355 Verbs That Start with C [with Definitions and Examples]

Verbs that start with C are very useful in real life for someone who loves the English language and wants to excel in it. Verbs starting with C may help you to increase your vocabulary as we need verbs in every sentence.

If you want to write an exceptional sentence, you absolutely need a verb for it to make sense. Basically, verbs are the most important part of any sentence. If you memorize all the following verbs beginning with C in this article, writing will become as easy as breathing for you! Moreover, the sentences you write will be extremely pleasant to read as well.

This article below has a list of verbs that start with C. All verbs that start with C are unique and fun. Moreover, you can also use most of these verbs that start with C to describe a person.

Verbs That Start with C You Always Use

If you want some verbs that are used by people almost daily, then look at the list of verbs that start with C in this section below.  

1. Complete

●  Definition: finish making or doing

●  Synonyms: ended, concluded

●  Example: Lara always completes her duties in time.

2. Check

●  Definition: examine (something) in order to determine its accuracy, quality, or condition, or to detect the presence of something

●  Synonyms: inspect, scrutinize

●  Example: Customs officers have the right to check all luggages.

3. Cancel

●  Definition: decide, or announce that (a planned event) will not take place

●  Synonyms: abandon, call-off

●  Example: Our boss canceled the meeting that was going to be held at noon.

4. Carry

●  Definition: support and move (someone or something) from one place to another.

●  Synonyms: bear, transfer, move

●  Example: He carried all the goods to his home.

5. Can

●  Definition: be able to

●  Synonyms: be capable of, be up to

●  Example: She can bake tasty cakes.

6. Choose

●  Definition: decide on a course of action

●  Synonyms: select, pick

●  Example: Mary chooses a blue dress for her party.

7. Come

●  Definition: move or travel towards or into a place thought of as near or familiar to the speaker

●  Synonyms: approach, advance, proceed

●  Example: You may come to my home tonight.

8. Cause

●  Definition: make (something, especially something bad) happen.

●  Synonyms: produce, generate, originate

●  Example: This disease can cause diarrhea.

9. Compose

●  Definition: write, or create (a work of art, especially music or poetry)

●  Synonyms: write, create, formulate

●  Example: Anna composed her first poetry book.

10. Cook

●  Definition: prepare food by mixing, combining, and heating the ingredients

●  Synonyms: prepare, bake

●  Example: Shall I cook dinner tonight?

Verbs That Start with C You Usually Use

You might know some of these words already, but it’s useful to have them in a list like this. Keep on reading these verbs, starting with C to increase your verb knowledge.

1. Catch

●  Definition: to take hold of something, especially something that is moving through the air

●  Synonyms: clutch, grab

●  Example: I want to catch the ball.

 2. Clutch

●  Definition: to take or try to take hold of something tightly, usually in fear, worry, or pain

●  Synonyms: grasp, clasp, hold

●  Example: She stood clutching a microphone.

 3. Capture

●  Definition: take into one’s possession or control by force

●  Synonyms: apprehend, seize

●  Example: The island was captured by the rich men.

4. Cost

●  Definition: estimate the price of

●  Synonyms: evaluate, price

●  Example: It is their job to plan and cost a media schedule for the campaign.

5. Coordinate

●  Definition: bring the different elements of (a complex activity or organization) into a harmonious or efficient relationship

●  Synonyms: systemize, harmonize, order

●  Example: Daniel had responsibility for coordinating London’s transport services.

6. Close

●  Definition: to (cause something to) change from being open to not being open

●  Synonyms: barricade, shut

●  Example: He asked me to close the window.

7. Crack

●  Definition: break, or cause to break without complete separation of the parts.

●  Synonyms: break, snap

●  Example: The walls cracked, and the roof collapsed in the earthquake.

8. Chew

●  Definition: to crush food into smaller, softer pieces with the teeth so that it can be swallowed

●  Synonyms: bite, crunch

●  Example: This meat is so difficult to chew.

9. Cry

●  Definition: shed tears, typically as an expression of distress, pain, or sorrow

●   Synonyms: weep, sob

●  Example: I cry when I am upset.

10. Criticize

●  Definition: indicate the faults of (someone, or something) in a disapproving way

●  Synonyms: condemn, denounce

●  Example: Ana never criticized her sister.

Verbs That Start with C You Often Use

These verbs starting with C are often used in your writings, like, poetry, articles, stories, and whatnot! Don’t forget to know their proper use as well.

 1. Calculate

●  Definition: determine (the amount or number of something) mathematically

●  Synonyms: compute, figure, enumerate

●  Example: We tried to calculate how fast he was moving when the car crashed.

2. Call

●  Definition: give (a baby or animal) a specified name

●  Synonyms: entitle, term

●  Example: They call their daughter Mary.

3. Control

●  Definition: determine the behavior, or supervise the running of.

●  Synonyms: manage, direct, administer

●  Example: I try to control any situation with a calm mind.

4. Captivate

●  Definition: attract, and hold the interest and attention of

●  Synonyms: enchant, bewitch

●  Example: Alen was captivated by her beauty.

5. Charge

●  Definition: demand (an amount) as a price for a service rendered or goods supplied

●  Synonyms: impose, demand, levy

●  Example: The bank charged commissionto change my traveler’s cheques.

6. Compensate

●  Definition: give (someone) something, typically money, in recognition of loss, suffering, or injury incurred

●  Synonyms: repay, remunerate

●  Example: The manager is hoping for a victory to compensate for the team’s dismal league campaign.

7. Change

●  Definition: make (someone, or something) different

●  Synonyms: alter, modify

●  Example: I changed my outfits for the upcoming event.

8. Comply

●  Definition: act in accordance with a wish or command.

●  Synonyms: follow, obey, observe

●  Example: We are unable to comply with your offer.

 9. Concern

●  Definition: make (someone) anxious or worried

●  Synonyms: disturb, bother

●  Example: The state of my mother’s health concerns me greatly.

10. Claim

●  Definition: state, or assert that something is the case, typically without providing evidence, or proof

●  Synonyms: declare, assert

●  Example: The Prime Minister claimed that he was concerned about the food crisis.

Verbs That Start with C You Sometimes Use

The verbs beginning with C in this section are not that common but still used frequently. Don’t skip this section as this will have some important words!

1. Cast

●  Definition: cause (light or shadow) to appear on a surface

●  Synonyms: emit, radiate

●  Example: The moon cast a pale light over the cottages.

 2. Cramp

●  Definition: inhibit the development of

●  Synonyms: impede, hinder

●  Example: Tighter rules will cramp economic growth.

 3. Crush

●  Definition: compress, or squeeze so as to break, damage, or distort in shape

●  Synonyms: squash, mash

●  Example: The front of his car was crushed in the collision.

4. Circulate

●  Definition: to go around, or through something, or to make something go around, or through something

●  Synonyms: flow, course

●  Example:  Rumors are circulating around town.

5. Chill 

●  Definition: make (someone) cold or, horrify, or frighten (someone)

●  Synonyms: scare, cold

●  Example: He was chilled by a sudden wind.

6. Caress

●  Definition: touch, or stroke gently, or lovingly

●  Synonyms: stroke, brush

●  Example: He caressed the girl’s forehead.

7. Commend

●  Definition: praise formally or officially

●  Synonyms: praise, compliment

●  Example: She was commended by the judge for his courageous actions.

8. Cower

●   Definition: crouch down in fear

●     Synonyms: cringe, shrink

●   Example: Children cowered in terror as the shoot-out erupted.

9. Cope

●  Definition: (of a person) deal effectively with something difficult

●  Synonyms: manage, survive, subsist

●  Example: It’s really hard to cope with these competitors.

 10. Contribute

●   Definition: help to cause or bring about

●   Synonyms: donate, give

●   Example: She contributed articles to the magazine.

Verbs That Start with C You Occasionally Use

Have you ever had a word that you know but can never remember? Well, this section has some verb words that start with C that might help you with this problem.

 1. Compile

●  Definition: produce (a list or book) by assembling information collected from other sources

●  Synonyms: assemble, compose

●  Example: The local authority must compile a list of the names and addresses of taxpayers.

 2. Chop

●  Definition: cut (something) into pieces with repeated sharp blows of an axe, or knife

●  Synonyms: dice, mince

●  Example: Charlie chopped up the pulpit for firewood.

3. Centralize

●  Definition: concentrate (control of an activity or organization) under a single authority

●  Synonyms: consolidate, condense, unify

●  Example: One of her first actions was to centralize control of the company’s operations.

4. Cooperate

●  Definition: assist someone, or comply with their requests

●  Synonyms: collaborate, unite

●  Example: The country agreed to cooperate with the other nations on the trade agreement.

5. Cackle

●  Definition: laugh in a loud, harsh way

●  Synonyms: guffaw, giggle

●  Example: Anna cackles with laughter.

6. Cheat

●  Definition: to behave in a dishonest way in order to get what you want

●  Synonyms: fool, deceive

●  Example: They cheat people by charging too much for building materials.

7. Complain

●  Definition: to say that something is wrong or not good enough

●  Synonyms: protest, grumble

●  Example: Her husband began to complain of headaches.

8. Commemorate

●  Definition: recall, and show respect for (someone or something)

●  Synonyms: celebrate, honor

●  Example: A wreath-laying ceremony was held to commemorate the war dead.

9. Cultivate

●  Definition: try to acquire, or develop (a quality or skill)

●  Synonyms: pursue, foster

●  Example: We should cultivate all good behaviors.

10. Compare

●  Definition: estimate, measure, or note the similarity or dissimilarity between

●  Synonyms: contrast, collate

●  Example: Individual schools compared their facilities with those of others in the area.

Verbs That Start with C You Seldom Use

You should never miss the chance to read these verbs that start with the letter C and have seldom been used, as they can be very useful for your vocabulary.

1. Censor

●  Definition: examine (a book, film, etc.) officially and suppress unacceptable parts of it

●  Synonyms: cut, delete

●  Example: The book was heavily censored when first published.

2. Cling

●  Definition: hold on tightly to

●  Synonyms: clutch, grasp

●  Example: Anna clung to her boyfriend’s arm.

3. Chime

●  Definition: (of a bell, or clock) make melodious ringing sounds, typically to indicate the time

●  Synonyms: ringing, tolling

●  Example: The grandfather’s clock in the next room chimed.

4. Coax

●  Definition: gently and persistently persuade (someone) to do something

●  Synonyms: cajole, wheedle

●  Example: I coaxed my dad into taking me to the station.

5. Coagulate

●  Definition: (of a fluid, especially blood) change to a solid or semi-solid state

●  Synonyms: harden, solidify

●  Example: Blood had coagulated around the edges of the gash.

6. Classify

●  Definition: arrange (a group of people or things) in classes or categories according to shared qualities or characteristics

●  Synonyms: organize, arrange

●  Example: Biologists classify animals and plants into different groups.

7. Clamour

●  Definition: (of a group of people) shout loudly and insistently

●  Synonyms: roar, yell, scream

●  Example: The children were all clamoring for attention.

8. Clog

●  Definition: block or become blocked with an accumulation of thick, wet matter

●  Synonyms: obstruct, constrict, jam

●  Example: The gutters were clogged up with leaves.

9. Combine

●  Definition: join, or merge to form a single unit or substance

●  Synonyms: unite, integrate

●  Example: You should combine the flour with margarine and salt.

10. Command

●  Definition: give an authoritative or peremptory order

●  Synonyms: order, direct, instruct

●  Example: Lara commanded us to enter.

Verbs That Start with C You Rarely Use

If you want to impress someone, read these rare bunch of C-verbs that can be a little difficult but very helpful, nevertheless.

 1. Choke

●  Definition: (of a person or animal) have severe difficulty in breathing because of a constricted or obstructed throat or a lack of air

●  Synonyms: cough, gasp

●  Example: Wren choked on her coffee.

 2. Cajole

●  Definition: to persuade someone to do something they might not want to do, by pleasant talk and (sometimes false) promises

●  Synonyms: persuade, convince

●  Example: Levi really knows how to cajole people into doing what he wants.

3. Calcify

●  Definition: to become hard, or make something hard, especially by the addition of substances containing calcium

●  Synonyms: excite, temper

●  Example: He has a form of arthritis that calcifies the spine.

4. Corrode

●  Definition: destroy or damage (metal, stone, or other materials) slowly by chemical action

●  Synonyms: erode, tarnish, destroy

●  Example: Acid rain poisons fish and corrodes buildings.

5. Camouflage

●  Definition: hide, or disguise the presence of (a person, animal, or object) by means of camouflage

●  Synonyms: conceal, mask

●  Example: The caravan was camouflaged with netting and branches from trees.

6. Cadge

●  Definition: try to get something from someone else without paying for it

●  Synonyms: claim, invoke

●  Example: He’s always cadging free meals and free trips from his clients.

7. Clarify

●  Definition: make (a statement or situation) less confused and more comprehensible

●  Synonyms: simplify, explain

●  Example: She clarified the points to the clients.

8. Caulked

●  Definition: to fill the gaps around the edge of something with a special substance

●  Synonyms: backsplash, molding

●  Example: He carefully caulked the area around the windows.

9. Cater

●  Definition: provide people with food, and drink at a social event or another gathering.

●  Synonyms: feed, serve

●  Example: My father helped to cater for the party.

 10. Contemplate

●  Definition: look thoughtfully for a long time at

●  Synonyms: examine, inspect, observe

●  Example: He contemplated his image in the mirrors.

Positive Verbs That Start with C

If you need some positivity in your life or if you want to spread some positivity in others’ lives, then read these positive words that start with C.

1. Chat

●  Definition: talk in a friendly and informal way

●  Synonyms: talk, gossip

●  Example: She chatted to her mother on the phone every day.

2. Cherish

●  Definition: protect, and care for (someone) lovingly

●  Synonyms: adore, love

●  Example: I will always cherish our memories.

3. Care

●  Definition: feel concerned or interested

●  Synonyms: bother, mind

●  Example: Cath really doesn’t care what others think of her.

4. Cheer

●  Definition: shout for joy, or in praise, or encouragement

●  Synonyms: encourage, motivate, inspire

●  Example: Anna cheered me from the sidelines.

5. Celebrate

●  Definition: acknowledge (a significant, or happy day, or event) with a social gathering, or enjoyable activity

●  Synonyms: observe, honor

●  Example: We celebrate the new year every year.

6. Cure

●  Definition: relieve (a person or animal) of the symptoms of a disease or condition

●  Synonyms: heal, restore

●  Example: Labib was cured of the disease.

7. Clap

●  Definition: strike the palms of (one’s hands) together repeatedly, typically in order to applaud or something

●  Synonyms: applaud, bang

●  Example: Agatha clapped her hands in glee.

8. Concentrate

●  Definition: focus all one’s attention on a particular object or activity

●  Synonyms: direct, centralize

●  Example: Students should always concentrate on their studies.

9. Correct

●  Definition: put right (an error, or fault)

●  Synonyms: rectify, amend

●  Example: The Council issued a statement correcting some points.

10.  Congratulate

●  Definition: praise (someone) for an achievement

●  Synonyms: commend, applaud, salute

●  Example: She congratulated me on my good result.

Verbs That Start with C – Full List (355 words)

  • Cable
  • Cackle
  • Cadge
  • Cage
  • Cajole
  • Calcify
  • Calculate
  • Calibrate
  • Call
  • Calligraph
  • Calm
  • Calve
  • Camber
  • Camouflage
  • Camp
  • Cancel
  • Cane
  • Cannonade
  • Canonize
  • Canvass
  • Cap
  • Caparison
  • Caper
  • Capitalize
  • Capitulate
  • Capsize
  • Captivate
  • Capture
  • Carbonize
  • Carburet
  • Card
  • Care
  • Careen
  • Caress
  • Caricature
  • Carry
  • Cart
  • Carve
  • Cascade
  • Case
  • Cash
  • Cast
  • Castrate
  • Catch
  • Categorize
  • Cater
  • Caulk
  • Cause
  • Cauterize
  • Cave
  • Caw
  • Cease
  • Ceil
  • Celebrate
  • Cement
  • Censor
  • Censure
  • Centralize
  • Centre
  • Centuplicate
  • Certify
  • Chalk
  • Challenge
  • Chance
  • Change
  • Channel
  • Chant
  • Chap
  • Chaperone
  • Char
  • Characterize
  • Charge
  • Charm
  • Charter
  • Chase
  • Chat
  • Chatter
  • Cheapen
  • Cheat
  • Check
  • Cheep
  • Cheer
  • Cherish
  • Chew
  • Chide
  • Chill
  • Chime
  • Chip
  • Chirp
  • Chirr
  • Chisel
  • Chloroform
  • Choke
  • Choose
  • Chop
  • Christen
  • Christianize
  • Chuck
  • Chuckle
  • Churn
  • Circulate
  • Circumscribe
  • Cite
  • Civilize
  • Claim
  • Clam
  • Clamp
  • Clap
  • Clapper
  • Clarify
  • Clash
  • Clasp
  • Classify
  • Claw
  • Clean
  • Cleanse
  • Clear
  • Cleave
  • Clench
  • Click
  • Climb
  • Cling
  • Clink
  • Clog
  • Cloister
  • Clone
  • Close
  • Clot
  • Clothe
  • Cloud
  • Clown
  • Cloy
  • Club
  • Cluck
  • Clutch
  • Coach
  • Coagulate
  • Coarsen
  • Coast
  • Coat
  • Coax
  • Cobble
  • Cock
  • Coddle
  • Code
  • Codify
  • Coerce
  • Coexist
  • Coffer
  • Cogitate
  • Cohabit
  • Coil
  • Coin
  • Coincide
  • Collaborate
  • Collapse
  • Collar
  • Collate
  • Collect
  • Collide
  • Collude
  • Colonize
  • Color
  • Colour
  • Comb
  • Combat
  • Combine
  • Come
  • Comfort
  • Command
  • Commemorate
  • Commence
  • Comment
  • Commission
  • Commit
  • Communicate
  • Commute
  • Compare
  • Compel
  • Compensate
  • Compete
  • Compile
  • Complain
  • Complete
  • Complicate
  • Compliment
  • Comply
  • Compose
  • Compound
  • Comprehend
  • Compress
  • Compute
  • Computerize
  • Concatenate
  • Conceal
  • Concede
  • Conceive
  • Concentrate
  • Concern
  • Conciliate
  • Conclude
  • Condemn
  • Condense
  • Condescend
  • Condition
  • Condole
  • Conduce
  • Conduct
  • Confer
  • Confess
  • Confide
  • Configure
  • Confine
  • Confirm
  • Confiscate
  • Conform
  • Confound
  • Confront
  • Confuse
  • Congeal
  • Congest
  • Conglomerate
  • Conglutinate
  • Congratulate
  • Conjecture
  • Conjugate
  • Conjure
  • Connect
  • Connote
  • Conquer
  • Consecrate
  • Conserve
  • Consider
  • Consist
  • Console
  • Consolidate
  • Conspire
  • Constipate
  • Constitute
  • Constrain
  • Construct
  • Consult
  • Consume
  • Contact
  • Contain
  • Contaminate
  • Contemplate
  • Contend
  • Contest
  • Continue
  • Contort
  • Contract
  • Contradict
  • Contrast
  • Contravene
  • Contribute
  • Contrive
  • Control
  • Convalesce
  • Convene
  • Converge
  • Converse
  • Convert
  • Convey
  • Convict
  • Convince
  • Convulse
  • Coo
  • Cook
  • Cool
  • Coop
  • Cooperate
  • Coordinate
  • Copperplate
  • Copulate
  • Copy
  • Cork
  • Corner
  • Correct
  • Correlate
  • Correspond
  • Corroborate
  • Corrode
  • Corrupt
  • Corset
  • Cost
  • Cotton
  • Cough
  • Count
  • Counter
  • Counteract
  • Counterbalance
  • Counterfeit
  • Countermark
  • Countersign
  • Couple
  • Court
  • Cover
  • Covet
  • Cower
  • Crack
  • Crackle
  • Cram
  • Crank
  • Crash
  • Crawl
  • Creak
  • Cream
  • Crease
  • Create
  • Credit
  • Creep
  • Cremate
  • Crenelate
  • Crib
  • Crimp
  • Cringe
  • Crinkle
  • Cripple
  • Crisscross
  • Criticize
  • Croak
  • Crochet
  • Crop
  • Cross
  • Crossbreed
  • Crosscheck
  • Crossrule
  • Crow
  • Crown
  • Crucify
  • Cruise
  • Crumb
  • Crumble
  • Crumple
  • Crunch
  • Crush
  • Cry
  • Crystallize
  • Cube
  • Cuckold
  • Cuddle
  • Cudgel
  • Cuff
  • Culminate
  • Cultivate
  • Cup
  • Curb
  • Curdle
  • Cure
  • Curl
  • Curse
  • Curtail
  • Curve
  • Cut

Final Thoughts on Verbs That Start with C

These were all the verbs starting with C that we could fit into this article; surely there are a lot more words that you might find on your own. But, even if you learned one new verb from these verbs beginning with C, that’s a successful job for us!

Keep on repeating these words in your head, and don’t forget to read the synonyms as well as the examples to truly understand the verbs that start with C written in this article. Hopefully, these verbs will increase your knowledge and help your vocabulary greatly.

Ps. See also positive words that start with C, adjectives that start with C and nouns that start with C.

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