What are verbs that start with S? While some words are inherently more interesting than others, there is no accounting for taste. Many people prefer to read about tragic romances and endings than light-hearted plots, and the same goes for words.
Certain letter combinations of the English language appear more attractive than others. The same can be said for certain syllables that begin with a particular letter. This applies to adjectives as well as verbs. This article provides a list of commonly used verbs that start with S.
Top Common Verbs that Start with S
Essential “S” Verbs for Beginners
Say
Definition: to speak words; to express something with your voice.
Examples: She said, “Hello.” / What did you say?
See
Definition: to notice with your eyes; to look at and understand.
Examples: I can see the sign clearly. / I saw him at the station.
Sit
Definition: to rest on a chair or the ground.
Examples: Please sit here. / We sat near the window.
Stand
Definition: to be on your feet; to rise to an upright position.
Examples: Please stand up. / He stood in line for an hour.
Start
Definition: to begin doing something.
Examples: Let’s start now. / The movie started at 7 p.m.
Stop
Definition: to end an action; to no longer move or continue.
Examples: Please stop talking. / The bus stopped suddenly.
Sleep
Definition: to rest your body and mind at night.
Examples: I need to sleep early. / She slept for eight hours.
Study
Definition: to learn by reading, practicing, or focusing on a subject.
Examples: I study English every day. / He studied for the test.
Send
Definition: to make something go to another person or place.
Examples: Please send me the file. / I sent a message.
Save
Definition: to keep something safe or to keep money for later.
Examples: We save money each month. / She saved the document.
Academic & Formal Verbs Starting with S
These formal verbs are useful for essays, reports, and IELTS-style writing. They help you describe processes, evidence, and arguments more precisely.
Summarize
Definition: to give the main points in a short form.
Examples: Please summarize the article in two sentences.
Suggest
Definition: to offer an idea or plan for someone to consider.
Examples: The data suggests a clear trend.
Support
Definition: to help prove an idea or to provide help and encouragement.
Examples: The evidence supports the conclusion.
Specify
Definition: to state clearly and exactly.
Examples: The instructions specify the required format.
Strengthen
Definition: to make something stronger or more convincing.
Examples: Adding examples can strengthen your argument.
Simplify
Definition: to make something easier to understand or do.
Examples: The teacher simplified the explanation.
Separate
Definition: to divide or keep things apart.
Examples: Please separate the results by category.
Select
Definition: to choose carefully from a group.
Examples: Researchers selected 50 participants.
Schedule
Definition: to plan a time for something.
Examples: We will schedule the interview next week.
Survey
Definition: to study or examine; to ask many people questions.
Examples: The team surveyed customer opinions.
Scrutinize
Definition: to examine something very carefully.
Examples: The committee scrutinized the proposal.
Synthesize
Definition: to combine ideas or information into a whole.
Examples: Students must synthesize sources in academic writing.
Standardize
Definition: to make something follow the same rules or format.
Examples: The company standardized its procedures.
Streamline
Definition: to make a process simpler and more efficient.
Examples: The update streamlined the workflow.
Sustain
Definition: to maintain something over time; to keep it going.
Examples: The program is designed to sustain long-term growth.
Action Verbs that Start with S
Physical Action Verbs
| Verb | Meaning | Sentence Example |
|---|---|---|
| shake | to move quickly from side to side | He shook the bottle before opening it. |
| shoot | to fire; to send something out quickly | The photographer shot a short video. |
| slide | to move smoothly across a surface | The kids slid across the ice. |
| swing | to move back and forth | The door swung open. |
| swim | to move through water | We swam in the pool after class. |
| stretch | to extend your body or muscles | I always stretch before running. |
| skate | to move on skates | She loves to skate on weekends. |
| skip | to jump lightly; to miss something intentionally | He skipped a step and almost fell. |
| sneeze | to push air out through your nose suddenly | She sneezed because of the dust. |
| sweep | to clean a floor with a broom | Please sweep the kitchen floor. |
| scratch | to rub with nails or a sharp object | The cat scratched the sofa. |
| spill | to accidentally pour liquid out | I spilled coffee on my shirt. |
| slam | to close something with force | He slammed the door. |
| sprint | to run very fast for a short distance | She sprinted to catch the bus. |
| stir | to mix food or liquid with a spoon | Stir the soup gently. |
Mental & Communication Action Verbs
| Verb | Meaning | Sentence Example |
|---|---|---|
| search | to look for something carefully | She searched for her keys everywhere. |
| solve | to find an answer to a problem | We solved the puzzle together. |
| suggest | to propose an idea | He suggested meeting earlier. |
| speak | to say words; to talk | Can you speak more slowly? |
| share | to give part of something to others | Please share your notes with me. |
| spell | to write or say letters in order | Can you spell your last name? |
| support | to help; to back an idea or person | Friends should support each other. |
| speculate | to guess based on limited information | They speculated about the outcome. |
| suspect | to believe something is true without proof | I suspect he forgot the deadline. |
| signal | to communicate with a sign or gesture | She signaled for help. |
| summarize | to give the main points briefly | He summarized the report in one minute. |
| study | to learn by reading and practice | I study vocabulary every night. |
| scan | to look over quickly; to examine with a scanner | She scanned the page for key words. |
| stress | to emphasize; to worry a lot | The professor stressed the importance of clarity. |
| strategize | to plan carefully to achieve a goal | We strategized before the negotiation. |
Positive Verbs that Start with S
Verbs for Success and Achievement
| Verb | Meaning | Sentence Example |
|---|---|---|
| succeed | to achieve what you want | She worked hard and succeeded. |
| shine | to glow; to do very well | He shined during the interview. |
| strengthen | to make stronger | Practice will strengthen your skills. |
| secure | to get or achieve something safely | She secured a new job offer. |
| simplify | to make easier | This app simplifies budgeting. |
| streamline | to improve efficiency | The new system streamlined the process. |
| stabilize | to make stable | The medicine helped stabilize his condition. |
| surpass | to do better than; to exceed | We surpassed our sales target. |
| spark | to cause something to begin | The talk sparked new ideas. |
| sustain | to keep going over time | They sustained growth for years. |
Verbs for Feelings and Relationships
| Verb | Meaning | Sentence Example |
|---|---|---|
| smile | to show happiness on your face | She smiled when she heard the news. |
| support | to help emotionally or practically | Thank you for supporting me. |
| soothe | to calm or comfort | Music soothed the baby. |
| share | to tell or give something to others | He shared his story with us. |
| surprise | to cause someone to feel amazed | They surprised her with a cake. |
| salute | to show respect | We saluted the winner. |
| serve | to help; to provide service | He served the community for years. |
| sympathize | to understand and share feelings | I sympathize with your situation. |
| smarten | to make something neater or better | They smartened up the room. |
| savor | to enjoy something fully | She savored every bite. |
Important Phrasal Verbs that Start with S
Common Phrasal Verbs with “Set”, “Show”, “Shut”, “Send”
Set up
Meaning: to arrange or prepare something; to start a system.
Examples: We set up a meeting for Friday. / She set up her new laptop in minutes.
Show up
Meaning: to arrive; to appear.
Examples: He didn’t show up for class. / A problem showed up after the update.
Show off
Meaning: to try to impress people by displaying skills or possessions.
Examples: Stop showing off and just help the team. / He showed off his new watch.
Shut down
Meaning: to close a business or stop a machine/system from operating.
Examples: They shut down the factory. / Please shut down the computer.
Shut off
Meaning: to stop the flow of water, power, gas, or light.
Examples: Shut off the lights when you leave. / He shut off the water.
Shut out
Meaning: to prevent someone or something from entering; to exclude.
Examples: Don’t shut me out. / Thick curtains shut out the sunlight.
Send away
Meaning: to tell someone to leave; to order something to be delivered from another place.
Examples: The manager sent away the reporters. / I sent away for a replacement part.
Settle down
Meaning: to become calm; to start living a stable life in one place.
Examples: Please settle down and listen. / They settled down in a small town.
Comprehensive List of Verbs that Start with S
| Verb | Pronunciation | Simple Definition |
|---|---|---|
| save | /seɪv/ | keep safe; keep money for later |
| say | /seɪ/ | speak words |
| see | /siː/ | notice with your eyes |
| seek | /siːk/ | try to find; look for |
| seem | /siːm/ | appear to be |
| select | /sɪˈlekt/ | choose carefully |
| sell | /sel/ | exchange for money |
| send | /send/ | make something go to someone |
| separate | /ˈsepəreɪt/ | divide; keep apart |
| serve | /sɜːv/ | provide help or service |
| set | /set/ | put in a place; establish |
| settle | /ˈsetl/ | resolve; become calm or stable |
| share | /ʃeə(r)/ | give part to others |
| shake | /ʃeɪk/ | move quickly back and forth |
| shape | /ʃeɪp/ | form; influence |
| shine | /ʃaɪn/ | give light; do very well |
| shock | /ʃɒk/ | surprise in a negative way |
| shop | /ʃɒp/ | buy things |
| shout | /ʃaʊt/ | speak very loudly |
| show | /ʃəʊ/ | let someone see |
| shut | /ʃʌt/ | close something |
| sign | /saɪn/ | write your name; communicate by signs |
| signal | /ˈsɪɡnəl/ | give a sign; indicate |
| sing | /sɪŋ/ | make music with your voice |
| sink | /sɪŋk/ | go down below the surface |
| sit | /sɪt/ | rest on a seat |
| skate | /skeɪt/ | move on skates |
| skip | /skɪp/ | jump lightly; miss a step |
| slam | /slæm/ | close with force |
| sleep | /sliːp/ | rest at night |
| slide | /slaɪd/ | move smoothly across |
| sling | /slɪŋ/ | throw or hang loosely |
| slip | /slɪp/ | slide by accident; lose footing |
| smash | /smæʃ/ | break violently |
| smell | /smel/ | notice an odor |
| smile | /smaɪl/ | show happiness with your face |
| smoke | /sməʊk/ | use cigarettes; produce smoke |
| sneeze | /sniːz/ | push air out suddenly through the nose |
| snore | /snɔː(r)/ | breathe noisily while sleeping |
| snow | /snəʊ/ | have snow fall from the sky |
| solve | /sɒlv/ | find an answer |
| sort | /sɔːt/ | arrange into groups |
| sound | /saʊnd/ | produce a noise; seem |
| spark | /spɑːk/ | cause something to start |
| speak | /spiːk/ | talk; say words |
| spell | /spel/ | write or say letters in order |
| spend | /spend/ | use money or time |
| spill | /spɪl/ | accidentally pour out |
| spin | /spɪn/ | turn around quickly |
| split | /splɪt/ | divide into parts |
| spoil | /spɔɪl/ | ruin; go bad |
| spray | /spreɪ/ | send liquid out in small drops |
| spread | /spred/ | extend over an area |
| sprint | /sprɪnt/ | run very fast briefly |
| stand | /stænd/ | be on your feet |
| start | /stɑːt/ | begin |
| state | /steɪt/ | say clearly; declare |
| stay | /steɪ/ | remain in a place |
| steal | /stiːl/ | take without permission |
| steer | /stɪə(r)/ | guide the direction |
| step | /step/ | move your foot; take a step |
| stick | /stɪk/ | attach; stay fixed |
| sting | /stɪŋ/ | hurt with a sharp point |
| stink | /stɪŋk/ | smell very bad |
| stop | /stɒp/ | end; halt |
| store | /stɔː(r)/ | keep for future use |
| stretch | /stretʃ/ | extend |
| strike | /straɪk/ | hit; attack; stop work |
| strive | /straɪv/ | try very hard |
| study | /ˈstʌdi/ | learn by reading and practice |
| succeed | /səkˈsiːd/ | achieve a goal |
| suffer | /ˈsʌfə(r)/ | experience pain or difficulty |
| suggest | /səˈdʒest/ | propose an idea |
| suit | /suːt/ | be right for someone/something |
| summarize | /ˈsʌməraɪz/ | give main points briefly |
| support | /səˈpɔːt/ | help; back up |
| suppose | /səˈpəʊz/ | think; assume |
| surprise | /səˈpraɪz/ | cause someone to feel amazed |
| surpass | /səˈpɑːs/ | exceed; do better than |
| survive | /səˈvaɪv/ | continue to live or exist |
| suspect | /səˈspekt/ | believe something without proof |
| suspend | /səˈspend/ | stop temporarily |
| sweep | /swiːp/ | clean with a broom |
| swell | /swel/ | become bigger |
| swim | /swɪm/ | move through water |
| swing | /swɪŋ/ | move back and forth |
| switch | /swɪtʃ/ | change from one thing to another |
| symbolize | /ˈsɪmbəlaɪz/ | represent an idea |
| synchronize | /ˈsɪŋkrənaɪz/ | make happen at the same time |
| sanitize | /ˈsænətaɪz/ | clean to remove germs |
Confusing S Verbs & Common Mistakes
Say vs. tell
Say focuses on the words spoken, while tell usually needs an object (who you told).
- Say: She said “thank you.”
- Tell: She told me “thank you.”
See vs. watch vs. look
- See = notice with your eyes (often not planned). Example: I saw a bird outside.
- Watch = look at something for a period of time. Example: We watched a movie.
- Look = direct your eyes toward something. Example: Look at this photo.
Exercises: Test your knowledge on “S” Verbs
Fill in the blanks
- Please _______ down and wait a moment.
- Can you _______ me the document by email?
- We need to _______ money for emergencies.
- She _______ for her phone for ten minutes.
- They _______ the problem with teamwork.
- He didn’t _______ up for the meeting.
- Don’t forget to _______ off the lights.
- The teacher will _______ the main points at the end.
- The athlete can _______ very fast for short distances.
Match the definition
Match each verb (A–J) with the correct meaning (1–10).
- A. summarize
- B. solve
- C. search
- D. support
- E. separate
- F. schedule
- G. succeed
- H. streamline
- I. sustain
- J. suggest
- to plan a time for something
- to keep something going over time
- to propose an idea
- to find an answer to a problem
- to divide or keep apart
- to help or give assistance
- to look for carefully
- to make a process more efficient
- to achieve a goal
- to give the main points briefly
Answer key
Fill in the blanks: 1) sit 2) send 3) save 4) searched 5) solved 6) show 7) shut 8) summarize 9) sprint
Match the definition: A-10, B-4, C-7, D-6, E-5, F-1, G-9, H-8, I-2, J-3
Conclusion
The words in the list are some of the most commonly used verbs that begin with S. All of them have specific functions to fulfill. Some of these verbs are more common than others, but all possess a certain degree of importance for the general English language user.
Related:
- Adjectives that Start with S
- Nouns that Start with S
- Words that Start with S
- Positive Words that Start with S
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