make language a lot more fun. You must have witnessed this in the example sentences we provided for these verbs that start with S. If you take out verbs from any of these sentences, they lose their charm.

These action words starting with S are also very important for stimulating a mental image for readers, any good narration is characterized by its imagery and verbs are the soul of imagery!

These verbs beginning with S will come in handy for your written and oral communication.

We would be glad to get your feedback in the comment section below! Hasta La Vista till we come back with other collections of verbs!