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A Free List of Verbs that Start with S

Looking for verbs that start with S? Here’s the insider secret most English learners never realize. Most people think finding strong S-verbs is simple; just grab a dictionary and start scanning. Dead wrong.

The best S-verbs hide in plain sight, and weak word choices kill writing faster than anything else. Teachers rarely reveal which S-verbs actually pack punch in sentences.

Students end up using the same boring options over and over while powerful alternatives sit unused.

Certain S-verbs can convert bland sentences into compelling prose instantly. The difference between amateur and expert writing often comes down to verb selection.

A List of Verbs That Start With S

Verbs That Start With S are action words beginning with the letter “S” that express a wide range of movements, emotions, and tasks.

1. Sail

Meaning: To travel on water in a boat or ship using wind or motor power.
Example: She plans to sail across the Atlantic next summer.

2. Save

Meaning: To keep something from being lost, damaged, or wasted.
Example: He worked hard to save money for college.

3. Search

Meaning: To look carefully for someone or something.
Example: The police searched the house for evidence.

4. Satisfy

Meaning: To meet the expectations, needs, or desires of someone.
Example: That meal really satisfied my hunger.

5. Scan

Meaning: To examine something quickly but carefully.
Example: She scanned the crowd for her friend.

6. Scatter

Meaning: To throw or spread things over an area randomly.
Example: The wind scattered the leaves across the yard.

7. Schedule

Meaning: To plan something at a particular time.
Example: The meeting was scheduled for 3 PM.

8. Scold

Meaning: To angrily criticize someone for doing something wrong.
Example: Mom scolded me for tracking mud inside.

9. Sculpt

Meaning: To shape or carve material into a work of art.
Example: He sculpted a bust out of marble.

10. Score

Meaning: To gain points in a game, test, or competition.
Example: She scored the winning goal in the final.

11. Scrub

Meaning: To clean something hard by rubbing.
Example: He scrubbed the kitchen floor with soap.

12. Scrape

Meaning: To remove something from a surface by dragging a tool or object across it.
Example: I scraped the ice off the windshield.

13. Scratch

Meaning: To mark or damage a surface with a sharp object.
Example: The cat scratched the couch again.

14. Seal

Meaning: To close something tightly or officially confirm it.
Example: She sealed the envelope with a kiss.

15. Select

Meaning: To choose something from a group.
Example: Please select your preferred seat.

16. Separate

Meaning: To divide into different parts or sections.
Example: They separated the laundry into whites and colors.

17. Serve

Meaning: To provide food, drinks, or assistance.
Example: She served dinner at 7 o’clock.

18. Shake

Meaning: To move something back and forth quickly.
Example: He shook the bottle before opening it.

19. Shape

Meaning: To give a particular form or structure to something.
Example: The sculptor shaped the clay into a vase.

20. Sharpen

Meaning: To make something pointed or more defined.
Example: I need to sharpen my pencil before class.

21. Share

Meaning: To divide and give part of something to others.
Example: She shared her lunch with her friend.

22. Shock

Meaning: To cause someone to feel sudden surprise or distress.
Example: The news of his resignation shocked everyone.

23. Shoot

Meaning: To fire a bullet or other projectile from a weapon.
Example: He shot the basketball from half-court.

24. Shop

Meaning: To buy goods or services from a store or vendor.
Example: They went to the mall to shop for clothes.

25. Show

Meaning: To present or display something to others.
Example: She showed me pictures from her vacation.

26. Shrink

Meaning: To become smaller in size.
Example: My sweater shrank after being washed in hot water.

27. Shrug

Meaning: To raise your shoulders to indicate doubt or indifference.
Example: He shrugged when asked if he was coming.

28. Shuffle

Meaning: To mix cards or move around with small dragging steps.
Example: She shuffled the deck before dealing.

29. Shut

Meaning: To close something, especially a door or window.
Example: Please shut the door behind you.

30. Sigh

Meaning: To let out a long, audible breath expressing sadness or relief.
Example: He sighed with relief when he passed the test.

31. Signal

Meaning: To communicate a message with a gesture, sound, or light.
Example: She signaled the driver to stop.

32. Sign

Meaning: To write your name on a document to show approval.
Example: He signed the contract yesterday.

33. Silence

Meaning: To make someone or something quiet.
Example: She silenced her phone during the meeting.

34. Simplify

Meaning: To make something easier to do or understand.
Example: He simplified the equation for the students.

35. Sing

Meaning: To produce musical sounds with the voice.
Example: She sang a beautiful song at the concert.

36. Sink

Meaning: To descend below the surface of something, usually water.
Example: The boat began to sink slowly.

37. Sketch

Meaning: To draw a rough or unfinished picture.
Example: He sketched the city skyline in his notebook.

38. Skid

Meaning: To slide uncontrollably on a surface.
Example: The car skidded on the icy road.

39. Skip

Meaning: To move lightly and quickly, or to omit something.
Example: She skipped down the sidewalk with joy.

40. Slide

Meaning: To move smoothly across a surface.
Example: He slid the paper across the table.

41. Slice

Meaning: To cut something into thin pieces.
Example: She sliced the bread evenly.

42. Slip

Meaning: To lose footing and slide accidentally.
Example: He slipped on the wet floor.

43. Smash

Meaning: To break something into pieces with force.
Example: He smashed the window with a rock.

44. Smile

Meaning: To make a pleased or friendly expression by curving the mouth.
Example: She smiled at the baby.

45. Smoke

Meaning: To inhale and exhale the fumes of a burning substance.
Example: He smoked a cigar after dinner.

46. Smother

Meaning: To suffocate or suppress something.
Example: The flames were smothered with a blanket.

47. Snatch

Meaning: To grab something quickly and forcefully.
Example: She snatched the toy from her brother.

48. Sneak

Meaning: To move quietly and secretly to avoid being noticed.
Example: He sneaked into the house after curfew.

49. Sneeze

Meaning: To force air through the nose and mouth suddenly.
Example: She sneezed loudly during the movie.

50. Sniff

Meaning: To smell something by inhaling through the nose.
Example: He sniffed the milk to check if it was bad.

51. Snore

Meaning: To breathe noisily while sleeping.
Example: He snored all night long.

52. Soak

Meaning: To immerse or saturate something in liquid.
Example: She soaked the beans overnight.

53. Solve

Meaning: To find an answer to a problem or question.
Example: He solved the puzzle in ten minutes.

54. Soften

Meaning: To make or become less hard or severe.
Example: Let the butter soften before baking.

55. Soar

Meaning: To fly or rise high in the air.
Example: The eagle soared above the mountains.

56. Sort

Meaning: To arrange or classify items into categories.
Example: She sorted the papers into folders.

57. Speak

Meaning: To express thoughts or feelings with words.
Example: He spoke clearly during the presentation.

58. Speed

Meaning: To move quickly or increase pace.
Example: The car sped down the highway.

59. Spell

Meaning: To write or say the letters of a word in order.
Example: Can you spell your last name for me?

60. Spend

Meaning: To use time or money on something.
Example: She spent all her savings on a trip.

61. Spill

Meaning: To accidentally pour liquid out of a container.
Example: He spilled juice on the floor.

62. Spin

Meaning: To rotate rapidly around a center point.
Example: The dancer spun across the stage.

63. Spit

Meaning: To eject saliva from the mouth.
Example: He spat the gum into the trash.

64. Split

Meaning: To divide or separate into parts.
Example: They split the bill after dinner.

65. Spoil

Meaning: To ruin or damage something.
Example: The milk spoiled after sitting out too long.

66. Spot

Meaning: To notice or recognize someone or something.
Example: I spotted her in the crowd.

67. Spray

Meaning: To scatter liquid in small drops.
Example: He sprayed water on the plants.

68. Spread

Meaning: To extend or distribute over an area.
Example: She spread butter on the toast.

69. Spring

Meaning: To move suddenly or leap forward.
Example: The cat sprang onto the bed.

70. Sprinkle

Meaning: To scatter small drops or particles over something.
Example: She sprinkled sugar on the cake.

71. Sprint

Meaning: To run at full speed over a short distance.
Example: He sprinted to catch the bus.

72. Squash

Meaning: To crush or flatten something with force.
Example: He accidentally squashed the sandwich.

73. Squeeze

Meaning: To press something firmly, often to extract liquid.
Example: She squeezed the lemon into the tea.

74. Stack

Meaning: To arrange objects in a neat pile.
Example: He stacked the books on the shelf.

75. Stain

Meaning: To mark something with a colored substance.
Example: The coffee stained her shirt.

76. Stand

Meaning: To be in an upright position on one’s feet.
Example: He stood near the door waiting.

77. Start

Meaning: To begin or commence an action.
Example: Let’s start the meeting now.

78. Stare

Meaning: To look at someone or something for a long time.
Example: She stared out the window silently.

79. Starve

Meaning: To suffer from extreme hunger.
Example: The animals were starving without food.

80. Stay

Meaning: To remain in the same place.
Example: They stayed at a hotel by the beach.

81. Steal

Meaning: To take something without permission.
Example: He stole a wallet from the store.

82. Steer

Meaning: To control the direction of a vehicle.
Example: She steered the car into the driveway.

83. Stick

Meaning: To attach or adhere something to a surface.
Example: He stuck the photo to the fridge.

84. Stir

Meaning: To mix a substance using a spoon or a stick.
Example: She stirred the soup gently.

85. Stomp

Meaning: To walk heavily or forcefully.
Example: He stomped out of the room angrily.

86. Stop

Meaning: To bring to an end or halt.
Example: The car stopped suddenly at the light.

87. Store

Meaning: To keep something for future use.
Example: He stored the tools in the garage.

88. Stretch

Meaning: To extend something to its full length.
Example: She stretched her arms after waking up.

89. Strike

Meaning: To hit forcibly or attack.
Example: Lightning struck the tree last night.

90. Struggle

Meaning: To try hard to do something difficult.
Example: She struggled to lift the heavy box.

91. Study

Meaning: To learn about a subject by reading or practicing.
Example: He studied all night for the exam.

92. Submit

Meaning: To present or deliver something for review.
Example: She submitted her resume online.

93. Substitute

Meaning: To replace one thing with another.
Example: You can substitute honey for sugar.

94. Succeed

Meaning: To achieve a desired goal or result.
Example: She succeeded in passing the exam.

95. Suffer

Meaning: To experience pain or hardship.
Example: He suffered from a severe headache.

96. Suggest

Meaning: To offer an idea or plan for consideration.
Example: I suggest we leave early to avoid traffic.

97. Suit

Meaning: To be appropriate or fitting for someone or something.
Example: That color suits you perfectly.

98. Summon

Meaning: To call for someone to appear.
Example: He was summoned to court on Monday.

99. Supply

Meaning: To provide something that is needed.
Example: The farm supplies fresh vegetables to the market.

100. Support

Meaning: To give help, encouragement, or approval.
Example: They supported her decision to study abroad.

101. Suppose

Meaning: To assume something to be true without proof.
Example: I suppose he’ll be late again.

102. Suppress

Meaning: To hold back or prevent something from happening.
Example: She suppressed her laughter during the meeting.

103. Surpass

Meaning: To exceed or go beyond a standard or limit.
Example: Her performance surpassed everyone’s expectations.

104. Surprise

Meaning: To cause someone to feel sudden wonder or astonishment.
Example: They surprised her with a birthday party.

105. Surrender

Meaning: To give up or submit, often under pressure.
Example: The army surrendered after a long battle.

106. Surround

Meaning: To encircle or be all around something.
Example: The house is surrounded by trees.

107. Survey

Meaning: To examine or look over carefully; often to collect data.
Example: They surveyed the land before construction.

108. Survive

Meaning: To remain alive after a dangerous event.
Example: She survived the accident without injury.

109. Suspect

Meaning: To believe someone is guilty or involved in something wrong.
Example: Police suspected him of theft.

110. Sustain

Meaning: To support or maintain over time.
Example: The building sustained heavy damage in the storm.

111. Swallow

Meaning: To cause something to pass down the throat.
Example: He swallowed the pill with water.

112. Swap

Meaning: To exchange one thing for another.
Example: They swapped gifts at the party.

113. Swat

Meaning: To hit something quickly, especially an insect.
Example: He swatted the mosquito on his arm.

114. Sway

Meaning: To move back and forth slowly or influence opinion.
Example: The trees swayed in the wind.

115. Swear

Meaning: To make a solemn promise or use offensive language.
Example: He swore to tell the truth in court.

116. Sweat

Meaning: To excrete moisture from the skin due to heat or stress.
Example: She was sweating after running.

117. Sweep

Meaning: To clean or clear away with a broom or hand.
Example: He swept the floor before guests arrived.

118. Swell

Meaning: To increase in size or volume.
Example: Her ankle swelled after the fall.

119. Swim

Meaning: To move through water using limbs.
Example: They swam across the lake.

120. Swing

Meaning: To move back and forth or side to side.
Example: The child swung on the playground swing.

121. Switch

Meaning: To change from one thing to another.
Example: She switched her major to biology.

122. Symbolize

Meaning: To represent something through symbols or images.
Example: The dove symbolizes peace.

123. Synchronize

Meaning: To occur at the same time or coordinate in timing.
Example: They synchronized their watches before the mission.

124. Syphon

Meaning: To draw liquid through a tube by suction.
Example: He siphoned gas from one tank to another.

125. Systematize

Meaning: To organize something into a structured system.
Example: She systematized the filing process at work.

126. Scoop

Meaning: To pick up something in a sweeping motion or with a tool.
Example: He scooped ice cream into a bowl.

127. Sidestep

Meaning: To avoid something by stepping to the side or evading.
Example: He sidestepped the reporter’s questions.

128. Scramble

Meaning: To move quickly or mix things together.
Example: They scrambled to get ready on time.

129. Screech

Meaning: To make a loud, harsh sound.
Example: The tires screeched on the wet pavement.

Tips for Using These Verbs

Using verbs that start with S can energize your writing and make it more expressive. From sharpening imagery to enhancing dialogue, these tips help you choose and apply each verb with clarity and impact.

1. Be Specific: Choose precise verbs like “snatch” instead of vague ones like “take” to add clarity and impact.

2. Enhance Imagery: Use descriptive verbs such as “soar” or “shatter” to create vivid scenes in writing.

3. Vary Sentence Structure: Rotate between verbs like “speak,” “suggest,” and “state” to avoid repetition.

4. Show Emotion Through Action: Words like “shrug,” “sigh,” or “snap” reveal emotion without over-explaining.

5. Practice with Tenses: Test how each verb works in different tenses to strengthen grammar skills.

6. Pair with Adjectives: Combine with strong adjectives for emphasis, e.g., “swift sprint” or “silent stare.”

The Bottom line

Verbs that start with s are powerful tools that make your writing stronger and clearer. With this free printable list, you have hundreds of action words ready to use in your stories, essays, and daily writing.

Why should you care about S verbs? They help you express ideas better and make your writing more interesting to read. Strong verbs like “sprint,” “shine,” and “solve” grab attention and keep readers engaged.

What comes next? Print out this list and keep it handy when you write. Try using three new S verbs each week in your homework or creative projects. Share this resource with classmates, teachers, or fellow writers who want to improve their vocabulary.

Start building your verb skills today. Your writing will become more vivid and powerful with these S verbs at your fingertips.

Andrew Wright

Andrew Wright is a word enthusiast with a love for vocabulary and language puzzles. He earned a degree in Linguistics from the University of Cambridge. Outside of work, Andrew enjoys playing board games, attending language exchange meetups, and writing poetry. His enthusiasm for language and games is contagious, making learning enjoyable for all.