Positive verbs
574 verbs 181 shown here, eight per letter Updated Run by Adrian Nutiu PDF
Eight from every letter, our first picks at the top. The letter links carry the rest.
A 37 verbs
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To regard someone or something with warm respect or pleasure.
Show example
I admire how calmly the nurse explains each step.
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To recognize and value the good qualities of someone or something.
Show example
Residents appreciate the shade provided by the old trees.
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To reach a desired result through effort or skill.
Show example
With steady practice, Lina can achieve the qualifying time.
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To help a person, effort, or recovery.
Show example
Clear labels aid visitors who are finding the clinic for the first time.
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To adjust successfully to new needs or conditions.
Show example
Native plants adapt well to the region's dry summers.
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To love or enjoy someone or something deeply.
Show example
The children adore the librarian who remembers their favorite stories.
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To make something more beautiful with decoration.
Show example
Local artists will adorn the walkway with painted tiles.
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To share an opinion or willingly accept a proposal.
Show example
After reviewing the evidence, both teams agree on the next step.
B 31 verbs
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To trust that someone, something, or a possibility is true.
Show example
Good mentors believe their students can continue to grow.
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To produce flowers or develop into a healthy, successful state.
Show example
With patient coaching, her confidence began to bloom.
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To give active support to a person, plan, or cause.
Show example
Local shops agreed to back the youth music program.
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To enjoy warmth, approval, or a pleasant experience.
Show example
The cast paused to bask in the audience's warm applause.
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To smile with clear happiness or pride.
Show example
His grandparents beamed when he read the final line aloud.
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To form a close and supportive connection.
Show example
The new teammates began to bond during the long train ride.
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To give someone sincere good wishes, favor, or protection.
Show example
The grandmother raised her hand to bless the departing couple.
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To increase strength, confidence, value, or progress.
Show example
A clear example can boost a learner's confidence.
C 30 verbs
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To recognize a happy event, effort, or achievement with appreciation.
Show example
The class will celebrate every student who completes the reading challenge.
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To value and care for someone or something deeply.
Show example
They cherish the letters their grandmother saved.
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To give thoughtful attention to a person, need, or outcome.
Show example
Good editors care about what the reader will understand.
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To restore health or remove a harmful condition.
Show example
The treatment can cure the infection when taken early.
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To give joy, hope, or encouragement to someone.
Show example
A visit from her teammates helped cheer the recovering runner.
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To make something carefully and skillfully.
Show example
Local artists craft each lantern from recycled paper.
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To touch someone or something gently and affectionately.
Show example
She paused to caress the old dog's silver muzzle.
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To bring something new or useful into existence.
Show example
The students will create signs for the nature trail.
D 51 verbs
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To imagine a desired possibility or future.
Show example
The young engineers dream of making clean water easier to reach.
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To find or learn something previously unknown.
Show example
The students used the microscope to discover a detailed pattern in the leaf.
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Informally, to like, appreciate, or understand something.
Show example
I dig how the new mural includes every neighborhood landmark.
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To face uncertainty with enough courage to act.
Show example
Young reporters dare to question assumptions that others overlook.
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To show great fondness and loving attention.
Show example
The grandparents dote on the twins without spoiling them.
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To move rhythmically, often to express joy or follow music.
Show example
Families began to dance when the band played the first tune.
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To find and remove errors from a system or plan.
Show example
The volunteers debug the booking form before registration opens.
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To impress or delight someone greatly.
Show example
The young acrobats dazzle the audience with skill and timing.
E 40 verbs
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To give someone confidence, authority, or practical ability.
Show example
The course will empower residents to test their own water.
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To take pleasure or satisfaction in something.
Show example
Visitors enjoy reading beneath the old oak trees.
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To make pain, effort, or difficulty less severe.
Show example
A clear checklist can ease the pressure of a complicated move.
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To improve someone's knowledge, judgment, or character.
Show example
The curator hoped the exhibition would edify every visitor.
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To provide a person or institution with a lasting gift or quality.
Show example
The bequest will endow a yearly scholarship for nurses.
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To praise, honor, or raise to greater dignity.
Show example
The ceremony will exalt courage expressed through everyday service.
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To perform exceptionally well in an activity.
Show example
With patient practice, Kira began to excel at public speaking.
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To come into view or develop into a clearer, stronger state.
Show example
New leaders began to emerge during the community project.
F 20 verbs
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To grow, develop, or succeed in a healthy way.
Show example
Young trees flourish when they receive enough light and water.
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To honor someone with warm public celebration.
Show example
The town will fete its retiring doctor on Saturday.
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To move smoothly, steadily, and without obstruction.
Show example
Conversation began to flow once everyone had introduced themselves.
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To provide money for a useful activity or need.
Show example
Local businesses fund the free summer lunch program.
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To direct attention and effort toward a clear aim.
Show example
The team will focus on reopening the safest route first.
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To bloom or develop into a healthy and attractive state.
Show example
With support, the young poet's confidence began to flower.
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To encourage and support the growth of something valuable.
Show example
Shared projects foster trust between neighboring schools.
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To play and move about in a joyful way.
Show example
The lambs frolic across the meadow whenever the gate opens.
G 31 verbs
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To shine warmly or show happiness and health.
Show example
Her face began to glow as the choir applauded.
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To increase, develop, or become more mature over time.
Show example
Skills grow when practice includes useful feedback.
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To obtain, develop, or increase something useful.
Show example
With practice, the class began to gain confidence in public speaking.
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To offer or provide something to another person.
Show example
The volunteers give two hours each week to the reading program.
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To smile broadly with pleasure or amusement.
Show example
The children began to grin when the magician found the coin.
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To express warm praise or enthusiasm freely.
Show example
The grandparents gush about the child's kindness to her classmates.
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To shine softly or show a bright, happy expression.
Show example
The polished brass began to gleam in the morning light.
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To move smoothly, quietly, and with apparent ease.
Show example
The skater seemed to glide across the fresh ice.
H 16 verbs
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To recover health or help damage become whole again.
Show example
Time, care, and honest conversation can help a friendship heal.
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To hold someone closely as a sign of affection, comfort, or joy.
Show example
Mina hugged her brother when he arrived safely.
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To praise or acclaim someone with enthusiasm.
Show example
Critics hailed the young conductor for her vivid interpretation.
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To pay careful attention to useful advice or warnings.
Show example
Wise climbers heed the ranger's guidance before entering the canyon.
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To make a task easier or improve a person's situation.
Show example
Clear signs help visitors find the clinic without stress.
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To refine and improve a skill through practice.
Show example
Weekly rehearsals helped the quartet hone its timing.
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To receive guests or organize an event for others.
Show example
The museum will host a free workshop for local families.
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To show respect for someone or faithfully keep a commitment.
Show example
The new garden will honor the volunteers who cared for the park.
I 24 verbs
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To awaken enthusiasm, confidence, creativity, or purpose.
Show example
The community garden may inspire more neighbors to grow food together.
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To make or become better in quality, condition, or usefulness.
Show example
The editor changed the opening to improve clarity.
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To spark enthusiasm, curiosity, or constructive action.
Show example
Her opening question helped ignite a lively exchange of ideas.
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To share knowledge, wisdom, or another valuable quality.
Show example
The retired engineer returned each week to impart practical skills.
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To give useful facts or knowledge to someone.
Show example
The signs inform hikers about weather risks before the steep section.
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To understand something naturally without conscious reasoning.
Show example
Experienced gardeners can intuit when young plants need shade.
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To create a new device, method, or idea.
Show example
The students hope to invent a quieter school bell.
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To ask someone warmly to join or participate.
Show example
The organizers invite residents to shape the new garden plan.
J 8 verbs
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To make something livelier, brighter, or more interesting.
Show example
Fresh herbs can jazz up a simple bowl of rice.
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To connect, participate, or become part of a group.
Show example
New residents are welcome to join the Saturday cleanup.
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To manage several demands skillfully at the same time.
Show example
She can juggle teaching and research without neglecting her students.
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To give something the energy or help needed to begin quickly.
Show example
The small grant will jump-start repairs at the community hall.
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To make cheerful or to celebrate in a merry way.
Show example
Fresh flowers will jollify the community room before lunch.
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To express great joy or celebrate with gladness.
Show example
Supporters jubilated when the final scholarship was fully funded.
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To rejoice openly or celebrate in a joyful way.
Show example
Families jubilized together after the safe rescue was announced.
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To make cheerful, convivial, or full of good humor.
Show example
The musicians jovialized the gathering with familiar folk songs.
K 5 verbs
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To inspire or awaken a feeling, interest, or enthusiasm.
Show example
The workshop kindled her interest in astronomy.
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To preserve, protect, or continue something valuable.
Show example
Careful storage will keep the seeds healthy until spring.
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To grant someone an honored rank for distinguished service.
Show example
The monarch will knight the scientist for her public service.
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To give something the energy or help needed to begin.
Show example
The new equipment will kick-start the youth training program.
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To feel or express extraordinary pride and delight.
Show example
Parents will kvell when the young orchestra takes its bow.
L 24 verbs
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To express happiness or amusement with a natural sound or smile.
Show example
Everyone began to laugh when the puppy proudly carried in the broom.
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To care for someone or value something deeply.
Show example
They love the neighborhood enough to keep improving it.
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To gain knowledge, skill, or understanding.
Show example
Teams learn faster when mistakes can be discussed safely.
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To secure or achieve something that was actively sought.
Show example
Priya worked steadily to land the apprenticeship she wanted.
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To guide people or work toward a result.
Show example
She will lead the review and make sure every concern is recorded.
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To give something for temporary use or offer help and support.
Show example
Neighbors lend tools to anyone working in the shared garden.
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To raise something or improve a person's mood or condition.
Show example
The choir's final song seemed to lift the whole audience.
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To find someone or something pleasant, good, or enjoyable.
Show example
The children like the new library because it has quiet places to read.
M 23 verbs
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To give someone a reason or desire to act.
Show example
Visible progress can motivate a learner to keep practicing.
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To repair damage or restore a relationship or condition.
Show example
An honest apology helped mend the friendship.
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To reflect thoughtfully on an idea or possibility.
Show example
They sat by the lake and mused about the journey ahead.
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To demonstrate a behavior or standard that others can follow.
Show example
Senior staff model calm communication during emergencies.
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To handle a task, responsibility, or difficulty successfully.
Show example
With a clear schedule, the small team can manage the transition.
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To feel delighted wonder or admiration.
Show example
Visitors marvel at the detail in the hand-carved doors.
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To gain complete skill or control through learning and practice.
Show example
After months of practice, Jo began to master the difficult rhythm.
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To guide and support someone as they develop knowledge or skill.
Show example
Experienced nurses mentor each new member of the ward team.
N 12 verbs
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To care for and encourage growth or development.
Show example
Patient mentors nurture both skill and confidence.
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To support healthy growth with food, care, knowledge, or encouragement.
Show example
Libraries nourish curiosity by making knowledge easier to reach.
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To encourage someone gently toward a helpful action.
Show example
A friendly reminder nudged him to finish the application.
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To care for someone or something patiently back to health or strength.
Show example
They nursed the injured bird until it could fly again.
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To make something tidy, orderly, or easier to use.
Show example
A few labeled boxes will neaten the busy supply room.
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To settle into a warm, safe, or comfortable position.
Show example
The rescued kitten nestled into the soft blanket.
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To become aware of and give attention to someone or something.
Show example
Good mentors notice quiet progress as well as major achievements.
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To touch or rub gently as a sign of affection.
Show example
The old dog would nuzzle each visitor's hand for affection.
O 38 verbs
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To succeed in dealing with a problem, fear, or difficulty.
Show example
With patient practice, he began to overcome his fear of deep water.
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To accept responsibility for an action or decision.
Show example
A strong leader will own the mistake and make the correction.
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To present help, an idea, or an opportunity for someone to accept.
Show example
The community center will offer free evening classes.
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To perform better than a previous effort or rival.
Show example
Each apprentice tried to outdo the care shown in the previous repair.
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To gain or secure something through effort or request.
Show example
The clinic helped each family obtain clean drinking water.
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To run faster or escape through speed.
Show example
With steady training, Nia learned to outrun her earlier times.
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To overcome a challenge through clever thinking.
Show example
The gardener used netting to outwit the birds without harming them.
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To watch or notice something carefully.
Show example
The trainees observe each demonstration before trying the technique.
P 15 verbs
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To grow, succeed, or become secure.
Show example
Small shops prosper when the town center is easy to visit.
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To decide thoughtfully how something will be done.
Show example
The students plan each experiment before gathering materials.
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To take part in an enjoyable activity or game.
Show example
Families play music together in the park each Friday.
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To value someone or something highly.
Show example
The club members prize curiosity as much as correct answers.
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To calm anger, conflict, or distress.
Show example
A familiar song helped pacify the anxious child.
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To forgive an offense or release someone from blame.
Show example
She chose to pardon the honest mistake after hearing the explanation.
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To give someone enjoyment, satisfaction, or comfort.
Show example
The colorful reading corner will please young visitors.
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To express approval or admiration for a quality, effort, or achievement.
Show example
The teacher chose to praise the careful reasoning, not just the correct answer.
Q 5 verbs
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To satisfy thirst or relieve a pressing need.
Show example
Cold spring water quenched the hikers' thirst at midday.
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To meet the required standard for a role, award, or opportunity.
Show example
Four young swimmers qualify for the regional final.
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To make something faster, livelier, or more active.
Show example
The first warm days quicken growth in the garden.
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To make or become calmer or less noisy.
Show example
A soft melody helped quieten the restless audience.
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To drink deeply and with hearty enjoyment.
Show example
Festival guests quaffed cool cider beneath the flowering apple trees.
R 90 verbs
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To feel or show great happiness.
Show example
Families rejoiced when the missing hikers returned safely.
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To recognize the worth, rights, boundaries, or views of another.
Show example
Good debate can challenge an idea while still respecting the person.
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To pause work or activity to recover strength.
Show example
The climbers rest beside the stream before the final ascent.
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To improve, recover, or move toward greater achievement.
Show example
With steady support, the young choir continued to rise.
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To recover strength or unite people around a purpose.
Show example
The volunteers rally whenever a neighbor needs urgent help.
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To become calmer and release tension.
Show example
Soft lighting helped the children relax before bedtime.
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To restore, refresh, or begin again.
Show example
The grant allowed the library to renew its collection.
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To take lively and wholehearted pleasure in something.
Show example
The children revel in the freedom of the open meadow.
S 22 verbs
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To form an expression that often shows warmth, pleasure, or welcome.
Show example
The conductor smiled when the difficult passage finally came together.
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To give light or perform with impressive ability.
Show example
The young actors shine when given room to improvise.
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To rise high or improve with remarkable speed.
Show example
Her confidence began to soar after the first recital.
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To enjoy and appreciate something fully and deliberately.
Show example
They paused to savor the quiet moment together.
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To help, support, or provide something useful to others.
Show example
The new clinic will serve five remote communities.
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To find an effective answer to a problem.
Show example
The students used careful measurements to solve the design flaw.
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To begin or inspire energy, interest, or change.
Show example
The workshop could spark a lifelong interest in science.
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To calm pain, worry, or distress.
Show example
A familiar voice helped soothe the frightened dog.
T 16 verbs
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To grow strongly, develop well, or prosper.
Show example
Children thrive when they feel safe enough to ask questions.
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To value and care for someone or something greatly.
Show example
They treasure the letters their grandfather wrote.
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To make a sincere effort toward an aim.
Show example
She will try again with a clearer plan.
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To care for someone or something attentively.
Show example
Neighbors tended the garden while its owner recovered.
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To help someone gain knowledge, judgment, or skill.
Show example
The demonstration will teach visitors how to test the water safely.
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To express gratitude or appreciation.
Show example
We thanked the volunteers for their patient work.
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To celebrate someone or something by raising a drink.
Show example
The guests toasted the couple's happy future.
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To teach and develop a skill through practice.
Show example
Experienced guides train every new volunteer.
U 14 verbs
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To raise someone's mood, confidence, or sense of possibility.
Show example
The children's concert helped uplift the residents of the care home.
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To bring people or parts together into harmony.
Show example
A shared garden can unify neighbors across several generations.
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To join people around a shared purpose or effort.
Show example
The annual cleanup will unite residents from every neighborhood.
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To relax and release tension after effort or worry.
Show example
The musicians unwind after rehearsals with tea in the courtyard.
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To support and defend a principle, right, or standard.
Show example
Good leaders uphold the same safety rules for everyone.
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To turn discarded material into something of greater use or value.
Show example
The class will upcycle old banners into durable book bags.
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To improve something by replacing or adding better features.
Show example
The clinic will upgrade its backup power before winter.
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To learn additional abilities for work or a practical role.
Show example
The free course helps local cooks upskill in food safety.
V 11 verbs
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To recognize the worth or importance of someone or something.
Show example
Strong teams value careful questions as much as quick answers.
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To express confidence in someone's character or ability.
Show example
Two former clients can vouch for the builder's careful work.
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To check and confirm that something is true or accurate.
Show example
Please verify the address before sending the medical supplies.
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To confirm that something is sound or recognize that a feeling is real.
Show example
The follow-up test will validate the safer design.
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To overcome a serious obstacle or difficulty completely.
Show example
Careful treatment helped her finally vanquish the persistent infection.
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To regard someone or something with deep respect.
Show example
The community continues to venerate those who protected the forest.
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To clear from blame or prove to be right.
Show example
New photographs may vindicate the driver accused of carelessness.
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To make something more lively, vivid, or animated.
Show example
A few personal stories vivify the science lesson.
W 5 verbs
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To achieve success in a contest or secure a desired result.
Show example
The campaign hopes to win safer crossings for the neighborhood.
- Whoop
To give a loud cry of excitement or joy.
Show example
The supporters whooped when their team scored.
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To receive someone gladly or accept something with approval.
Show example
Residents welcomed the new clinic and its extended hours.
- Worship
To show deep reverence or devotion to a deity.
Show example
The congregation worshipped together at the morning service.
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To resist difficulty or pressure without giving way.
Show example
The reinforced homes can withstand stronger storms and protect families.
Y 4 verbs
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To feel a strong and sincere desire for something valued.
Show example
Many young readers yearn to see their own lives represented in books.
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To produce a useful result, harvest, or return.
Show example
The careful interviews yielded several practical improvements.
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To sing by rapidly changing between a natural and a high voice.
Show example
The folk singer began to yodel, and the audience joined in.
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To make or become more youthful in character.
Show example
Daily walks seemed to youthen his outlook and energy.
Z 2 verbs
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To move quickly and energetically.
Show example
The repaired scooter can zoom smoothly up the hill.
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To improve something with a small adjustment or finishing touch.
Show example
A bright cushion can zhuzh the reading corner without much cost.
Questions people ask
- How many positive verbs are there?
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This list holds 574 positive verbs, under 25 letters of the alphabet. English has no fixed count; these are the ones with a clearly positive everyday sense, each with a meaning and an example.
- Which positive verbs are a good place to start?
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Good places to start are Love, Inspire, Encourage, Achieve, Thrive, Smile, Laugh, Celebrate, Appreciate and Believe. Each letter page has the rest, with meanings and examples.
- Which letter has the most positive verbs?
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R, with 90 verbs. Z has the fewest, 2.
Positive verbs that start with R - Which positive verbs work on a resume?
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Resume verbs need a result after them. The resume page groups action verbs by the work they describe, with the evidence each one needs.
Resume action verbs