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Verbs That Start with P You Should Know

Most people use the same basic verbs every day without thinking about it.

We walk, talk, eat, and sleep using simple words that get the job done. But what if there were more interesting ways to express actions?

What if you could make your writing more vivid and your conversations more engaging? You’ll learn verbs that can make your writing stand out and your speech more colorful.

This blog will give you a complete list of verbs that start with p with clear meanings and examples. You’ll see how to use each word correctly and when to choose one over another.

List of Verbs that Start with P

The letter “P” is packed with action! Below, you’ll find a comprehensive list of verbs that start with “P,” each with a clear meaning and a helpful example.

Common and Practical P-Verbs

Ready to power up your language? This section highlights essential “P” verbs you’ll use daily.

These verbs are practical and common, perfect for everyday conversations and clear writing. Expand your vocabulary and express yourself with ease!

1. Pack

Meaning: To put things into containers or bags for storage or travel.
Example: She needs to pack her clothes before the trip tomorrow.

2. Paint

Meaning: To apply color to surfaces using brushes, rollers, or other tools.
Example: They will paint the bedroom walls light blue this weekend.

3. Pass

Meaning: To move by or go beyond something; to give something to someone.
Example: The car will pass the slow truck on the highway.

4. Play

Meaning: To take part in games, sports, or fun activities.
Example: Children love to play in the park after school.

5. Pull

Meaning: To move something toward you using force.
Example: He had to pull the heavy door to open it.

6. Push

Meaning: To move something away from you using force.
Example: She will push the shopping cart through the store.

7. Pick

Meaning: To choose or select; to gather fruits or flowers.
Example: Please pick your favorite color from these options.

8. Park

Meaning: To stop and leave a vehicle in a specific place.
Example: You can park your car in the garage tonight.

9. Place

Meaning: To put something in a particular position or location.
Example: Place the books on the shelf when you finish reading.

10. Pay

Meaning: To give money in exchange for goods or services.
Example: I need to pay the electric bill before it’s due.

11. Print

Meaning: To produce text or images on paper using a machine.
Example: Can you print ten copies of this report for the meeting?

12. Plan

Meaning: To think ahead and organize what you will do.
Example: We should plan our vacation before booking the flights.

13. Peel

Meaning: To remove the outer skin or layer from fruits or vegetables.
Example: Peel the potatoes before you cook them for dinner.

14. Pour

Meaning: To make liquid flow from one container to another.
Example: Pour the milk into the cereal bowl carefully.

15. Plant

Meaning: To put seeds or young plants into soil to grow.
Example: Spring is the best time to plant flowers in your garden.

16. Plug

Meaning: To fill a hole; to connect electrical devices to power sources.
Example: Plug the phone charger into the wall outlet.

17. Pin

Meaning: To attach or fasten something using a small pointed object.
Example: Pin the notice to the bulletin board so everyone can see it.

18. Paste

Meaning: To stick something using glue or adhesive material.
Example: The children will paste pictures into their scrapbooks.

19. Post

Meaning: To send mail; to publish something online; to put up notices.
Example: She will post the birthday photos on social media later.

20. Pickle

Meaning: To preserve food in salt water or vinegar solution.
Example: Grandmother likes to pickle cucumbers from her garden.

21. Pop

Meaning: To make a sudden sharp sound; to burst.
Example: The balloon will pop if you squeeze it too hard.

22. Poke

Meaning: To push something with your finger or a pointed object.
Example: Don’t poke the sleeping cat or it might scratch you.

23. Paddle

Meaning: To move a boat using oars; to walk in shallow water.
Example: They will paddle the canoe across the calm lake.

24. Pat

Meaning: To touch gently with your hand in a soft way.
Example: Pat the dog on the head to show you’re friendly.

25. Pound

Meaning: To hit something hard repeatedly; a unit of weight.
Example: Pound the nail into the wood with the hammer.

26. Puff

Meaning: To breathe out air quickly; to swell up.
Example: The runner began to puff after climbing the steep hill.

27. Pump

Meaning: To move liquid or air using mechanical force.
Example: Pump air into the bicycle tires before your ride.

28. Prepare

Meaning: To make ready or get something organized beforehand.
Example: Prepare dinner while the guests are still coming.

29. Press

Meaning: To push down on something with steady force.
Example: Press the button to start the washing machine.

30. Pile

Meaning: To stack things on top of each other.
Example: Pile the clean dishes in the cupboard after washing.

31. Preheat

Meaning: To heat an oven to the right temperature before cooking.
Example: Preheat the oven to 350 degrees before baking cookies.

32. Prove

Meaning: To show that something is true using facts or evidence.
Example: The scientist will prove her theory with careful experiments.

33. Prop

Meaning: To support something by placing another object against it.
Example: Prop the ladder against the wall before climbing up.

34. Price

Meaning: To set the cost of something; to find out how much something costs.
Example: The store manager will price all the new items tomorrow.

35. Polish

Meaning: To make something smooth and shiny by rubbing.
Example: Polish your shoes before the job interview.

36. Position

Meaning: To place something in a specific location or arrangement.
Example: Position the chairs around the table for the dinner party.

37. Purchase

Meaning: To buy something by paying money for it.
Example: We will purchase groceries on our way home from work.

38. Point

Meaning: To show direction with your finger; to aim at something.
Example: Point to the correct answer on the test paper.

39. Pretend

Meaning: To act as if something is true when it’s not.
Example: Children often pretend to be superheroes during playtime.

40. Present

Meaning: To give something to someone; to show or display.
Example: The teacher will present awards to the best students.

41. Pasteurize

Meaning: To heat liquid to kill harmful bacteria.
Example: Dairy companies pasteurize milk to make it safe to drink.

42. Package

Meaning: To wrap or box items for shipping or storage.
Example: Package the gifts before putting them under the tree.

43. Pluck

Meaning: To pull something quickly with your fingers.
Example: Pluck the guitar strings to make beautiful music.

44. Plow

Meaning: To turn over soil for farming using special equipment.
Example: Farmers plow their fields before planting crops in spring.

45. Pry

Meaning: To force something open or to ask too many personal questions.
Example: Use a crowbar to pry open the stuck wooden crate.

46. Perch

Meaning: To sit or rest on something high or narrow.
Example: Birds like to perch on telephone wires and tree branches.

47. Pinch

Meaning: To squeeze something tightly between your thumb and finger.
Example: Pinch the dough to seal the edges of the pie.

48. Prompt

Meaning: To encourage someone to do something or speak.
Example: The teacher will prompt students who forget their lines.

49. Patrol

Meaning: To walk or drive around an area to keep it safe.
Example: Security guards patrol the building every hour at night.

50. Protect

Meaning: To keep someone or something safe from harm.
Example: Wear sunscreen to protect your skin from harmful rays.

51. Provide

Meaning: To give or supply what someone needs.
Example: Parents provide food and shelter for their children.

52. Permit

Meaning: To allow something to happen; an official document giving permission.
Example: The city will permit construction work on weekdays only.

53. Parade

Meaning: To march in a line for celebration; to show off.
Example: The band will parade down Main Street during the festival.

54. Propose

Meaning: To suggest an idea; to ask someone to marry you.
Example: He plans to propose to his girlfriend on Valentine’s Day.

55. Pose

Meaning: To position yourself for a photo; to create a problem.
Example: The family will pose for pictures at the reunion.

56. Phone

Meaning: To call someone using a telephone.
Example: Phone your grandmother to wish her happy birthday.

57. Program

Meaning: To write computer code; to schedule events.
Example: Students learn to program computers in their technology class.

58. Puncture

Meaning: To make a small hole in something.
Example: A nail can puncture your car tire on the road.

59. Pray

Meaning: To speak to God or ask for help from a higher power.
Example: Many people pray before eating their meals.

60. Practice

Meaning: To repeat something many times to get better at it.
Example: Practice piano every day to improve your musical skills.

61. Process

Meaning: To handle something step by step; to think about information.
Example: The factory will process raw materials into finished products.

62. Persuade

Meaning: To convince someone to do or believe something.
Example: She tried to persuade her friend to join the school club.

63. Promise

Meaning: To say you will definitely do something.
Example: Promise to call me when you arrive safely at home.

64. Proceed

Meaning: To continue forward or go ahead with something.
Example: Proceed to the next step after finishing this task.

65. Publish

Meaning: To print and distribute books, magazines, or newspapers.
Example: The author hopes to publish her novel next year.

66. Promote

Meaning: To help something succeed; to give someone a better job.
Example: The company will promote employees who work hard.

67. Participate

Meaning: To take part in an activity with other people.
Example: All students can participate in the school talent show.

68. Perform

Meaning: To do something in front of an audience; to carry out a task.
Example: The dancers will perform on stage tomorrow night.

69. Persist

Meaning: To continue trying even when something is difficult.
Example: Persist with your studies even when they seem challenging.

70. Panic

Meaning: To feel sudden fear that makes you act without thinking.
Example: Don’t panic if you get lost; stay calm and ask for help.

71. Pace

Meaning: To walk back and forth; to control the speed of something.
Example: Pace yourself during the long race to save energy.

72. Prevent

Meaning: To stop something bad from happening.
Example: Regular exercise can prevent many health problems.

73. Partition

Meaning: To divide something into separate parts or sections.
Example: Partition the room with a screen to create private spaces.

74. Predict

Meaning: To say what you think will happen in the future.
Example: Weather experts predict rain for this weekend.

75. Postpone

Meaning: To delay something until a later time.
Example: We may postpone the picnic if it rains tomorrow.

76. Plunge

Meaning: To jump or fall quickly into water; to decrease suddenly.
Example: The temperature will plunge below freezing tonight.

77. Patch

Meaning: To repair something by covering a hole or tear.
Example: Patch the hole in your jeans with a piece of fabric.

78. Peer

Meaning: To look closely at something, often squinting.
Example: Peer through the window to see what’s happening outside.

79. Plead

Meaning: To ask for something desperately; to state your case in court.
Example: The child will plead for one more cookie before bedtime.

80. Penalize

Meaning: To punish someone for breaking rules.
Example: Referees penalize players who commit fouls during games.

81. Preach

Meaning: To give religious talks; to give advice in a bossy way.
Example: The minister will preach about kindness this Sunday.

82. Pressurize

Meaning: To force someone to do something; to add pressure to containers.
Example: Don’t pressurize students to choose their careers too quickly.

Intermediate and Descriptive P-Verbs

Take your language skills to the next level with these expressive “P” verbs.

Perfect for adding detail and nuance, these verbs help you describe actions and emotions more vividly in both writing and conversation.

83. Pacify

Meaning: To calm someone down or make peace in a tense situation.
Example: The mother tried to pacify her crying baby with a gentle song.

84. Perceive

Meaning: To notice or understand something through your senses or mind.
Example: Teachers can perceive when students are struggling with their lessons.

85. Project

Meaning: To show images on a screen; to expect something to happen.
Example: The presenter will project slides on the wall during the meeting.

86. Proclaim

Meaning: To announce something publicly and officially.
Example: The mayor will proclaim next week as Community Service Week.

87. Patronize

Meaning: To treat someone as if they are less intelligent; to shop at a business regularly.
Example: Don’t patronize me by explaining things I already know well.

88. Pinpoint

Meaning: To identify something exactly or locate it precisely.
Example: Doctors need to pinpoint the cause of your stomach pain.

89. Peruse

Meaning: To read something carefully and thoroughly.
Example: Peruse the contract before signing any legal documents.

90. Populate

Meaning: To fill an area with people or living things.
Example: Many families populate the new housing development near downtown.

91. Paralyze

Meaning: To make someone unable to move; to stop something from functioning.
Example: Fear can paralyze people and prevent them from taking action.

92. Penetrate

Meaning: To go through or into something; to understand deeply.
Example: The rain will penetrate the roof if we don’t fix it.

93. Perish

Meaning: To die or be destroyed, especially in an accident.
Example: Many plants perish during harsh winter weather conditions.

94. Pierce

Meaning: To make a hole through something with a sharp object.
Example: Pierce the balloon with a pin and it will burst immediately.

95. Personalize

Meaning: To make something special for one particular person.
Example: Personalize your gifts by adding the recipient’s name.

96. Preserve

Meaning: To keep something in its original state; to protect from decay.
Example: Museums preserve ancient artifacts for future generations to study.

97. Preside

Meaning: To be in charge of a meeting or ceremony.
Example: The judge will preside over the court case tomorrow morning.

98. Propagate

Meaning: To spread ideas or information; to breed plants or animals.
Example: Social media helps propagate news stories around the world quickly.

99. Prosecute

Meaning: To bring legal charges against someone in court.
Example: The state will prosecute anyone caught stealing from stores.

100. Pen

Meaning: To write something, especially creative works like poems or stories.
Example: The author will pen her next novel during her summer vacation.

101. Plagiarize

Meaning: To copy someone else’s work and claim it as your own.
Example: Students who plagiarize essays will face serious academic consequences.

102. Publicize

Meaning: To make information known to the public through media.
Example: The band will publicize their new album on radio shows.

103. Pamper

Meaning: To treat someone with extra care and attention.
Example: She likes to pamper herself with spa treatments on weekends.

104. Precede

Meaning: To come before something else in time or order.
Example: Thunder often precedes lightning during summer storms.

105. Prevail

Meaning: To win or succeed despite difficulties; to be common.
Example: Good sense should prevail when making important life decisions.

106. Prioritize

Meaning: To arrange things in order of importance.
Example: Students should prioritize their homework over television time.

107. Ponder

Meaning: To think about something carefully and deeply.
Example: Ponder your career choices before making any final decisions.

108. Pledge

Meaning: To promise something seriously; to give money to charity.
Example: Citizens pledge allegiance to their country during ceremonies.

109. Postulate

Meaning: To suggest an idea as the basis for reasoning.
Example: Scientists postulate theories before conducting experiments to test them.

110. Provoke

Meaning: To make someone angry or cause a strong reaction.
Example: His rude comments will provoke arguments at family dinners.

111. Paraphrase

Meaning: To restate something using different words but the same meaning.
Example: Paraphrase the poem to show you understand its message.

112. Perforate

Meaning: To make small holes in something, usually in a pattern.
Example: Perforate the paper along the dotted line for easy tearing.

113. Pillage

Meaning: To steal things violently, especially during wars or riots.
Example: Pirates used to pillage merchant ships on the high seas.

114. Plummet

Meaning: To fall down very quickly and suddenly.
Example: Stock prices can plummet when companies announce bad news.

115. Polarize

Meaning: To divide people into two completely opposite groups.
Example: Political debates often polarize communities during election seasons.

116. Personify

Meaning: To give human qualities to non-human things.
Example: Writers personify the wind by saying it whispers through trees.

117. Probe

Meaning: To investigate something thoroughly; to examine with instruments.
Example: Journalists probe corruption scandals to find the truth.

118. Prospect

Meaning: To search for valuable things like gold or customers.
Example: Companies prospect new markets before launching their products.

119. Predetermine

Meaning: To decide something in advance before it happens.
Example: Schools predetermine graduation requirements for each academic year.

120. Perambulate

Meaning: To walk around casually, often for pleasure or exercise.
Example: Elderly couples like to perambulate through the park together.

121. Pantomime

Meaning: To act out something without using words or sounds.
Example: Children pantomime their favorite animals during drama class.

122. Percolate

Meaning: To filter through something slowly; to spread gradually.
Example: Coffee will percolate through the grounds to make a hot drink.

123. Persecute

Meaning: To treat someone cruelly because of their beliefs or background.
Example: History shows how groups persecute others who are different.

124. Preempt

Meaning: To take action before someone else can do something.
Example: The company will preempt competitors by launching their product first.

125. Prohibit

Meaning: To forbid something or make it against the rules.
Example: Many schools prohibit students from using phones during classes.

126. Parley

Meaning: To have a discussion with enemies or opponents.
Example: The two sides agreed to parley before continuing their conflict.

127. Pronounce

Meaning: To say words clearly; to declare something officially.
Example: Pronounce each syllable carefully when learning new languages.

128. Prescribe

Meaning: To order medicine for patients; to recommend a course of action.
Example: Doctors prescribe antibiotics to fight bacterial infections.

129. Pill

Meaning: To form small balls of fiber on fabric; to take medicine in pill form.
Example: Sweaters often pill after being washed many times.

130. Procrastinate

Meaning: To delay doing something you should do now.
Example: Students who procrastinate often struggle to finish assignments on time.

131. Pattern

Meaning: To design something using repeated shapes or colors.
Example: Artists pattern their fabrics with flowers and geometric shapes.

132. Prolong

Meaning: To make something last longer than usual.
Example: Good maintenance can prolong the life of your car.

133. Propel

Meaning: To push something forward with force.
Example: Jet engines propel airplanes through the sky at high speeds.

134. Pollute

Meaning: To make air, water, or land dirty and harmful.
Example: Factories that pollute rivers harm fish and other wildlife.

135. Preoccupy

Meaning: To fill someone’s thoughts completely.
Example: Worries about the test preoccupy students before exam day.

136. Poach

Meaning: To cook food gently in hot water; to hunt illegally.
Example: Poach eggs by cooking them in simmering water without shells.

137. Peg

Meaning: To fasten something with pins; to set a price or value.
Example: Peg the wet clothes on the line to dry in the sun.

138. Preordain

Meaning: To determine something in advance, especially by fate.
Example: Some people believe their life paths are preordained by destiny.

139. Prepay

Meaning: To pay for something before you receive it.
Example: Prepay your phone bill to avoid late fees and service interruptions.

140. Preprogram

Meaning: To set instructions in a machine before using it.
Example: Preprogram your coffee maker to start brewing at 6 AM.

141. Peek

Meaning: To look at something quickly and secretly.
Example: Children often peek at presents before their birthday parties.

142. Procreate

Meaning: To produce offspring or have children.
Example: Most animals procreate during specific seasons of the year.

143. Plot

Meaning: To plan something secretly; to mark points on a graph.
Example: The rebels plot to overthrow the government in their secret meetings.

144. Prune

Meaning: To cut branches from trees; to remove unnecessary things.
Example: Prune the rose bushes in early spring for better growth.

145. Pulverize

Meaning: To crush something into fine powder or dust.
Example: The machine will pulverize the rocks into sand for construction.

146. Parachute

Meaning: To jump from an aircraft using a parachute for safety.
Example: Skydivers parachute from planes for sport and recreation.

147. Picture

Meaning: To imagine something in your mind; to show in a photograph.
Example: Picture yourself living in your dream house someday.

Advanced and Rare P-Verbs

This section features uncommon and sophisticated “P” verbs. Use these words to impress in writing, add depth to your speech, and express complex ideas with precision.

148. Precipitate

Meaning: To cause something to happen suddenly; to fall as rain or snow.
Example: His angry words will precipitate a fight between the two friends.

149. Philosophize

Meaning: To think deeply about life’s big questions and share those thoughts.
Example: College students often philosophize about the meaning of existence.

150. Parboil

Meaning: To boil food partially before finishing it another way.
Example: Parboil the potatoes before roasting them in the oven.

151. Prognosticate

Meaning: To predict what will happen in the future.
Example: Weather experts prognosticate storms based on atmospheric conditions.

152. Plait

Meaning: To braid hair or materials by weaving strands together.
Example: She learned to plait her daughter’s long hair into neat braids.

153. Prevaricate

Meaning: To avoid telling the truth by being vague or misleading.
Example: Politicians often prevaricate when asked difficult questions during debates.

154. Palpitate

Meaning: To beat rapidly and irregularly, especially the heart.
Example: Her heart began to palpitate when she saw the accident.

155. Proselytize

Meaning: To try to convert others to your religion or beliefs.
Example: Door-to-door missionaries proselytize in neighborhoods every weekend.

156. Preen

Meaning: To clean and arrange feathers; to make yourself look good.
Example: Birds preen their feathers to keep them clean and organized.

157. Pilfer

Meaning: To steal small things, usually without being noticed.
Example: Some employees pilfer office supplies for their personal use.

158. Pontificate

Meaning: To speak in a preachy way as if you know everything.
Example: The professor tends to pontificate rather than listen to student questions.

159. Punctuate

Meaning: To add marks to writing; to interrupt something repeatedly.
Example: Punctuate your sentences correctly to make your writing clear.

160. Palter

Meaning: To talk in a misleading way or avoid giving straight answers.
Example: Witnesses should not palter when testifying in court proceedings.

161. Pan

Meaning: To move a camera sideways; to criticize harshly; to search for gold.
Example: The movie director will pan the camera across the landscape.

162. Pander

Meaning: To provide what someone wants, even if it’s wrong.
Example: Some politicians pander to voters by making impossible promises.

163. Pique

Meaning: To make someone curious or slightly annoyed.
Example: The mystery book will pique your interest from the first page.

164. Parry

Meaning: To block an attack; to avoid answering a question directly.
Example: The fencer learned to parry his opponent’s sword thrusts.

165. Purloin

Meaning: To steal something in a sneaky way.
Example: The thief managed to purloin jewelry from several houses.

166. Pillory

Meaning: To publicly criticize someone harshly for their mistakes.
Example: Social media users often pillory celebrities for their controversial statements.

167. Perfume

Meaning: To add a pleasant smell to something.
Example: Flowers perfume the air in the garden during springtime.

168. Pal

Meaning: To become friends with someone or spend time together.
Example: New students often pal around with classmates during lunch breaks.

169. Prefigure

Meaning: To show or suggest something that will happen later.
Example: Dark clouds prefigure the thunderstorm that’s coming this evening.

170. Propound

Meaning: To put forward an idea or theory for consideration.
Example: The scientist will propound a new theory about climate change.

171. Prejudge

Meaning: To form an opinion about something before knowing all facts.
Example: Don’t prejudge people based on their appearance or background.

172. Prearrange

Meaning: To organize something ahead of time.
Example: Prearrange your transportation before attending the conference.

173. Pulpiteer

Meaning: To preach or give speeches in a dramatic, emotional way.
Example: The activist tends to be overly passionate rather than engage in calm discussions.

174. Pulley

Meaning: To lift something using a rope and wheel system.
Example: Workers pulley heavy materials to the top floor of buildings.

175. Proffer

Meaning: To offer something to someone politely.
Example: The host will proffer drinks to guests when they arrive.

176. Phosphoresce

Meaning: To glow with light without producing heat.
Example: Some deep-sea creatures phosphoresce to attract prey in darkness.

177. Prattle

Meaning: To talk continuously about unimportant things.
Example: Young children often prattle about their toys and games.

178. Partake

Meaning: To take part in something or share in an activity.
Example: Everyone can partake in the community celebration this weekend.

179. Predicate

Meaning: To base something on a particular condition or assumption.
Example: Success in school is predicate on regular attendance and study.

180. Purge

Meaning: To remove unwanted things completely from a system.
Example: Purge old files from your computer to free up storage space.

181. Pleat

Meaning: To fold fabric in even, parallel lines for decoration.
Example: Pleat the curtains to give them a more formal appearance.

182. Prequalify

Meaning: To determine if someone meets requirements before final approval.
Example: Banks prequalify customers before approving them for large loans.

183. Plumb

Meaning: To measure water depth; to understand something completely.
Example: Plumb the depths of the lake before allowing swimmers.

184. Ply

Meaning: To work steadily at something; to travel regularly between places.
Example: Ferries ply between the mainland and the island daily.

185. Pep

Meaning: To make someone more energetic and enthusiastic.
Example: Coaches pep up their teams with motivational speeches.

186. Putter

Meaning: To work at small tasks in a relaxed way.
Example: He likes to putter around the garage on weekend afternoons.

187. Pinwheel

Meaning: To spin around like a pinwheel toy in the wind.
Example: The dancer will pinwheel across the stage during the performance.

188. Palatalize

Meaning: To change the pronunciation of sounds in language.
Example: Some languages palatalize consonants when they appear before certain vowels.

189. Pleach

Meaning: To weave branches together to form hedges or fences.
Example: Gardeners pleach tree branches to create living walls.

190. Phagocytize

Meaning: When cells eat and destroy harmful substances or germs.
Example: White blood cells phagocytize bacteria to protect the body.

191. Proscribe

Meaning: To forbid something officially or condemn it publicly.
Example: The government will proscribe organizations that promote violence.

192. Petrify

Meaning: To turn into stone; to frighten someone completely.
Example: The scary movie will petrify young children who watch it.

193. Precurse

Meaning: To come before something as a sign or warning.
Example: Strange animal behavior can precurse natural disasters like earthquakes.

194. Palliate

Meaning: To make something less severe without curing it completely.
Example: Pain medication can palliate symptoms but not cure the disease.

195. Perjure

Meaning: To lie under oath in court or legal proceedings.
Example: Witnesses who perjure themselves face serious criminal charges.

196. Perturb

Meaning: To disturb someone or make them worried and upset.
Example: Loud construction noises perturb residents trying to sleep.

197. Pirouette

Meaning: To spin around on one foot, especially in ballet.
Example: The ballerina will pirouette gracefully across the stage.

198. Permeate

Meaning: To spread throughout something completely.
Example: The smell of baking bread will permeate the entire house.

199. Parenthesize

Meaning: To put words or phrases inside parentheses marks.
Example: Parenthesize additional information that explains the main sentence.

200. Promulgate

Meaning: To make a law or rule known publicly.
Example: The school will promulgate new dress code policies next month.

201. Pulver

Meaning: To reduce something to powder by crushing or grinding.
Example: The mill will pulver grains into flour for baking.

202. Prorate

Meaning: To divide costs or payments proportionally over time.
Example: The landlord will prorate rent when tenants move mid-month.

203. Pummel

Meaning: To hit someone or something repeatedly with fists.
Example: Boxers pummel punching bags during their training sessions.

204. Perpetuate

Meaning: To make something continue for a long time.
Example: Bad habits perpetuate problems that could be easily solved.

205. Prognose

Meaning: To predict the likely outcome of a medical condition.
Example: Doctors prognose patient recovery based on test results.

206. Purl

Meaning: To knit with a particular stitch; to flow with gentle sounds.
Example: The stream will purl softly over the rocks in the forest.

207. Postdate

Meaning: To write a later date on something than when you wrote it.
Example: Postdate your check so it can’t be cashed until Friday.

208. Pish

Meaning: To express contempt or dismiss something as unimportant.
Example: She will pish at suggestions that don’t interest her.

209. Peal

Meaning: To ring loudly and clearly, especially bells.
Example: Church bells peal every Sunday morning to call people to worship.

210. Pinion

Meaning: To tie someone’s arms to prevent movement; a bird’s wing feather.
Example: The guards will pinion the prisoner’s hands behind his back.

211. Prelimit

Meaning: To set boundaries or restrictions before something begins.
Example: Parents prelimit screen time to help children develop good habits.

212. Proliferate

Meaning: To increase rapidly in number or spread quickly.
Example: Weeds proliferate in gardens when not controlled regularly.

213. Phlebotomize

Meaning: To draw blood from someone for medical purposes.
Example: Nurses phlebotomize patients before many medical procedures.

214. Piggyback

Meaning: To carry someone on your back; to use someone else’s success.
Example: Smaller companies often piggyback on larger companies’ marketing efforts.

215. Pall

Meaning: To become less interesting or appealing over time.
Example: The excitement of the new job began to pall after several months.

216. Peroxidize

Meaning: To treat something with hydrogen peroxide or similar chemicals.
Example: Dentists peroxidize teeth to whiten them safely.

217. Pig

Meaning: To live or eat in a messy, greedy way.
Example: Don’t pig out on candy before dinner or you’ll spoil your appetite.

218. Precompile

Meaning: To process computer code before the final compilation step.
Example: Programmers precompile libraries to speed up software development.

219. Piston

Meaning: To move up and down like a piston in an engine.
Example: The dancer’s arms piston rhythmically to the beat of music.

220. Predispose

Meaning: To make someone likely to develop something or act a certain way.
Example: Family history can predispose people to certain health conditions.

221. Parquet

Meaning: To cover a floor with wooden blocks in geometric patterns.
Example: They will parquet the dining room floor with oak wood pieces.

222. Pave

Meaning: To cover a road with hard material; to make something easier.
Example: Good education will pave the way for future career success.

223. Prom

Meaning: To attend a formal dance, usually in high school.
Example: Students prom in elegant dresses and tuxedos every spring.

224. Palm

Meaning: To hide something in your hand; to touch with your palm.
Example: Magicians palm coins to make them seem to disappear.

225. Prolix

Meaning: To speak or write in a wordy, lengthy manner.
Example: Some professors prolix during lectures instead of being concise.

226. Palisade

Meaning: To surround an area with a fence of wooden stakes.
Example: Early settlers would palisade their towns for protection from attacks.

227. Preface

Meaning: To introduce something with preliminary remarks or explanations.
Example: Authors preface their books with acknowledgments and background information.

228. Propitiate

Meaning: To make someone less angry by doing something to please them.
Example: He tried to propitiate his wife with flowers after their argument.

229. Pluralize

Meaning: To change a word from singular to plural form.
Example: Pluralize nouns by adding ‘s’ or ‘es’ to most English words.

230. Postprocess

Meaning: To modify something after the main work is completed.
Example: Photographers postprocess images to improve color and lighting.

231. Propagandize

Meaning:To spread ideas or information to influence people’s opinions.
Example: Wartime governments often propagandize to maintain public support.

Fun Ways to Practice Verbs That Start with P

Learning new verbs becomes easier when you make it fun and interactive. Here are several ways to practice and remember P verbs effectively.

Word Challenge: Write a Story Using 10 New P-Verbs

Take any ten P verbs from your list and create a short story. This method helps you remember meanings while seeing how words work together. Start with simple plots like a day at school or a family dinner.

Challenge yourself to use each verb naturally without forcing them into sentences.

Create Flashcards with Synonyms/Antonyms

Make flashcards with the P verb on one side and its meaning, synonyms, or opposite words on the other. This technique builds connections between related words.

Review them during breaks or while commuting. Digital flashcards work well too since you can practice anywhere on your phone or tablet.

Use in Dialogues or Daily Journaling

Practice new P verbs by writing conversations between characters or adding them to your daily journal entries. This approach helps you see how these words fit into real situations.

Write about your day using fresh vocabulary instead of common words you always use.

Role-Play Different Scenarios

Act out situations where you can use new P verbs naturally. Pretend to be a teacher, chef, or news reporter while incorporating these action words.

This method makes learning active and memorable. You can practice alone or with friends and family members who want to learn too.

Create Word Games and Puzzles

Design crossword puzzles, word searches, or matching games using your P verbs. This turns practice into play while reinforcing memory. You can make these games for yourself or share them with others.

Online tools make creating custom puzzles quick and easy.

Record Voice Notes with New Verbs

Make audio recordings of yourself using new P verbs in sentences. Listen back to hear how they sound and check your pronunciation.

This method helps with both memory and speaking confidence. You can record stories, descriptions, or simple sentences throughout your day.

To Conclude

Learning new verbs that start with p opens doors to better communication and more vivid expression.

The key to mastering these verbs lies in regular practice. Try using five new P verbs each week in your conversations or writing.

Keep a notebook handy to jot down interesting examples you hear or read. Remember that building vocabulary takes time, but the results are worth the effort.

Start small and be patient with yourself. Choose verbs that fit your daily life first, then gradually add more sophisticated ones.

Your improved vocabulary will make your communication more powerful and precise. What P verb will you try using tomorrow?

Anthony Robinson

Anthony Robinson has over 20 years of teaching experience and a passion for making learning accessible to everyone. He holds a degree in Education from the University of Michigan. In his free time, Anthony enjoys reading historical novels, playing chess, and volunteering at local schools. His dedication to education shines through in his writing.