210 Verbs That Start with A [with Definitions and Examples]

This article contains verbs that start with A. Learning about the verbs starting with A can come in handy while doing any sort of writing. There are hundreds of verbs beginning with A that you don’t even know about. Fascinating, right? If you are eager to learn about verbs that start with A, this article is the way to go.

Every alphabet has some interesting facts about it that you might not be aware of. Aren’t you excited to know something new about the alphabet A? We all know that A is the first letter but don’t you wanna know why? The first letter of Phoenician scripts is ‘Aleph,’ and thus, a modern form of A came from various transformations from the Phoenician scripts. If you tell your friends this fact, they will be amazed.

The use of verbs that start with A is never-ending. Reading this list of verbs that start with A, you will be able to enrich your vocabulary. In this article, you will be able to find verbs that start with A to describe a person as well.

Table of Contents

Verbs That Start with A You Always Use

There are various verbs that you use in your day-to-day life, whether it is in writing or speaking. These are some of the verbs that start with A that you use regularly.

1. Accept

● Definition: consent to receive or undertake (something offered)

● Synonyms: get, take, obtain

● Example: He accepted a pen as a present.

2. Abandon

● Definition: cease to support or look after someone

● Synonyms: desert, leave, dump

● Example: Her natural mother had abandoned her at an early age.

3. Aim

● Definition: direct at someone or something

● Synonyms: point, direct

● Example: She had aimed the bottle at Gary’s head.

4. Arrest

● Definition: seize (someone) by legal authority and take them into custody

● Synonyms: apprehend, seize

● Example: The police arrested him for stealing.

5. Are

● Definition: second-person singular present and first, second, third person plural present of be

● Synonyms: be, were

● Example: They are very late.

6. Accommodate

● Definition: provide lodging or sufficient space for

● Synonyms: lodge, house, put up

● Example: The cottages accommodate up to six people.

7. Abuse

● Definition: use (something) to bad effect or for a bad purpose; misuse

● Synonyms: misuse, misapply

● Example: The judge abused his power by imposing fines.

8. Agitate

● Definition: make someone troubled or nervous

● Synonyms: upset, fluster, perturb

● Example: The thought of questioning Tony agitated him extremely.

9. Admit

● Definition: confess to be true or to be the case

● Synonyms: acknowledge, confess

● Example: The Home Office finally admitted that several prisoners had been injured.

10. Amount

● Definition: be regarded or classified as; be the equivalent of

● Synonyms: constitute, comprise

● Example: Their actions amounted to a conspiracy.

Verbs That Start with A You Usually Use

Verbs are an inseparable part of our everyday practice. We can barely imagine speaking, writing or reading without these verbs. So here are some of the verbs starting with A.

1. Attach

● Definition: appoint (someone) for special or temporary duties

● Synonyms: assign, allot, allocate

● Example: I was attached to another working group.

2. Advance

● Definition: move forwards in a purposeful way

● Synonyms: proceed, approach

● Example: He advanced towards the dispatch box.

3. Abbreviate

● Definition: shorten (a word, phrase, or text)

● Synonyms: shorten, reduce, cut

● Example: Network’ is often abbreviated to ‘net.’

4. Appoint

● Definition: assign a job or role to (someone)

● Synonyms: nominate, name, elect

● Example: She has been appointed to the board.

5. Avail

● Definition: help or benefit

● Synonyms: help, aid, assist

● Example: No amount of struggle availed Charles.

6. Appear

● Definition: come into sight; become visible or noticeable, especially without apparent cause

● Synonyms: pop up, arise, emerge

● Example: Smoke appeared on the horizon.

7. Assert

● Definition: state a fact or belief confidently and forcefully

● Synonyms: declare, maintain, contend

● Example: The company asserts that the cuts will not affect development.

8. Attain

● Definition: succeed in achieving (something that one has worked for)

● Synonyms: achieve, accomplish, reach

● Example: You should clarify your objectives and ways of attaining them.

9. Attack

● Definition: criticize or oppose fiercely and publicly

● Synonyms: criticize, censure, castigate

● Example: He attacked the government’s defense policy.

10. Assume

● Definition: take or begin to have (power or responsibility)

● Synonyms: accept, shoulder, bear

● Example: He assumed full responsibility for all organizational work.

Verbs That Start with A You Often Use

Even though there are numerous verbs starting with A, there are some that we use more often compared to others. These are some verbs starting with A that you might often use.

1. Apply

● Definition: make a formal application or request

● Synonyms: try, bid, appeal

● Example: You need to apply to the local authority for a grant.

2. Arrive

● Definition: reach a place at the end of a journey or a stage in a journey

● Synonyms: come, appear

● Example: We arrived at his house and knocked at the door.

3. Approach

● Definition: come near or nearer to (someone or something) in distance or time

● Synonyms: near, reach

● Example: The train approached the mainline.

4. Astonish

● Definition: surprise or impress (someone) greatly

● Synonyms: amaze, astound, stagger

● Example: You never fail to astonish me.

5. Add

● Definition: join (something) to something else so as to increase the size, number, or amount

● Synonyms: attach, build on, add on

● Example: I’ve started a petition, so if you would like to add your name, email me.

6. Arrange

● Definition: put (things) in a neat, attractive, or required order

● Synonyms: order, array, present

● Example: She had just finished arranging the flowers.

7. Avenge

● Definition: inflict harm in return for (an injury or wrong done to oneself or another)

● Synonyms: requite, take revenge for

● Example: He vowed in silent fervor to avenge their murders.

8.Answer

● Definition: say or write something as a reaction to someone or something

● Synonyms: reply, respond

● Example: Mary could not answer all the questions.

9. Ask

● Definition: say to (someone) that one wants them to do or give something

● Synonyms: request, demand

● Example: Mary asked her father for money.

10. Alter

● Definition: change in character or composition, typically in a comparatively small but significant way

● Synonyms: change, adapt, adjust

● Example: Eliot was persuaded to alter the passage.

Verbs That Start with A You Sometimes Use

Not every word or verb is used as regularly as others. It might be because of the relevancy of the words or just any other cause. These are some verbs beginning with A that you might sometimes use.

1. Agonize

● Definition: undergo great mental anguish through worrying about something

● Synonyms: worry, fret, fuss

● Example: I didn’t agonize over the problem.

2. Adhere

● Definition: stick fast to (a surface or substance)

● Synonyms: stick, cling, attach

● Example: Paint won’t adhere well to a greasy surface.

3. Assail

● Definition: make a concerted or violent attack on

● Synonyms: attack, assault

● Example: The Scots army assailed Edward’s army from the rear.

4. Adapt

● Definition: make (something) suitable for a new use or purpose; modify

● Synonyms: modify, alter

● Example: Hospitals have had to be adapted for modern medical practice.

5. Accumulate

● Definition: gather together or acquire an increasing number or quantity of

● Synonyms: gather, collect, assemble

● Example: Investigators have yet to accumulate enough evidence.

6. Administer

● Definition: manage and be responsible for the running of (a business, organization, etc.)

● Synonyms: manage, direct, control

● Example: Each school was administered separately.

7. Aggress

● Definition: attack or behave aggressively towards; initiate a conflict with

● Synonyms: attack, assault

● Example: He aggressed a flight attendant on an Air France flight.

8. Assign

● Definition: allocate (a job or duty)

● Synonyms: allocate, allot, give

● Example: Congress had assigned the task to the agency.

9. Associate

● Definition: connect (someone or something) with something else in one’s mind

● Synonyms: link, connect, couple

● Example: I associated wealth with freedom.

10. Appropriate

● Definition: take (something) for one’s own use, typically without the owner’s permission

● Synonyms: seize, commandeer

● Example: The accused had appropriated the property.

Verbs That Start with A You Occasionally Use

Verbs that start with A might be pretty commonly used, but there are some exceptions that you don’t usually see being used. Read these verbs and confirm if you use them occasionally.

1. Awake

● Definition: stop sleeping; wake from sleep

● Synonyms: wake, awaken, stir

● Example: She awoke to find the streets covered in snow.

2. Array

● Definition: display or arrange (things) in a particular way

● Synonyms: arrange, assemble

● Example: The manifesto immediately divided the forces arrayed against him.

3. Assassinate

● Definition: murder (an important person) for political or religious reasons

● Synonyms: murder, kill, execute

● Example: The organization’s leader had been assassinated four months before the coup.

4. Assuage

● Definition: make (an unpleasant feeling) less intense

● Synonyms: relieve, ease, alleviate

● Example: The letter assuaged the fears of most members.

5. Append

● Definition: add (something) to the end of a written document

● Synonyms: add, attach, affix

● Example: The results of the survey are appended to this chapter.

6. Annihilate

● Definition: destroy utterly; obliterate

● Synonyms: destroy, wipeout

● Example: A simple bomb of this type could annihilate them all.

7. Apprehend

● Definition: arrest (someone) for a crime

● Synonyms: arrest, catch, capture

● Example: A warrant was issued, but he has not been apprehended.

8. Argue

● Definition: give reasons or cite evidence in support of an idea, action, or theory, typically with the aim of persuading others to share one’s view

● Synonyms: assert, declare

● Example: Sociologists argue that inequalities in industrial societies are being reduced.

9. Allocate

● Definition: distribute (resources or duties) for a particular purpose

● Synonyms: allot, assign, issue

● Example: In past years, we didn’t allocate enough funds to infrastructure maintenance.

10. Attenuate

● Definition: reduce the force, effect, or value of

● Synonyms: weaken, reduce

● Example: This research provides a glimmer of hope that coral reefs can attenuate the effects of ocean acidification.

Verbs That Start with A You Seldom Use

I am sure there are some verbs that you seldom use, right? Read to confirm it by yourself if these are those verbs that start with the letter A that you seldom use.

1. Appal

● Definition: greatly dismay or horrify

● Synonyms: horrify, shock

● Example: Bankers are appalled at the economic incompetence of some ministers.

2. Ascertain

● Definition: find (something) out for certain; make sure of

● Synonyms: find out, discover

● Example: An attempt to ascertain the cause of the accident.

3. Arbitrate

● Definition: (of an independent person or body) reach an authoritative judgment or settlement

● Synonyms: judge, adjudge

● Example: The board has the power to arbitrate in disputes.

4. Ail

● Definition: trouble or afflict (someone) in mind or body

● Synonyms: trouble, afflict, pain

● Example: Exercise is good for whatever ails one.

5. Appertain

● Definition: relate to

● Synonyms: concern, pertain to

● Example: The answers generally appertain to improvements in the standard of service.

6. Avouch

● Definition: to affirm

● Synonyms: acknowledge, admit

● Example: The locket contains ringlets which he avouches to be relics of a Spanish girl.

7. Abase

● Definition: behave in a way that belittles or degrades (someone)

● Synonyms: humble, humiliate, belittle

● Example: I watched my colleagues abasing themselves before the board of trustees.

8. Abash

● Definition: make (someone) feel embarrassed, disconcerted, or ashamed

● Synonyms: embarrassed, ashamed

● Example: If anything was officially done or said to him, it did not abash him.

9. Abate

● Definition: (of something unpleasant or severe) become less intense or widespread

● Synonyms: subside, lessen

● Example: The storm suddenly abated.

10. Abhor

● Definition: regard with disgust and hatred

● Synonyms: detest, hate, loathe

● Example: He abhorred sexism in every form.

Verbs That Start with A You Rarely Use

There are some verbs that are much complicated or just less common than the rest. That’s why there are some A-verbs that are rarely used, and some of those are listed below.

1. Abdicate

● Definition: (of a monarch) renounce one’s throne

● Synonyms: resign, retire, quit

● Example: In 1918, Kaiser Wilhelm abdicated as German emperor.

2. Accredit

● Definition: give credit to (someone) for something

● Synonyms: ascribe, attribute

● Example: He was accredited with being one of the world’s fastest sprinters.

3. Adjudicate

● Definition: act as a judge in a competition

● Synonyms: judge, try, adjudge

● Example: We asked him to adjudicate at the local flower show.

4. Abrade

● Definition: scrape or wear away by friction or erosion

● Synonyms: wear, erode, corrode

● Example: It was a landscape slowly abraded by fine, stinging dust.

5. Ameliorate

● Definition: make (something bad or unsatisfactory) better

● Synonyms: improve, better

● Example: The reform did much to ameliorate living standards.

6. Appeal

● Definition: make a serious, urgent, or heartfelt request

● Synonyms: call, plead, beg

● Example: Police are appealing for information about the incident.

7. Admix

● Definition: mix (something) with something else

● Synonyms: merge, mix

● Example: Digging is an efficient way of admixing organic matter.

8. Adulate

● Definition: praise (someone) excessively

● Synonyms: praise, compliment

● Example: He was adulated in the press.

9. Admonish

● Definition: warn or reprimand someone firmly

● Synonyms: rebuke, scold

● Example: She admonished me for appearing at breakfast unshaven.

10. Aver

● Definition: state or assert to be the case

● Synonyms: declare, maintain, claim

● Example: He averred that he was innocent of the allegations.

Positive Verbs That Start with A

Among every category of verbs, some are positive while some are not. These are some of the positive verbs that start with A that you might need in the future.

1. Acclaim

● Definition: praise enthusiastically and publicly

● Synonyms: praise, applaud, cheer

● Example: The conference was acclaimed as a considerable success.

2. Agree

● Definition: have the same opinion about something

● Synonyms: concur, admit

● Example: I completely agree with your recent editorial.

3. Advise

● Definition: offer suggestions about the best course of action to someone

● Synonyms: counsel, guide

● Example: I advised him to go home.

4. Amuse

● Definition: provide interesting and enjoyable occupation for (someone)

● Synonyms: entertain, delight

● Example: They amused themselves digging through an old encyclopedia.

5. Aid

● Definition: promote or encourage (something)

● Synonyms: facilitate, promote

● Example: Diet and exercise aid healthy skin.

6. Amaze

● Definition: surprise (someone) greatly; fill with astonishment

● Synonyms: astonish, astound, surprise

● Example: She amazed doctors by fighting back when her deteriorating condition caused her to suffer heart failure.

7. Appraise

● Definition: (of an official valuer) set a price on; value

● Synonyms: value, price

● Example: They appraised the painting at £200,000.

8. Achieve

● Definition: successfully bring about or reach by effort, skill, or courage

● Synonyms: attain, reach

● Example: He achieved his ambition to become a press photographer.

9. Appreciate

● Definition: recognize the full worth of

● Synonyms: value, respect, prize

● Example: I appreciate everything you do.

10. Ally

● Definition: combine or unite a resource or commodity with (another) for mutual benefit

● Synonyms: combine, couple

● Example: He allied his racing experience with his father’s business acumen.

Verbs That Start with A – Full List (210 words)

Abandon
Abase
Abate
Abbreviate
Abdicate
Abduct
Aberrate
Abet
Abhor
Abide
Abjure
Abnegate
Abolish
Abominate
Abort
Abound
Abridge
Abrogate
Abscond
Absolve
Absorb
Abstain
Abstract
Abuse
Accelerate
Accept
Acclaim
Acclimatize
Accommodate
Accompany
Accomplish
Accost
Account
Accredit
Accrue
Accumulate
Accuse
Accustom
Ache
Achieve
Achromatize
Acidify
Acidulate
Acknowledge
Acquiesce
Acquire
Acquit
Act
Activate
Actualize
Actuate
Adapt
Add
Address
Adduce
Adjoin
Adjourn
Adjust
Administer
Admire
Admit
Adopt
Adore
Adorn
Adulate
Adulterate
Advance
Advise
Aerate
Affect
Affiliate
Affirm
Affix
Afflict
Afford
Afforest
Africanize
Age
Agglomerate
Aggravate
Aggregate
Agitate
Agonize
Agree
Aim
Air
Alarm
Alert
Alienate
Align
Allege
Allegorize
Alleviate
Allocate
Allot
Allow
Alloy
Allude
Allure
Ally
Alter
Alternate
Amalgamate
Amass
Amaze
Amble
Ambush
Ameliorate
Amend
Americanize
Amnesty
Amortize
Amount
Amplify
Amputate
Amuse
Analyze
Anathematize
Anchor
Anger
Angle
Anglicize
Animalize
Animate
Annex
Annihilate
Annotate
Announce
Annoy
Annul
Anoint
Answer
Antagonize
Antedate
Anticipate
Ape
Apologize
Apostatize
Apostrophize
Appal
Appeal
Appear
Appease
Append
Applaud
Apply
Appoint
Apportion
Appreciate
Apprehend
Approach
Appropriate
Approve
Arbitrate
Arch
Argue
Arise
Arm
Armourplate
Arouse
Arraign
Arrange
Arrest
Arrive
Arrow
Articulate
Ascertain
Ascribe
Ask
Asphalt
Aspire
Assassinate
Assault
Assemble
Assert
Assess
Assign
Assimilate
Assist
Associate
Assuage
Assume
Assure
Astonish
Astound
Atomize
Atone
Atrophy
Attach
Attack
Attain
Attempt
Attend
Attenuate
Attract
Attribute
Attune
Auction
Audit
Auscultate
Authenticate
Authorize
Autograph
Automate
Avenge
Avert
Avoid
Awake
Awaken
Award

Final Thoughts on Verbs That Start with A

Thank you for reading the article till the end. Do these verbs starting with A fit perfectly with the way you use them? There are many more verbs beginning with A that we couldn’t include in this article. I am sure you can find some verbs that you are familiar with while also discovering some new ones.

Whenever you need some verbs that start with A, come back to this article. It will not only help you with your need but also improve your English skills. Keep reading to increase your vocabulary, and I hope you find this article useful.