17 Verbs That Start with X [with Definitions and Examples]

In English language, there are hardly any verbs that start with X. The reason that there aren’t many verbs beginning with X is that X as a consonant does not possess a distinctive sound in the English language. Each language has its own rules regarding what sounds can be used in that language, and how they can be put together. The letter /x/ in English represents two consonant sounds, which could also be represented by /ks/. This consonant cluster can appear at the ends of words in English: box, rocks. It can also appear in the middle of words: axle, mixer. But this sound sequence /ks/ is not a valid onset according to the rules of English Phoneticians, not coming at the start of a word and hence not many verbs starting with X.

There is very short list of verbs that start with X, it is highly recommended that you should get hold of all of these because using these verbs in your friend circle would not just make you sound cool but knowledgeable too. A total of 17 verbs have been divided into several categories to make them easy for you to remember. There are some verbs that start with X to describe certain processes and chemical reactions, but sadly, there isn’t a single verb that start with X to describe a person. Without any further ado, let’s explore some of the verbs that start with X that are available in English language.

Table of Contents

Verbs That Start with X You Always Use

For most writers, using verbs starting with X has never been at the top of their list. Following are some of the verbs that start with X that we come across more often.

1. Xerox

Definition: to make a paper copy with a photocopier
Synonyms: photocopy, duplicate, reprint
Example: Can you xerox this immediately, Sally?

2. X-out

Definition: to cross out with letter X
Synonyms: cross out, delete
Example: X-out the names of the people who have already left.

3. Xylograph

Definition: to make a print from an engraving in wood
Synonyms: engrave, chisel
Example: Sean was seen xylographing in the woods.

Verbs That Start with X You Usually Use

Words starting with X are the least used words by writers. Who can blame them when we can only expect 0.02% of the words in the dictionary to be listed under letter X. Following are some of the verbs starting with X that we usually come across.

1. Xylophone

Definition: to play a xylophone or to play something else as though it was a xylophone.
Synonyms: play, perform
Example: He was xylophoning beautifully.

2. Xerocopy

Definition: to print or reproduce by xerography
Synonyms: copy, duplicate
Example: Please xerocopy this document, John.

Verbs That Start with X You Often Use

Words beginning with X can be very difficult to use in daily lives. To build your vocabulary and to improve the usage of these words, first, you need to start learning verbs starting with X.

1. Xenograft

Definition: to perform a tissue graft between species
Synonyms: transplant, graft
Example: She’s too busy xenografting the pig to be half-lizard.

2. Xanthate

Definition: to convert into a xanthate, e.g. when producing viscose from cellulose
Synonyms: amalgamate, mix
Example: He xanthated the chemicals using a process called xanthation.

Verbs That Start with X You Sometimes Use

Most of the verbs starting with X have either been borrowed from foreign languages or they denote some chemical or biological phenomenon. Following are some of the verbs beginning with X that are less frequently used in our everyday lives.

1. Xenotransplant

Definition: to transplant biological matter between species
Synonyms: graft, transplant
Example: Human tumor cells were xenotransplanted into immunocompromised mice in the research.

2. X-irradiate

Definition: to expose something to radiation using x-rays

Synonyms: scatter, shed, radiate
Example: Sir, this machine will x-irradiate your patients if used.

Verbs That Start with X You Occasionally Use

It is often difficult to find suitable verbs that start with X that we can put to use in our writings and conversations. Here are some of the verb words that start with X that are occasionally used by writers and speakers.

1. X-ing

Definition: to cancel something
Synonyms: abort, wipe out, cancel
Example: I’ve often heard of people x-ing out stuff.

Verbs That Start with X You Seldom Use

The Oxford Dictionary lists around 400 words that begin with X, though online dictionaries only document around 120. Following are some of the verbs that start with the letter X that are seen very seldom.

1. Xylomance

Definition: to predict the future using wood
Synonyms: anticipate, envision

Example: He tried to xylomance to know the fate of his beloved.

2. Xfer

Definition: to remove or convey from one place or person to another
Synonyms: pass on, consign, convey
Example: Please xfer my views to her.

Verbs That Start with X You Rarely Use

Apart from usage of X-verbs in chemistry and physics, they are also used in different coding programs such as Matlab, Java, Python and and C++. Here are some of the verbs starting with X that are rarely used by people.

1. XOR

Definition: to perform the XOR function upon
Synonyms: connecting, joining
Example: The electrician XORed the two gates.

2. Xxencode

Definition: to encode a file using Xxencoding
Synonyms: cipher, codify
Example: He was xxencoding all the data into one large file.

Positive Verbs That Start with X

Some verbs denote certain actions that talk about serving humanity in different forms. Following are some of the positive verbs that start with X that describe such type of actions and processes.

1. X-ray

Definition: To look deeply or to take an x-ray of something
Synonyms: radiograph, radiogram
Example: Can you please x-ray her left arm?

2. Xeriscape

Definition: to landscape in a style appropriate to arid regions requiring little or no irrigation.
Synonyms: landscape, garden
Example: The plan is to xeriscape the area and remove all that dead grass over there.

Verbs That Start with X – Full List (17 words)

Xerox
X-out
Xylograph
Xylophone
Xerocopy
Xenograft
Xanthate

Xenotransplant
X-irradiate
X-ing
Xylomance
Xfer
XOR
Xxencode
X-ray
Xeriscape

Final Thoughts on Verbs That Start with X

Thank you for going through this article with interest. Hopefully, you would have learnt some new verbs that start with X. If you can acquire as many verbs beginning with X as possible, you would be able to establish an excellent rapport with other speakers and authors. By having a number of verbs beginning with X at your disposal your conversations and writings will become distinctive and appealing. Most people are unaware of the verbs starting with X but if you start and using them among your friends and colleagues, this will help you build a unique image for yourself.