Contents
This lesson provides a detailed guide to verbs that start with O, including beginner-friendly verbs, academic/formal verbs, action verbs, positive verbs, phrasal verbs, a large alphabetical list (100+ verbs), common mistakes, and practice exercises. Use it to build vocabulary for daily English, writing, and exam preparation.
Top Common Verbs that Start with O
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Essential “O” Verbs for Beginners
Open
Definition: to make something no longer closed.
Example: Please open the window.
Offer
Definition: to give or present something to someone.
Example: He offered me a glass of water.
Observe
Definition: to watch carefully and notice details.
Example: We observed the birds near the lake.
Obtain
Definition: to get or acquire something.
Example: She obtained a visa for her trip.
Organize
Definition: to arrange things in order or plan an event.
Example: They organized a birthday party.
Order
Definition: to request food or goods.
Example: Let’s order pizza tonight.
Operate
Definition: to use or control a machine or system.
Example: Can you operate this printer?
Own
Definition: to have something as property.
Example: She owns a small café.
Occur
Definition: to happen.
Example: The meeting will occur tomorrow.
Overcome
Definition: to succeed in dealing with a difficulty.
Example: He overcame his fear of heights.
Omit
Definition: to leave something out.
Example: Don’t omit your name on the form.
Object
Definition: to disagree or say you do not accept something.
Example: Many residents object to the new plan.
Opt
Definition: to choose one option.
Example: I opted for the vegetarian meal.
Outdo
Definition: to do better than someone else.
Example: He tried to outdo his competitor.
Outgrow
Definition: to become too big for something (or change beyond it).
Example: Kids outgrow their shoes quickly.
Academic & Formal Verbs Starting with O
Obfuscate
Definition: to make something unclear or confusing.
Example: Technical jargon can obfuscate the main message.
Objectify
Definition: to treat a person like an object rather than a human being.
Example: Good media standards avoid objectifying people.
Obliterate
Definition: to destroy completely.
Example: The fire obliterated the old building.
Obviate
Definition: to remove the need for something.
Example: A clear checklist can obviate confusion.
Occlude
Definition: to block or close an opening (formal/medical/technical).
Example: The clot occluded the artery.
Officiate
Definition: to perform an official duty in a ceremony.
Example: Her uncle officiated at the wedding.
Opine
Definition: to express an opinion (formal).
Example: The panel opined that the policy should change.
Oppress
Definition: to keep people down by unfair power or control.
Example: History shows how regimes can oppress citizens.
Optimize
Definition: to make something as effective as possible.
Example: The team optimized the workflow to save time.
Orchestrate
Definition: to plan and organize carefully.
Example: They orchestrated a smooth product launch.
Ordain
Definition: to officially appoint someone (often religious).
Example: He was ordained as a priest.
Orient
Definition: to familiarize someone with a new situation.
Example: The session oriented new staff to company rules.
Originate
Definition: to begin or come from a source.
Example: The idea originated in a research lab.
Oscillate
Definition: to move back and forth regularly.
Example: The fan oscillated from side to side.
Ostracize
Definition: to exclude someone socially.
Example: No one should be ostracized for speaking up.
Overestimate
Definition: to judge something as larger or better than it is.
Example: People often overestimate how much they can do in a day.
Overgeneralize
Definition: to make a broad statement that is not always true.
Example: Don’t overgeneralize based on one example.
Override
Definition: to use authority to cancel a decision or rule.
Example: The manager can override the system setting.
Overrule
Definition: to decide against a previous decision (legal/formal).
Example: The judge overruled the objection.
Oversee
Definition: to supervise and make sure things are done correctly.
Example: She oversees the entire department.
Action Verbs that Start with O
Physical Action Verbs
| Verb | Meaning | Sentence Example |
|---|---|---|
| Open | make not closed | Open the box carefully. |
| Oil | lubricate with oil | He oiled the squeaky door. |
| Outrun | run faster than | She outran everyone in the race. |
| Overtake | pass from behind | A motorbike overtook the truck. |
| Outlift | lift more than | He outlifted his training partner. |
| Overhaul | repair and improve | The mechanic overhauled the engine. |
| Overcook | cook too long | Be careful not to overcook the pasta. |
| Overeat | eat too much | People often overeat during holidays. |
| Overflow | spill over | The river overflowed after heavy rain. |
| Overheat | become too hot | The phone may overheat in direct sun. |
| Oust | force out of a position | The board ousted the CEO. |
| Outsource | hire outside help | They outsourced customer support. |
| Outfit | equip or supply | They outfitted the team with new gear. |
| Overlay | cover with a layer | Overlay the image with text. |
| Overload | put too much load on | Don’t overload the power socket. |
Mental & Communication Action Verbs
| Verb | Meaning | Sentence Example |
|---|---|---|
| Observe | watch carefully | Observe how the speaker uses tone. |
| Object | express disagreement | I object to that assumption. |
| Outline | summarize main points | She outlined the steps clearly. |
| Opine | state an opinion | He opined that the plan is risky. |
| Orient | familiarize | The guide oriented visitors to the museum. |
| Overthink | think too much | Try not to overthink the email. |
| Overlook | fail to notice | Don’t overlook small mistakes. |
| Overreact | react too strongly | She overreacted to the comment. |
| Overstate | exaggerate | He overstated the benefits. |
| Overwhelm | affect too strongly | The workload overwhelmed him. |
| Oppose | be against | Many students oppose the rule. |
| Opt | choose | We opted to postpone the meeting. |
| Oblige | do a favor / force by duty | Could you oblige me with a quick review? |
| Offend | hurt feelings | I didn’t mean to offend you. |
| Omit | leave out | He omitted an important detail. |
Positive Verbs that Start with O
Verbs for Success and Achievement
| Verb | Meaning | Sentence Example |
|---|---|---|
| Optimize | improve efficiency | We optimized the schedule to save time. |
| Overcome | defeat a challenge | They overcame financial difficulties. |
| Outperform | do better than | She outperformed her previous score. |
| Outshine | be better than | His presentation outshined the others. |
| Obtain | gain successfully | He obtained a scholarship. |
| Organize | plan effectively | She organized a study group. |
| Offer | give willingly | They offered helpful feedback. |
| Open | become receptive | He opened his mind to new ideas. |
| Outpace | move faster than | Sales outpaced expectations. |
| Overachieve | do better than expected | She consistently overachieved in math. |
Verbs for Feelings and Relationships
| Verb | Meaning | Sentence Example |
|---|---|---|
| Offer | give support | He offered his help immediately. |
| Open up | share honestly | She opened up to her best friend. |
| Overjoy | fill with happiness | The good news overjoyed everyone. |
| Oblige | help as a favor | Thanks for obliging me with a ride. |
| Own | take responsibility | He owned his mistake and apologized. |
Important Phrasal Verbs Starting with O
Common Phrasal Verbs with “Open”, “Opt”, “Own”, “Order”
Open up
Meaning: to start talking honestly or to become available.
Example: The child opened up about school.
Open out
Meaning: to unfold or become wider (also: to become more confident).
Example: The path opens out into a large field.
Opt for
Meaning: to choose something.
Example: I opted for the simple design.
Opt out (of)
Meaning: to choose not to take part in something.
Example: She opted out of the marketing emails.
Own up (to)
Meaning: to admit something honestly.
Example: He owned up to the error.
Order in
Meaning: to ask for food to be delivered.
Example: Let’s order in tonight.
Comprehensive List of Verbs that Start with O (100+)
| Verb | Pronunciation | Simple Definition |
|---|---|---|
| Obey | /əˈbeɪ/ | follow rules |
| Obfuscate | /ˈɒbfʌskeɪt/ | make unclear |
| Object | /əbˈdʒekt/ | express disagreement |
| Objectify | /əbˈdʒektɪfaɪ/ | treat as an object |
| Obligate | /ˈɒblɪɡeɪt/ | bind by duty |
| Oblige | /əˈblaɪdʒ/ | do a favor; require |
| Obliterate | /əˈblɪtəreɪt/ | destroy completely |
| Obscure | /əbˈskjʊr/ | make hard to see |
| Observe | /əbˈzɜːrv/ | watch carefully |
| Obsess | /əbˈses/ | think about constantly |
| Obstruct | /əbˈstrʌkt/ | block |
| Obtain | /əbˈteɪn/ | get |
| Obtrude | /əbˈtruːd/ | push in |
| Obviate | /ˈɒbvieɪt/ | remove the need for |
| Occlude | /əˈkluːd/ | block; close |
| Occult | /əˈkʌlt/ | hide; conceal |
| Occupy | /ˈɒkjʊpaɪ/ | take up space; use |
| Occur | /əˈkɜːr/ | happen |
| Odorize | /ˈəʊdəraɪz/ | add a smell |
| Offend | /əˈfend/ | hurt feelings |
| Offer | /ˈɒfər/ | give; present |
| Officiate | /əˈfɪʃieɪt/ | perform a ceremony |
| Offload | /ˌɒfˈləʊd/ | remove a load |
| Offset | /ˈɒfset/ | balance; compensate |
| Ogle | /ˈəʊɡəl/ | look at rudely |
| Oil | /ɔɪl/ | lubricate with oil |
| Ok | /ˌəʊˈkeɪ/ | approve informally |
| Omit | /əˈmɪt/ | leave out |
| Ooze | /uːz/ | flow slowly |
| Opacify | /əʊˈpæsɪfaɪ/ | make opaque |
| Open | /ˈəʊpən/ | make not closed |
| Operate | /ˈɒpəreɪt/ | use/control a system |
| Opine | /əˈpaɪn/ | give an opinion |
| Oppose | /əˈpəʊz/ | be against |
| Oppress | /əˈpres/ | treat unfairly |
| Opt | /ɒpt/ | choose |
| Optimize | /ˈɒptɪmaɪz/ | improve efficiency |
| Orate | /əˈreɪt/ | speak formally |
| Orbit | /ˈɔːrbɪt/ | move around |
| Orchestrate | /ˈɔːrkɪstreɪt/ | plan and organize |
| Ordain | /ɔːrˈdeɪn/ | officially appoint |
| Order | /ˈɔːrdər/ | request; command |
| Organize | /ˈɔːɡənaɪz/ | arrange; plan |
| Orient | /ˈɔːrient/ | familiarize; align |
| Orientate | /ˈɔːrienˌteɪt/ | orient (variant) |
| Originate | /əˈrɪdʒəneɪt/ | begin; come from |
| Orphan | /ˈɔːrfən/ | leave without parents |
| Oscillate | /ˈɒsɪleɪt/ | move back and forth |
| Ossify | /ˈɒsɪfaɪ/ | turn into bone; harden |
| Ostracize | /ˈɒstrəsaɪz/ | exclude socially |
| Oust | /aʊst/ | force out |
| Outbalance | /ˌaʊtˈbæləns/ | balance more than |
| Outbid | /ˌaʊtˈbɪd/ | bid higher than |
| Outclass | /ˌaʊtˈklæs/ | be much better than |
| Outdistance | /ˌaʊtˈdɪstəns/ | leave far behind |
| Outdo | /ˌaʊtˈduː/ | do better than |
| Outdraw | /ˌaʊtˈdrɔː/ | draw better/more |
| Outface | /ˌaʊtˈfeɪs/ | face boldly |
| Outfit | /ˌaʊtˈfɪt/ | equip; supply |
| Outflank | /ˌaʊtˈflæŋk/ | get an advantage around |
| Outfox | /ˌaʊtˈfɒks/ | defeat by being clever |
| Outgrow | /ˌaʊtˈɡrəʊ/ | grow too big for |
| Outguess | /ˌaʊtˈɡes/ | guess better than |
| Outlast | /ˌaʊtˈlæst/ | last longer than |
| Outlaw | /ˌaʊtˈlɔː/ | make illegal |
| Outline | /ˈaʊtlaɪn/ | summarize |
| Outlive | /ˌaʊtˈlɪv/ | live longer than |
| Outmaneuver | /ˌaʊtməˈnuːvər/ | beat by clever moves |
| Outmatch | /ˌaʊtˈmætʃ/ | be stronger than |
| Outnumber | /ˌaʊtˈnʌmbər/ | be more than |
| Outpace | /ˌaʊtˈpeɪs/ | go faster than |
| Outperform | /ˌaʊtpərˈfɔːrm/ | do better than |
| Outplay | /ˌaʊtˈpleɪ/ | play better than |
| Output | /ˈaʊtpʊt/ | produce |
| Outrank | /ˌaʊtˈræŋk/ | rank higher than |
| Outreach | /ˌaʊtˈriːtʃ/ | reach further; engage |
| Outrun | /ˌaʊtˈrʌn/ | run faster than |
| Outscore | /ˌaʊtˈskɔːr/ | score more than |
| Outsell | /ˌaʊtˈsel/ | sell more than |
| Outshine | /ˌaʊtˈʃaɪn/ | be better than |
| Outsmart | /ˌaʊtˈsmɑːrt/ | defeat by being clever |
| Outsource | /ˌaʊtˈsɔːrs/ | use outside services |
| Outstrip | /ˌaʊtˈstrɪp/ | exceed |
| Outweigh | /ˌaʊtˈweɪ/ | be more important/heavy |
| Outwit | /ˌaʊtˈwɪt/ | defeat by intelligence |
| Overachieve | /ˌəʊvər əˈtʃiːv/ | do more than expected |
| Overact | /ˌəʊvərˈækt/ | act too dramatically |
| Overawe | /ˌəʊvərˈɔː/ | impress and frighten |
| Overbalance | /ˌəʊvərˈbæləns/ | lose balance |
| Overbid | /ˌəʊvərˈbɪd/ | bid too high |
| Overboil | /ˌəʊvərˈbɔɪl/ | boil over |
| Overburden | /ˌəʊvərˈbɜːrdən/ | give too much work |
| Overcharge | /ˌəʊvərˈtʃɑːrdʒ/ | charge too much |
| Overcloud | /ˌəʊvərˈklaʊd/ | cover with clouds |
| Overcome | /ˌəʊvəˈkʌm/ | defeat a difficulty |
| Overcompensate | /ˌəʊvərˈkɒmpənseɪt/ | do too much to correct |
| Overcook | /ˌəʊvərˈkʊk/ | cook too long |
| Overdo | /ˌəʊvərˈduː/ | do too much |
| Overdose | /ˌəʊvərˈdəʊs/ | take too much (a drug) |
| Overdraw | /ˌəʊvərˈdrɔː/ | spend more than you have |
| Overdress | /ˌəʊvərˈdres/ | dress too formally |
| Overeat | /ˌəʊvərˈiːt/ | eat too much |
| Overemphasize | /ˌəʊvərˈemfəsaɪz/ | stress too much |
| Overestimate | /ˌəʊvərˈestɪmeɪt/ | judge too high |
| Overexert | /ˌəʊvərɪɡˈzɜːrt/ | work too hard |
| Overextend | /ˌəʊvərɪkˈstend/ | stretch too far |
| Overfill | /ˌəʊvərˈfɪl/ | fill too much |
| Overflow | /ˌəʊvərˈfləʊ/ | spill over |
| Overgeneralize | /ˌəʊvərˈdʒenrəlaɪz/ | make too broad a claim |
| Overgrow | /ˌəʊvərˈɡrəʊ/ | grow too much |
| Overhang | /ˌəʊvərˈhæŋ/ | hang over |
| Overhaul | /ˈəʊvərhɔːl/ | repair thoroughly |
| Overhear | /ˌəʊvərˈhɪr/ | hear by accident |
| Overheat | /ˌəʊvərˈhiːt/ | become too hot |
| Overindulge | /ˌəʊvərɪnˈdʌldʒ/ | enjoy too much |
| Overlap | /ˌəʊvərˈlæp/ | partly cover |
| Overlay | /ˌəʊvərˈleɪ/ | cover with a layer |
| Overload | /ˌəʊvərˈləʊd/ | load too heavily |
| Overlook | /ˌəʊvərˈlʊk/ | fail to notice |
| Overpay | /ˌəʊvərˈpeɪ/ | pay too much |
| Overpower | /ˌəʊvərˈpaʊər/ | defeat with strength |
| Overprice | /ˌəʊvərˈpraɪs/ | set too high a price |
| Overproduce | /ˌəʊvərprəˈduːs/ | produce too much |
| Overprotect | /ˌəʊvərprəˈtekt/ | protect too much |
| Override | /ˌəʊvərˈraɪd/ | cancel by authority |
| Overrule | /ˌəʊvərˈruːl/ | decide against |
| Overrun | /ˌəʊvərˈrʌn/ | go beyond limits |
| Oversee | /ˌəʊvərˈsiː/ | supervise |
| Overshadow | /ˌəʊvərˈʃædəʊ/ | make less noticeable |
| Overshoot | /ˌəʊvərˈʃuːt/ | go past the target |
| Oversimplify | /ˌəʊvərˈsɪmplɪfaɪ/ | make too simple |
| Oversleep | /ˌəʊvərˈsliːp/ | sleep too long |
| Overspend | /ˌəʊvərˈspend/ | spend too much |
| Overstate | /ˌəʊvərˈsteɪt/ | exaggerate |
| Overstay | /ˌəʊvərˈsteɪ/ | stay too long |
| Overstep | /ˌəʊvərˈstep/ | go beyond limits |
| Overstock | /ˌəʊvərˈstɒk/ | stock too much |
| Overstrain | /ˌəʊvərˈstreɪn/ | use too much effort |
| Overstress | /ˌəʊvərˈstres/ | stress too much |
| Overtake | /ˌəʊvərˈteɪk/ | pass from behind |
| Overtax | /ˌəʊvərˈtæks/ | tax too heavily |
| Overtire | /ˌəʊvərˈtaɪər/ | make very tired |
| Overturn | /ˌəʊvərˈtɜːrn/ | turn upside down; cancel |
| Overuse | /ˌəʊvərˈjuːz/ | use too much |
| Overvalue | /ˌəʊvərˈvæljuː/ | value too highly |
| Overwhelm | /ˌəʊvərˈwelm/ | affect too strongly |
| Overwork | /ˌəʊvərˈwɜːrk/ | work too much |
| Ovulate | /ˈɒvjʊleɪt/ | release an egg |
| Owe | /əʊ/ | be in debt |
| Own | /əʊn/ | have as property |
| Oxidize | /ˈɒksɪdaɪz/ | react with oxygen |
| Oxygenate | /ˈɒksɪdʒəneɪt/ | add oxygen to |
Confusing O Verbs & Common Mistakes
Offer vs. Offering
Offer is the base verb. Offering is a form of the verb (or a noun) and should not be listed as a separate verb entry in a vocabulary list.
Correct: The company offers a free trial.
Also common: The company is offering a free trial.
Orient vs. Orientate
Orient is more common in American English. Orientate is widely used in British English, but many learners prefer orient for simplicity in academic writing.
Outfit (verb) vs. Outfit (noun)
Outfit can be a verb meaning “to equip.” It can also be a noun meaning “a set of clothes.”
Verb: They outfitted the team with safety gear.
Noun: She wore a stylish outfit.
Exercises: Test Your Knowledge on “O” Verbs
Fill in the blanks
- Please ______ the door when you leave.
- We need to ______ the schedule to save time.
- She managed to ______ her fear and speak confidently.
- Don’t ______ any important details in your report.
- They ______ a meeting for next Monday.
- I decided to ______ for the cheaper option.
- The technician will ______ the machine this afternoon.
- He didn’t mean to ______ anyone with his comment.
- Our new product can ______ older models in speed.
- The lecture will ______ at 9:00 a.m.
Match the definition
Match each verb to the correct meaning.
- Observe
- Obtain
- Optimize
- Overlook
- Outperform
- A. to do better than others
- B. to improve efficiency
- C. to fail to notice
- D. to watch carefully
- E. to get something
Answer Key
Fill in the blanks:
1. open / 2. optimize / 3. overcome / 4. omit / 5. organized / 6. opt / 7. operate / 8. offend / 9. outperform / 10. occur
Match the definition:
1-D, 2-E, 3-B, 4-C, 5-A
Related:
- Adjectives that Start with O
- Nouns that Start with O
- Words that Start with O
- Positive Words that Start with O
Learn more A–Z Verbs:
- Verbs that Start with A
- Verbs that Start with B
- Verbs that Start with C
- Verbs that Start with D
- Verbs that Start with E
- Verbs that Start with F
- Verbs that Start with G
- Verbs that Start with H
- Verbs that Start with I
- Verbs that Start with J
- Verbs that Start with K
- Verbs that Start with L
- Verbs that Start with M
- Verbs that Start with N
- Verbs that Start with O
- Verbs that Start with P
- Verbs that Start with Q
- Verbs that Start with R
- Verbs that Start with S
- Verbs that Start with T
- Verbs that Start with U
- Verbs that Start with V
- Verbs that Start with W
- Verbs that Start with X
- Verbs that Start with Y
- Verbs that Start with Z