This post is a helpful guide to mastering verbs that start with R in English. You’ll explore common R verbs for beginners, academic and formal verbs, action verbs, positive verbs, important phrasal verbs, and a comprehensive A–Z-style list to expand your vocabulary.
Top Common Verbs that Start with R
Essential “R” Verbs for Beginners
These beginner-friendly verbs are common in daily conversations. Learn the meaning and see how each verb works in a simple sentence.
Run
Definition: to move quickly on foot.
Examples: I need to run to catch the bus.
Read
Definition: to look at words and understand them.
Examples: I read an interesting book yesterday.
Ride
Definition: to sit on and control a bike, horse, or vehicle.
Examples: I love to ride my bike in the park.
Relax
Definition: to rest and become calm.
Examples: I’m going to relax on the beach this weekend.
Return
Definition: to go back or give something back.
Examples: I will return the book to the library tomorrow.
Remember
Definition: to keep something in your mind or recall it.
Examples: I can’t remember where I put my keys.
Repeat
Definition: to say or do something again.
Examples: Could you repeat that, please?
Reply
Definition: to answer someone (especially a message or question).
Examples: Please reply to my email by Friday.
Raise
Definition: to lift something up or increase it.
Examples: He raised his hand to ask a question.
Reach
Definition: to arrive at a place or achieve a point/goal.
Examples: I reached the top of the mountain.
Academic & Formal Verbs Starting with R
These verbs are useful in academic writing, presentations, and exams like IELTS. They help you describe research, reasoning, and formal actions.
Realize
Definition: to become aware of something.
Examples: She finally realized why the experiment failed.
Recognize
Definition: to identify or accept something as true/important.
Examples: Researchers recognize the need for more data.
Recommend
Definition: to suggest something as a good choice.
Examples: The report recommends changing the policy.
Require
Definition: to need something as necessary.
Examples: This program requires strong computer skills.
Research
Definition: to study something carefully to discover facts.
Examples: Students should research reliable sources.
Respond
Definition: to answer or react to something.
Examples: The author responded to criticism politely.
Reveal
Definition: to make something known or visible.
Examples: The findings reveal a clear pattern.
Revise
Definition: to review and improve written work.
Examples: I need to revise my essay before submitting it.
Review
Definition: to examine something again, often to evaluate it.
Examples: The committee will review the proposal.
Resolve
Definition: to solve a problem or settle a disagreement.
Examples: We must resolve this issue as soon as possible.
Retrieve
Definition: to get something back from a place or system.
Examples: You can retrieve the file from the archive.
Reduce
Definition: to make something smaller or less.
Examples: The new plan aims to reduce costs.
Reconsider
Definition: to think again about a decision.
Examples: They agreed to reconsider the deadline.
Reinforce
Definition: to strengthen or support something.
Examples: The teacher used examples to reinforce the concept.
Retain
Definition: to keep or continue to have something.
Examples: Regular practice helps you retain vocabulary.
Action Verbs that Start with R
Physical Action Verbs
| Verb | Meaning | Sentence Example |
|---|---|---|
| Run | move quickly on foot | I need to run to catch the bus. |
| Reach | arrive at or achieve | I reached the top of the mountain. |
| Rip | tear something quickly | He accidentally ripped his shirt. |
| Roast | cook with dry heat | I’m going to roast a chicken for dinner. |
| Raise | lift upward | He raised his hand to ask a question. |
| Rebuild | build again | They are going to rebuild the old house. |
| Repair | fix something damaged | I need to repair my bike before I ride it again. |
| Remove | take away | She removed the stains from the shirt. |
| Rinse | wash quickly with water | Please rinse the dishes before loading them. |
| Roll | move by turning over | The ball began to roll down the hill. |
| Rub | press and move over a surface | I’m going to rub lotion on my dry skin. |
| Rush | move or act in a hurry | I had to rush to catch my flight. |
| Rotate | turn around a center point | The earth rotates on its axis. |
Mental & Communication Action Verbs
| Verb | Meaning | Sentence Example |
|---|---|---|
| Respond | answer or react | I will respond to your email as soon as possible. |
| Report | give information officially | He will report the incident to the police. |
| Request | ask politely for something | I’d like to request a refund for this product. |
| Receive | get something | I received a gift from my friend. |
| Remember | recall from memory | I can’t remember where I put my keys. |
| Renew | extend or make valid again | I need to renew my passport before I travel. |
| Resist | refuse to accept; fight against | He tried to resist the temptation to quit. |
| Resolve | solve; settle | We need to resolve this issue quickly. |
| Review | look at again to check | The teacher will review the material before the test. |
| Revise | edit and improve | I need to revise my essay before submitting it. |
| Relate | connect; understand through experience | I can relate to what you’re going through. |
| Regret | feel sorry about | She regretted not taking the job offer. |
| Refresh | make something feel new again | A short break can refresh your mind. |
Positive Verbs that Start with R
Verbs for Success and Achievement
| Verb | Meaning | Sentence Example |
|---|---|---|
| Rebuild | build again after damage | The community worked together to rebuild after the storm. |
| Refine | improve by making small changes | She refined her presentation before the meeting. |
| Regain | get back | He regained his strength after being sick. |
| Revitalize | give new energy to | The new CEO helped revitalize the company. |
| Restore | bring back to a good condition | The organization works to restore the historic building. |
| Reward | give something in return for effort | The teacher rewarded students for their progress. |
| Recommend | suggest as a good choice | I recommend this book to mystery lovers. |
Verbs for Feelings and Relationships
| Verb | Meaning | Sentence Example |
|---|---|---|
| Radiate | show clearly (warmth, happiness, etc.) | Her smile radiated warmth and joy. |
| Reassure | make someone feel less worried | The doctor reassured me that everything would be fine. |
| Reconnect | connect again | I reconnected with an old friend from high school. |
| Respect | treat with care and politeness | We should respect other people’s opinions. |
| Rejoice | feel great happiness | We rejoiced when we heard the good news. |
| Relax | become calm and comfortable | I like to relax by reading a good book. |
| Release | let go of something (feelings, stress) | She learned to release the anger she had held for years. |
Important Phrasal Verbs Starting with R
Common Phrasal Verbs with “Run”, “Reach”, “Read”, “Rule”
Run into
Definition: to meet someone by chance; or to face a problem unexpectedly.
Examples: I ran into my teacher at the supermarket.
Run out of
Definition: to have none left.
Examples: We ran out of milk, so I went to the store.
Run away
Definition: to leave suddenly to escape.
Examples: The child tried to run away from home.
Reach out
Definition: to contact someone to offer help or communicate.
Examples: Please reach out if you need support.
Read over
Definition: to read quickly to check or review.
Examples: Can you read over my essay before I submit it?
Rule out
Definition: to decide something is not possible.
Examples: The doctor ruled out an infection after the tests.
Comprehensive List of Verbs that Start with R
List of Verbs that Start with R – Created by 7ESL
Below is a comprehensive list of verbs that start with the letter R, grouped by common beginnings (Ra-, Re-, Ri-, Ro-, Ru-). This helps you spot patterns and learn related words more easily.
| Verb | Pronunciation | Simple Definition |
|---|---|---|
| Race | /reɪs/ | compete in speed |
| Rage | /reɪdʒ/ | be extremely angry |
| Raid | /reɪd/ | attack suddenly |
| Rain | /reɪn/ | fall as rain |
| Raise | /reɪz/ | lift up; increase |
| Rake | /reɪk/ | gather with a rake |
| Rally | /ˈræli/ | come together; recover |
| Ramble | /ˈræmbəl/ | talk or walk without plan |
| Ransack | /ˈrænsæk/ | search messily; loot |
| Rant | /rænt/ | speak angrily for long |
| Rap | /ræp/ | tap; perform rap music |
| Rasp | /ræsp/ | speak with a harsh sound |
| Rate | /reɪt/ | judge; give a score |
| Ratify | /ˈrætɪfaɪ/ | make official by approval |
| Rattle | /ˈrætəl/ | make quick knocking sounds |
| Ravage | /ˈrævɪdʒ/ | damage badly |
| Raze | /reɪz/ | destroy completely |
| Reach | /riːtʃ/ | arrive at; achieve |
| React | /riˈækt/ | respond to something |
| Read | /riːd/ | understand written words |
| Realize | /ˈriːəlaɪz/ | become aware of |
| Reason | /ˈriːzən/ | think logically |
| Reassess | /ˌriːəˈses/ | evaluate again |
| Reassure | /ˌriːəˈʃʊr/ | make someone feel calm |
| Rebuild | /ˌriːˈbɪld/ | build again |
| Recall | /rɪˈkɔːl/ | remember; call back |
| Receive | /rɪˈsiːv/ | get something |
| Recognize | /ˈrekəɡnaɪz/ | identify; accept as true |
| Recommend | /ˌrekəˈmend/ | suggest as good |
| Reconsider | /ˌriːkənˈsɪdər/ | think again about |
| Record | /rɪˈkɔːrd/ | save sound/video/data |
| Recover | /rɪˈkʌvər/ | get better; get back |
| Recruit | /rɪˈkruːt/ | hire or enlist |
| Reduce | /rɪˈdjuːs/ | make less |
| Refer | /rɪˈfɜːr/ | mention; direct to |
| Refine | /rɪˈfaɪn/ | improve; make more precise |
| Reflect | /rɪˈflekt/ | think deeply; show an image |
| Refresh | /rɪˈfreʃ/ | make fresh again |
| Refuse | /rɪˈfjuːz/ | say no |
| Regain | /rɪˈɡeɪn/ | get back |
| Regret | /rɪˈɡret/ | feel sorry about |
| Reignite | /ˌriːɪɡˈnaɪt/ | start again (fire/interest) |
| Reimburse | /ˌriːɪmˈbɜːrs/ | pay back money spent |
| Reinforce | /ˌriːɪnˈfɔːrs/ | strengthen; support |
| Reinstall | /ˌriːɪnˈstɔːl/ | install again |
| Reinstate | /ˌriːɪnˈsteɪt/ | bring back officially |
| Reinterpret | /ˌriːɪnˈtɜːrprɪt/ | explain in a new way |
| Reject | /rɪˈdʒekt/ | refuse to accept |
| Rejoice | /rɪˈdʒɔɪs/ | feel great happiness |
| Relate | /rɪˈleɪt/ | connect; tell; understand |
| Relax | /rɪˈlæks/ | rest; become calm |
| Release | /rɪˈliːs/ | let go; publish; set free |
| Relieve | /rɪˈliːv/ | reduce pain or stress |
| Rely | /rɪˈlaɪ/ | depend on |
| Remain | /rɪˈmeɪn/ | stay; continue to be |
| Remember | /rɪˈmem bər/ | keep in mind |
| Remind | /rɪˈmaɪnd/ | help someone remember |
| Remove | /rɪˈmuːv/ | take away |
| Renew | /rɪˈnjuː/ | make valid again |
| Renovate | /ˈrenəveɪt/ | repair and improve a building |
| Repair | /rɪˈper/ | fix |
| Replace | /rɪˈpleɪs/ | put in the place of |
| Reply | /rɪˈplaɪ/ | answer |
| Report | /rɪˈpɔːrt/ | give information officially |
| Request | /rɪˈkwest/ | ask for |
| Require | /rɪˈkwaɪər/ | need; demand |
| Reschedule | /ˌriːˈskedʒuːl/ | arrange for a new time |
| Rescue | /ˈreskjuː/ | save from danger |
| Resemble | /rɪˈzembəl/ | look like; be similar to |
| Resist | /rɪˈzɪst/ | fight against; refuse |
| Resolve | /rɪˈzɒlv/ | solve; decide firmly |
| Respond | /rɪˈspɒnd/ | answer; react |
| Rest | /rest/ | relax; stop working |
| Restore | /rɪˈstɔːr/ | bring back; repair to good condition |
| Result | /rɪˈzʌlt/ | happen as an outcome |
| Return | /rɪˈtɜːrn/ | go back; give back |
| Retrieve | /rɪˈtriːv/ | get back |
| Retire | /rɪˈtaɪər/ | stop working permanently |
| Reunite | /ˌriːjuːˈnaɪt/ | come together again |
| Reveal | /rɪˈviːl/ | show; make known |
| Review | /rɪˈvjuː/ | check; examine again |
| Revise | /rɪˈvaɪz/ | edit and improve |
| Revive | /rɪˈvaɪv/ | bring back to life/interest |
| Ride | /raɪd/ | travel on a bike/horse/vehicle |
| Rinse | /rɪns/ | wash quickly with water |
| Rip | /rɪp/ | tear |
| Rise | /raɪz/ | go up |
| Risk | /rɪsk/ | do something that may be dangerous |
| Roam | /roʊm/ | move around without a plan |
| Roar | /rɔːr/ | make a very loud sound |
| Roast | /roʊst/ | cook with dry heat |
| Rob | /rɒb/ | steal from someone |
| Rock | /rɒk/ | move gently back and forth |
| Roll | /roʊl/ | move by turning |
| Root | /ruːt/ | support; search for |
| Rotate | /ˈroʊteɪt/ | turn around a center point |
| Round | /raʊnd/ | move around; make circular |
| Rouse | /raʊz/ | wake up; cause a feeling |
| Rub | /rʌb/ | press and move over a surface |
| Ruin | /ˈruːɪn/ | damage completely |
| Rule | /ruːl/ | control; decide officially |
| Rumble | /ˈrʌmbəl/ | make a deep rolling sound |
| Rummage | /ˈrʌmɪdʒ/ | search through carelessly |
| Run | /rʌn/ | move quickly on foot |
| Rush | /rʌʃ/ | hurry |
| Rust | /rʌst/ | become covered with rust |
| Rustle | /ˈrʌsəl/ | make a soft crackling sound |
Confusing R Verbs & Common Mistakes
Runaway vs. Run away
Runaway (one word) is usually a noun or adjective (e.g., a runaway train, a runaway).
Run away (two words) is a phrasal verb meaning “to escape or leave suddenly.”
- Runaway: The police searched for the runaway all night.
- Run away: Don’t run away from your problems.
Rise vs. Raise
Rise is usually intransitive (no object). Raise is transitive (needs an object).
- Rise: Prices rise every year.
- Raise: They raised prices last month.
Remember vs. Remind
Remember means “to recall.” Remind means “to help someone remember.”
- Remember: I can’t remember his name.
- Remind: Please remind me to call him.
Exercises: Test your knowledge on “R” Verbs
Fill in the blanks
- I need to ________ my passport before I travel. (make valid again)
- Could you ________ to my email when you have time?
- After the storm, the community worked to ________ the damaged houses.
- Please ________ the dishes before putting them in the dishwasher.
- He tried to ________ the temptation to check his phone during class.
- She will ________ her essay to make it clearer and more organized.
- We must ________ this problem before it becomes bigger.
- I didn’t ________ the address, so I got lost.
- The heavy rain ________ in flooding across the city.
- Can you ________ me to buy milk on the way home?
Match the definition
Match the verbs (A–J) with the meanings (1–10).
- A. retrieve
- B. relax
- C. report
- D. reduce
- E. recommend
- F. rebuild
- G. request
- H. respond
- I. recognize
- J. return
- to suggest something as a good choice
- to answer or react to something
- to ask politely for something
- to get something back from a place
- to go back or give something back
- to identify someone or something
- to become calm and rest
- to build again after damage
- to make something smaller or less
- to give information officially
Answer key
Fill in the blanks:
1) renew 2) reply 3) rebuild 4) rinse 5) resist
6) revise 7) resolve 8) remember 9) resulted 10) remind
Match the definition:
A-4, B-7, C-10, D-9, E-1, F-8, G-3, H-2, I-6, J-5
Resources related to verbs that start with R:
- Adjectives that Start with R
- Nouns that Start with R
- Words that Start with R
- Positive Words that Start with R
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