225 Verbs That Start with O [with Definitions and Examples]

Verbs that start with O are the ones that we practice in our daily routine time and again. Although learning new verbs beginning with O is important, knowing where to use them is even more important. It is much better to entirely forbid using a verb instead of using it at the wrong place. But the next obstruction is how to ensure that verbs starting with O are being used in their true essence or not.

To overcome this predicament, we will use the same strategy that mankind has been using since the dawn of time, using examples. Examples were and are one of the most feasible and sensible approaches to enlighten someone with a new concept or in our case verbs that start with O to describe a person, express emotions, and much more. That’s why we took the liberty of putting together a list of verbs that start with O to shed light on their definitions and correct use. So, we hope you are ready to embark on this educational and pleasing trip to the verbs that start with O.

Table of Contents

Verbs That Start with O You Always Use

The list given below encloses the verbs that start with O which subconsciously become a part of our daily communication. Let’s see how many of these verbs you use on daily basis.

1. Operate

● Definition: (of a person) control the functioning of (a machine, process, or system)

● Synonyms: work, run, use

● Example: The Prime Minister operates a system of divide and rule.

2. Obey

● Definition: to carry out (a command or instruction)

● Synonyms: execute, perform, discharge

● Example: He refused to obey orders during the war.

3. Object

● Definition: to say something to express one’s opposition to or disagreement with something

● Synonyms: oppose, condemn, protest

● Example: Nobody objected when the boss said that we have to work late today.

4. Observe

● Definition: to notice or perceive (something) and register it as being significant

● Synonyms: notice, see, detect

● Example: She observed that all the chairs were already occupied.

5. Obsess

● Definition: preoccupy or fill the mind of (someone) continually and to a troubling extent

● Synonyms: preoccupy, possess, consume

● Example: He was obsessed with getting a new toy.

6. Obstruct

● Definition: to block (an opening, path, road, etc.)

● Synonyms: shut off, jam, clog

● Example: She was obstructing the exit.

7. Omit

● Definition: to leave out or exclude (someone or something), either intentionally or forgetfully

● Synonyms: leave out, exclude, except

● Example: He was omitted from the second test.

8. Oppose

● Definition: actively resist (a person or system)

● Synonyms: resist, defy, object to

● Example: The proposed new testing system has been vigorously opposed by teachers.

9. Optimize

● Definition: to make the best or most effective use of (a situation or resource)

● Synonyms: improve, enhance, perfect

● Example: We manage our time so that we can optimize our productivity.

10. Order

● Definition: to give an authoritative instruction to do something

● Synonyms: instruct, command, direct

● Example: He ordered me to bring a glass of water.

Verbs That Start with O You Usually Use

Verbs are an important part of our daily conversation and it is very important to have a true understanding of the meaning that these verbs hold. So, let’s if you are using these verbs starting with O in their true spirit or not.

1. Orient

● Definition: to align or position (something) relative to the points of a compass or other specified positions

● Synonyms: place, position, situate

● Example: The fires are oriented in direct line with the midsummer sunset.

2. Overhear

● Definition: to hear (someone or something) without meaning to or without the knowledge of the speaker

● Synonyms: eavesdrop (on), listen in (on)

● Example: They were so loud, I couldn’t help overhearing.

3. Overtake

● Definition: to catch up with and pass while traveling in the same direction

● Synonyms: pass, go by, get past

● Example: Her car overtook a line of vehicles.

4. Outsmart

● Definition: to defeat or get the better of (someone) by being clever or cunning

● Synonyms: outwit, out-think, outplay

● Example: The hero is invariably outsmarted by the heroine.

5. Outsource

● Definition: contract (work) out

● Synonyms: subcontract, offshore

● Example: You may choose to outsource this function to another company or do it yourself.

6. Occupy

● Definition: to fill or preoccupy (the mind)

● Synonyms: absorb, employ, engage

● Example: His mind was occupied with several questions.

7. Overload

● Definition: load with too great a burden or cargo

● Synonyms: overburden, overcharge, encumber

● Example: Don’t try to overload the truck with redundant objects.

8. Oppress

● Definition: keep (someone) in subjection and hardship, especially by the unjust exercise of authority

● Synonyms: abuse, maltreat, ill-treat

● Example: The people of Korea have been oppressed by a ruthless dictator.

9. Offend

● Definition: to cause to feel upset, annoyed, or resentful

● Synonyms: affront, upset, displease

● Example: Some of the viewers said they had been offended by bad language.

10. Own

● Definition: have (something) as one’s own

● Synonyms: possess, hold, retain

● Example: He doesn’t even own a house.

Verbs That Start with O You Often Use

You might be familiar with the most of verbs starting with O, listed in this category, but we feel this will help you use these verbs at a different level.

1. Overact

● Definition: (of an actor or actress) act a role in an exaggerated manner

● Synonyms: overdo it, exaggerate, overplay it

● Example: His tendency to overact made his performance less realistic.

2. Oscillate

● Definition: to move or swing back and forth in a regular rhythm

● Synonyms: swing, sway, vibrate

● Example: The grain pan near the front of the combine oscillates back and forth.

3. Outline

● Definition: to draw, trace, or define the outer edge or shape of

● Synonyms: sketch, mark off

● Example: Her eyes were darkly outlined with kohl.

4. Overcook

● Definition: cook too much or for too long

● Synonyms: to burn food, overbake

● Example: Don’t overcook the meat.

5. Occur

● Definition: happen, take place

● Synonyms: come about, transpire, happen

● Example: An accident involving ten people occurred in the westbound lane.

6. Overestimate

● Definition: form too high or favorable an estimate of

● Synonyms: overrate, overvalue, overprize

● Example: His potential cannot be overestimated.

7. Overcome

● Definition: to succeed in dealing with (a problem or difficulty)

● Synonyms: prevail over, control, get the better of

● Example: He overcame all his financial issues by working day and night.

8.Overlap

● Definition: extend over so as to cover partly

● Synonyms: overspread, overlie

● Example: The canopy overlaps the house roof at one end.

9. Overwhelm

● Definition: have a strong emotional effect on

● Synonyms: overcome, move, stir

● Example: I was overwhelmed with guilt.

10. Okay

● Definition: give approval to

● Synonyms: authorize, approve, pass

● Example: Okay, I’ll pass on your message.

Verbs That Start with O You Sometimes Use

You would be surprised to know how many of these amazing verbs beginning with O are only used sometimes in our daily routine. So, let’s jump right at this list.

1. Ooze

● Definition: (of a fluid) slowly trickle or seep out of something

● Synonyms: seep, discharge, flow

● Example: Blood was oozing from the wound in his leg.

2. Outbrave

● Definition: outdo in bravery

● Synonyms: outface

● Example: I would outbrave the hart most daring on the earth.

3. Outlaw

● Definition: ban or make illegal

● Synonyms: ban, prohibit, forbid

● Example: The new law will outlaw drinking alcohol in public places.

4. Obliterate

● Definition: destroy utterly

● Synonyms: wipeout, exterminate, demolish

● Example: Army obliterated the area by using nukes.

5. Obscure

● Definition: keep from being seen

● Synonyms: conceal, hide, shroud

● Example: The sun was obscured by clouds.

6. Obligate

● Definition: require or compel (someone) to undertake a legal or moral duty

● Synonyms: oblige, compel, commit

● Example: The medical establishment is obligated to take action in the best interest of the public.

7. Opt

● Definition: to make a choice from a range of possibilities

● Synonyms: choose, select, go for

● Example: Consumers will opt for low-priced goods.

8. Orbit

● Definition: (of a celestial object or spacecraft) move in orbit around (a star or planet)

● Synonyms: revolve, go around, move around

● Example: Earth orbits the sun.

9. Overdose

● Definition: to take an overdose of a drug

● Synonyms: oversupply, excess, surplus

● Example: Overdosing on alcohol can cause serious liver damage.

10. Overflow

● Definition: (especially of a liquid) flow over the brim of a receptacle

● Synonyms: run over, spillover

● Example: Chemicals overflowed from a storage tank.

Verbs That Start with O You Occasionally Use

This segment is all about verb words that start with O which we use occasionally during our conversations. So, let’s start with the list without any delay.

1. Overhaul

● Definition: take apart (a piece of machinery or equipment) in order to examine it and repair it if necessary

● Synonyms: mend, maintain, repair

● Example: The steering box was recently overhauled.

2. Overpower

● Definition: defeat or overcome with superior strength

● Synonyms: overwhelm, suppress, conquer

● Example: Enemy will never be able to overpower our soldiers.

3. Overrate

● Definition: to have a higher opinion of (someone or something) than is deserved

● Synonyms: overestimate, overvalue

● Example: His mother greatly overrated his abilities.

4. Owe

● Definition: to have an obligation to pay or repay (something, especially money) in return for something received

● Synonyms: be indebted, be in arrears

● Example: They owe us ten thousand dollars.

5. Oxidize

● Definition: to combine chemically with oxygen

● Synonyms: react, merge or compound with oxygen

● Example: Iron will oxidize if it is exposed to air or moisture.

6. Offset

● Definition: to counteract (something) by having an equal and opposite force or effect

● Synonyms: counterbalance, balance, cancel

● Example: Donations to charities can be offset against tax.

7. Orate

● Definition: to make a speech, especially pompously or at length

● Synonyms: hold forth, speak, discourse

● Example: Hamlet thinks, speaks, orates, and acts.

8. Off

● Definition: to leave

● Synonyms: quit, go away, withdraw from

● Example: All professors are upped and offed to new educational institutions because of the low pay.

9. Overvalue

● Definition: overestimate the importance of

● Synonyms: magnify, overestimate, overrate

● Example: Wisdom cannot be overvalued.

10. Outdrink

● Definition: to drink more than someone else

● Synonyms: overdrink, overindulge

● Example: Kelly was not able to outdrink his best friend.

Verbs That Start with O You Seldom Use

In this section, we will discuss ten verbs that start with the letter O which we seldom use in our daily discourse. Let’s see if we find some new verbs for you in this section.

1. Obfuscate

● Definition: to make obscure, unclear, or unintelligible

● Synonyms: obscure, confuse, blur

● Example: The spelling changes will deform some familiar words and obfuscate their etymological origins.

2. Ogle

● Definition: stare at in a lecherous manner

● Synonyms: leer at, stare at, gaze at

● Example: He was ogling her breasts.

3. Overhang

● Definition: hang or extend outwards over

● Synonyms: stick out, project over, extend over

● Example: A concrete path overhung by jacaranda trees.

4. Opine

● Definition: to hold and state as one’s opinion

● Synonyms: trouble, afflict, pain

● Example: ‘The man is a genius,’ he opined.

5. Orchestrate

● Definition: to arrange or score (music) for orchestral performance

● Synonyms: arrange, adapt, score

● Example: The song cycle was stunningly arranged and orchestrated.

6. Overrun

● Definition: to spread over or occupy (a place) in large numbers

● Synonyms: invade, storm, occupy

● Example: The Mediterranean has been overrun by tourists.

7. Overawe

● Definition: to impress (someone) so much that they are silent or inhibited

● Synonyms: intimidate, daunt, awe

● Example: The eleven-year-old was overawed by the atmosphere.

8. Ostracize

● Definition: to exclude from a society or group

● Synonyms: exclude, shun, spurn

● Example: He was ostracized from the scientific community as he was working for his interest.

9. Ossify

● Definition: to become rigid or fixed in attitude or position

● Synonyms: fossilize, harden, rigidify

● Example: Our educational system has ossified.

10. Officer

● Definition: act as the commander of (a unit)

● Synonyms: boss, order about, give orders

● Example: Foreign mercenaries were hired to officer new regiments.

Verbs That Start with O You Rarely Use

We hope you are ready to bump into some quirky and unique O-verbs that will help you with your writing and speaking style. Let’s get right to it!

1. Oxygenate

● Definition: to supply with oxygen

● Synonyms: oxygenize, charge with oxygen

● Example: Lungs oxygenate the blood before it returns to the heart.

2. Outwit

● Definition: to deceive by greater ingenuity

● Synonyms: outsmart, out-think, outplay

● Example: Roy had outwitted many an opponent.

3. Oar

● Definition: to progress by using oars

● Synonyms: row, paddle, scull

● Example: They had to oar the sailboat back to the shore.

4. Obnubilate

● Definition: to darken or cover with or as if with a cloud

● Synonyms: becloud, obscure

● Example: Our first executive magistrate will not be obnubilated behind the mysterious obscurity of counselors.

5. Ordain

● Definition: make (someone) a priest or minister

● Synonyms: appoint, induct, install

● Example: He has ordained a minister before entering Parliament.

6. Oust

● Definition: to drive out or expel (someone) from a position or place

● Synonyms: expel, throw out, remove

● Example: Police are trying to oust criminals from this city.

7. Overbuy

● Definition: to buy more of (something) than one needs

● Synonyms: overspend

● Example: People tend to overbuy when shopping from online websites.

8. Ornament

● Definition: to make (something) look more attractive by adding decorative items

● Synonyms: decorate, adorn, embellish

● Example: She ornamented her homework with little drawings.

9. Occlude

● Definition: to stop, close up, or obstruct (an opening, orifice, or passage)

● Synonyms: block, stop, obstruct

● Example: Thick make-up can occlude the pores.

10. Officiate

● Definition: to act as an official in charge of something, especially a sporting event

● Synonyms: take charge, superintend, supervise

● Example: Three judges will officiate at the two Grands Prix.

Positive Verbs That Start with O

Positive verbs also known as “action words” play an important part in writing about anything. Let’s see ten positive verbs that start with O.

1. Originate

● Definition: to have a specified beginning

● Synonyms: derive, begin, start

● Example: Although the technology originated in France, it has been developed in the US.

2. Organize

● Definition: arrange systematically

● Synonyms: order, arrange, sort

● Example: I still have to organize my music playlist.

3. Outshine

● Definition: be much better than (someone) in a particular area

● Synonyms: surpass, overshadow, outclass

● Example: It is a shame when a mother outshines a daughter.

4. Oil

● Definition: to impregnate with oil

● Synonyms: lubricate, grease, lube

● Example: I will oil that gate for you tomorrow.

5. Outclass

● Definition: be far superior to

● Synonyms: surpass, outshine, overshadow

● Example: Barcelona outclassed every other team in the tournament.

6. Overjoy

● Definition: cause to feel extremely joyful or happy

● Synonyms: elate, enchant

● Example: It overjoys me to hear of your good fortune.

7. Open

● Definition: to unfold or be unfolded

● Synonyms: unroll, stretch out, unfold

● Example: The hawk opened up its wings and circled up in the sky.

8. Offer

● Definition: to present or proffer (something) for (someone) to accept or reject as desired

● Synonyms: proffer, provide, give

● Example: I was offered a position at a university, but I turned it down.

9. Obtain

● Definition: get, acquire, or secure (something)

● Synonyms: gain, earn, achieve

● Example: In the second experiment they obtained the correct result.

10. Oblige

● Definition: be indebted or grateful

● Synonyms: thankful, grateful, appreciative

● Example: If you help me with this assignment I’ll be much obliged.

Verbs That Start with O – Full List (225 words)

Obey
Obfuscate
Object
Objurgate
Obligate
Oblige
Obliterate
Obnubilate
Obscure
Observe
Obsess
Obstinate
Obstipate
Obstruct
Obtain
Obtrude
Obtund
Obturate
Obviate
Occasion
Occidentalize
Occlude
Occult
Occupy
Occur
Odorize
Offend
Offer
Officialize
Officiate
Offload
Offsaddle
Offset
Ogle
Oil
Oink
Ok
Omen
Omit
Ooze
Opacify
Opalesce
Opalize
Open
Operate
Opine
Oppose
Oppress
Oppugn
Opsonize
Opt
Optate
Optimize
Orate
Orbit
Orchestrate
Ordain
Order
Ordinate
Organize
Orient
Orientalize
Orientate
Originate
Ornament
Orphan
Oscillate
Osculate
Ossify
Ostentate
Ostracize
Oust
Outbalance
Outbid
Outbrave
Outclass
Outcrop
Outcry
Outdistance
Outdraw
Outface
Outfight
Outflank
Outfox
Outgeneral
Outgo
Outgrow
Outguess
Outlast
Outlaw
Outline
Outlive
Outmaneuver
Outmanoeuvre
Outmarch
Outmatch
Outmode
Outnumber
Outpace
Outperform
Outplay
Outpoint
Output
Outrange
Outrank
Outride
Outrival
Outroar
Outrun
Outscore
Outsell
Outshine
Outshout
Outsmart
Outsource
Outstare
Outstrip
Outweigh
Outwit
Ovenbake
Overachieve
Overact
Overarch
Overawe
Overbalance
Overbear
Overbid
Overboil
Overburden
Overcapitalize
Overcast
Overcharge
Overclothe
Overcloud
Overcome
Overcompensate
Overcook
Overcrop
Overcultivate
Overdo
Overdose
Overdramatize
Overdraw
Overdress
Overdrive
Overeat
Overemphasize
Overestimate
Overexcite
Overexert
Overextend
Overfatigue
Overfeed
Overfill
Overflow
Overfly
Overgeneralize
Overgorge
Overgrow
Overhang
Overhaul
Overhear
Overheat
Overindulge
Overjoy
Overlap
Overlay
Overleap
Overlie
Overload
Overlook
Overmaster
Overpay
Overplay
Overpower
Overprice
Overprint
Overproduce
Overprotect
Overrate
Overreach
Overreact
Overrefine
Override
Overrule
Overrun
Oversaturate
Oversee
Oversew
Overshadow
Overshoot
Oversimplify
Oversleep
Overspecialize
Overspend
Overspread
Overstate
Overstay
Overstep
Overstock
Overstrain
Overstress
Overstretch
Overstuff
Oversupply
Overtake
Overtax
Overthrow
Overtire
Overtop
Overtrump
Overturn
Overuse
Overvalue
Overweary
Overwhelm
Overwork
Overwrite
Ovulate
Owe
Own
Oxidate
Oxidize
Oxygenate
Oxygenize

Final Thoughts on Verbs That Start with O

There are quite a few verbs that start with O in English literature but we pulled out all the stops to come up with a list that will help you learn something new. There are of course some other verbs starting with O besides the ones in this list and you can look them up in the dictionary if you want to outperform your rivals.

Do you still have any confusion in using verbs beginning with O listed above? If yes, please let us know in the comment section, we would love to resolve your query.