Verbs That Start with R: Verbs are the lifeblood of any sentence. They drive action, shape meaning, and bring energy to communication.
From casual conversations to professional writing, the right verb can make all the difference. Have you ever noticed how certain verbs just seem to pop, grabbing attention with their vigor? Take the letter “R,” for instance.
It boasts a rich variety of verbs that can elevate your language and improve the clarity of your message. Whether you’re an author, teacher, or someone trying to impress in a job interview, mastering verbs that start with “R” is a powerful tool to have in your vocabulary arsenal.
In this article, we’ll explore 500+ verbs that begin with the letter “R.” We’ll organize them by their function and offer some examples to show you how these words can be used in everyday language.
Let’s dive into the action-packed world of “R” verbs!
Types of Verbs That Start with R
The beauty of verbs lies in their versatility. Some verbs are action-oriented, while others express states of being, sensory experiences, or even transformations.
Below, we’ve categorized them based on their core function. This should give you a clearer idea of when and how to use these verbs in different contexts.
Action Verbs
Action verbs are words that convey physical or mental activity. They describe things people or objects do.
- Run: To move swiftly on foot.
She loves to run every morning before sunrise. - Rejoice: To feel or show great joy.
They rejoiced in their victory after the long season of training. - Rescue: To save from danger or harm.
The firefighters rescued the family trapped in the house. - Repair: To fix or restore something.
I had to repair the broken fence after the storm. - Reduce: To make smaller or less.
We need to reduce waste in our daily lives to protect the environment. - Refuse: To decline or reject something.
She refused the invitation to the party. - Ravage: To destroy or devastate.
The hurricane ravaged the coastal towns. - Rebuild: To construct again after destruction.
They rebuilt the city after the earthquake. - Recover: To regain or return to a normal state.
It took her weeks to recover from the illness. - Reap: To gather or harvest something, especially crops.
Farmers reap their harvest in the fall. - Restrain: To hold back or limit movement.
The police restrained the suspect during the arrest. - Revolt: To rise in rebellion against authority.
The citizens revolted against the unjust king. - Reap: To gather or harvest something, especially crops.
They will reap the benefits of their hard work soon. - React: To respond or behave in a certain way to something.
How did you react to the news of the promotion? - Regain: To recover something that was lost.
He worked hard to regain his strength after surgery. - Resemble: To look like or be similar to.
She resembles her mother in both looks and personality. - Revisit: To return to a place or topic.
Let’s revisit the idea after we’ve gathered more information. - Rummage: To search through something, often in a disorganized manner.
She rummaged through her purse to find her keys. - Refine: To improve or make something more precise.
He refined his skills through years of practice. - Roam: To wander around without a fixed destination.
The dog loves to roam around the neighborhood. - Revive: To bring something back to life or use.
The team worked together to revive the failing project. - Reprimand: To express disapproval or punishment.
The manager reprimanded the employee for being late. - Repel: To drive back or resist something.
The soldiers successfully repelled the enemy attack. - Regulate: To control or supervise according to rules.
The government regulates the price of essential goods. - Ravish: To seize or carry off with force, often used in a poetic sense.
The beauty of the scene ravished her heart. - Rejuvenate: To make someone or something feel young or fresh again.
A vacation helped rejuvenate her after a stressful year. - Rummage: To search through something in a disorganized way.
He rummaged through the box to find his old photos.
Mental or Cognitive Verbs
These verbs express thinking, believing, or perceiving, and help convey intellectual actions.
- Remember: To recall or bring to mind.
I can’t remember where I left my keys. - Reflect: To think deeply or carefully about something.
He spent the evening reflecting on his decisions. - Recognize: To identify something from previous experience.
She recognized her old friend across the street. - Recollect: To gather or recall information.
He couldn’t recollect the details of the conversation. - Reinforce: To strengthen or support an idea or belief.
The teacher used examples to reinforce the lesson. - Ruminate: To think deeply or ponder something.
She ruminated over the decision for hours before acting. - Reason: To think logically or sensibly.
They reasoned that it would be safer to wait for the storm to pass. - Resent: To feel bitterness or anger about something.
He resented being left out of the group discussion. - Realize: To become fully aware or understand something.
She realized she had forgotten to send the email. - Regret: To feel sorrow or remorse for something.
He regretted not taking the job offer. - Reconcile: To restore harmony or agreement after a disagreement.
They reconciled after a long argument over the weekend. - Reconsider: To think about something again, especially for a change of mind.
He reconsidered his decision after hearing everyone’s opinion. - Reflect: To think deeply about past events or actions.
We need to reflect on what went wrong with the project. - Revise: To review and make changes to something.
She revised her essay to improve clarity and style. - Reminisce: To talk or think about the past fondly.
We reminisced about our childhood vacations by the lake. - Recognize: To identify something as familiar or known.
I didn’t recognize her with her new haircut. - Reaffirm: To confirm something again, often to reassure.
The manager reaffirmed the company’s commitment to quality. - Revel: To take great pleasure in something.
He reveled in the attention he got during the speech. - Reproach: To express disapproval or disappointment.
She reproached him for not keeping his promises. - Rejoice: To feel or show great joy.
They rejoiced when they heard the good news. - Remind: To cause someone to remember.
Please remind me to call my friend later. - Reaffirm: To state again strongly or confidently.
He reaffirmed his intention to finish the project on time. - Rescue: To help someone or something out of a dangerous situation.
The lifeguard rescued the swimmer from the rough waves. - Reprove: To criticize or correct someone in a gentle manner.
His mother reproved him for being too loud. - Reevaluate: To assess or analyze something again.
The team will reevaluate the plan after further discussion.
Communication Verbs
These verbs are used to describe ways of speaking, writing, or conveying information.
- Report: To give a detailed account or summary of something.
She reported the results of the survey to her boss. - Refuse: To decline or reject something.
They refused the offer because it didn’t meet their needs. - Request: To ask for something politely.
I would like to request a day off next week. - Relay: To pass along or communicate information.
He relayed the message to the team about the meeting. - Reassure: To comfort or make someone feel better.
The nurse reassured the patient before the procedure. - Reprimand: To express disapproval or scold.
The manager reprimanded the employee for missing the deadline. - Reiterate: To say something again for emphasis.
The teacher reiterated the importance of studying regularly. - React: To respond to something, usually in a certain way.
How did you react when you received the news? - Respond: To reply to a question or statement.
I’ll respond to your email as soon as possible. - Refute: To disprove or argue against something.
The lawyer refuted the accusation with strong evidence. - Revealing: To make something known or visible.
The report was revealing about the company’s financial health. - Reconcile: To bring people back together after an argument.
They reconciled after their misunderstanding at work. - Recite: To repeat something aloud from memory.
She recited a poem at the school assembly. - Reassure: To comfort or reassure someone in their worries.
The doctor reassured the patient about the procedure’s safety. - Retort: To answer in a sharp or witty manner.
He made a quick retort when asked about his opinion on the matter. - Replicate: To reproduce or make a copy of something.
Scientists replicated the experiment to verify the results. - Reprimand: To express disapproval sharply.
He was reprimanded by his manager for tardiness. - Rebut: To argue against or contradict.
She rebutted the criticism with a solid defense. - Relate: To tell a story or connect with someone’s feelings.
He related the news to the group with great enthusiasm. - Reconstruct: To build or form something again.
The city has plans to reconstruct the roads after the flood. - Reassure: To provide comfort or confidence.
I reassured her that everything would be fine during the move.
Change or Transformation Verbs
These verbs describe changes in states, conditions, or locations.
- Revolutionize: To bring about a dramatic change.
The internet has revolutionized the way we work and communicate. - Revert: To return to a previous state.
The system reverted to its default settings after the crash. - Refine: To make improvements or enhancements.
She refined her speech to make it more impactful. - Reconstruct: To rebuild or form again.
The team is working to reconstruct the old building. - Rehabilitate: To restore someone or something to a better condition.
The doctor worked to rehabilitate the injured player’s leg. - Rejuvenate: To make someone or something feel fresher or younger.
A good night’s sleep can rejuvenate your energy levels. - Reshape: To change the shape or structure of something.
The company plans to reshape its marketing strategy. - Refashion: To alter or remake something.
She refashioned her old dress into a stylish new outfit. - Reinforce: To strengthen or support an idea or structure.
The teacher reinforced the lesson with additional examples. - Rebirth: To experience a new beginning or renewal.
The country is undergoing a cultural rebirth, with new art and ideas emerging. - Rekindle: To bring back or revive something, especially a relationship.
The couple went on vacation to rekindle their romance. - Reincarnate: To return in a new form after death (figuratively or literally).
Many cultures believe in the idea that the soul can reincarnate. - Resurge: To rise again or return after a period of decline.
Interest in the project began to resurge after the first success. - Rebloom: To bloom again after a period of dormancy.
The flowers began to rebloom after the spring rain. - Reform: To make changes to improve something.
The government is working to reform the education system. - Regenerate: To renew or restore.
The city plans to regenerate its historic district. - Reconstruct: To rebuild something from the ground up.
They had to reconstruct the bridge after the flood. - Reshape: To change or influence the form of something.
New technologies are reshaping the way we live. - Reassert: To state or declare something again with confidence.
She reasserted her position on the issue during the debate. - Reorient: To change direction or focus.
We had to reorient our approach after the project stalled. - Reshape: To change the form or structure of something.
The economy is being reshaped by new innovations in technology.
Descriptive or Emotional Verbs
Descriptive or emotional verbs express feelings, sensations, or states of being. They help convey emotions and sentiments, adding depth to communication.
- Resent: To feel bitterness or anger about something.
He resented being passed over for the promotion. - Revel: To take great pleasure or delight in something.
She reveled in the applause after her performance. - Rejoice: To feel or show great joy.
The team rejoiced after winning the championship. - Relax: To make or become less tense or anxious.
She needed to relax after the stressful week at work. - Repent: To feel remorse for one’s actions or decisions.
He repented for the mistakes he made earlier in life. - Regret: To feel sorrow or remorse about something.
I regret not taking that opportunity when it was offered. - Reassure: To comfort or make someone feel more confident.
The manager reassured the team about the project’s success. - Reproach: To express disapproval or disappointment.
Her father reproached her for staying out late. - Reluctance: To feel unwillingness or hesitation.
He showed reluctance to speak at the meeting. - Relish: To enjoy or take pleasure in something.
She relished the opportunity to finally take a vacation. - Reside: To live in a particular place.
They reside in a small town by the lake. - Repulse: To drive back or reject with disgust.
The sight of the spoiled food repulsed him. - Rage: To feel intense anger.
She was filled with rage when she heard the news. - Rebuff: To reject someone or something in a blunt manner.
He was rebuffed by the editor when he submitted his manuscript. - Reproach: To express disapproval or disappointment.
She reproached him for not helping with the chores. - Rage: To be extremely angry.
The crowd raged when they learned about the unfair decision. - Reluctance: To feel unwillingness or hesitation.
She felt a sense of reluctance about moving to a new city. - Resent: To feel bitter or upset about something.
He resented the way he was treated during the meeting. - Revel: To enjoy something intensely or with great pleasure.
They reveled in the success of their project. - Repent: To feel sorrow or regret for wrongdoing.
He repented for his actions and sought forgiveness. - Rejoice: To express joy or celebrate.
The community rejoiced when they heard the good news. - Relax: To unwind and ease tension.
She loves to relax with a book after a long day. - Reminisce: To think about or talk about past experiences fondly.
They reminisced about their childhood trips to the beach.
Verbs of Motion
Verbs of motion describe the movement or travel of people or things. These verbs often convey physical movement but can also refer to figurative movement or change.
- Run: To move swiftly on foot.
She runs every morning to stay in shape. - Ramble: To walk in a leisurely or aimless manner.
They decided to ramble through the woods after lunch. - Rush: To move quickly or hurriedly.
He rushed to catch the last bus of the day. - Recede: To move back or withdraw from a position.
The floodwaters began to recede after the storm. - Race: To compete in speed or move quickly.
The children raced to the finish line during the sports event. - Rebound: To bounce back after hitting something.
The ball bounced off the wall and rebounded into the field. - Recoil: To spring back in response to a force or shock.
He recoiled in horror when he saw the spider. - Revert: To return to a previous state or condition.
The system reverted to its default settings after the crash. - Roam: To wander without a fixed direction.
The dog loves to roam freely in the park. - Revolve: To move in a circular orbit around a center.
The planets revolve around the sun. - Rebound: To spring back after hitting a surface.
After the ball hit the ground, it rebounded up into the air. - Reignite: To start a fire again or bring back a feeling.
The debate reignited old tensions among the team members. - Reposition: To move or arrange something in a different position.
He repositioned the furniture to create more space. - Roll: To move by turning over and over.
The child rolled down the grassy hill in excitement. - Rebound: To bounce back from a setback.
The economy began to rebound after the recession. - Reenter: To come back into a place or situation.
She had to reenter the building after forgetting her ID card. - Rush: To move at high speed.
They rushed to finish the project before the deadline. - Retreat: To withdraw from a dangerous or challenging situation.
The army had to retreat after facing strong opposition. - Ramble: To move aimlessly or walk without a clear direction.
They rambled along the beach, enjoying the sunset. - Reappear: To come back into view after disappearing.
After a few moments, the actor reappeared on stage for an encore. - Reposition: To move or place something in a different position.
She repositioned the chair to face the window for better sunlight. - Recede: To gradually move back or diminish.
The tide began to recede as the storm passed. - Race: To compete for speed or to hurry somewhere.
They raced to finish the race in first place. - Rewind: To move backwards, especially in a tape or video.
I need to rewind the video to watch the scene again. - Revert: To return to a previous state.
The software reverted to the old version after the update failed. - Roam: To move about without a fixed destination.
She loves to roam through the city at night. - Roll: To move by turning over and over.
The ball rolled down the hill and into the street. - Rise: To move upwards or get up.
He rose early to catch the morning train.
Verbs of Impact
These verbs describe actions that create powerful effects or influence situations, people, or objects.
- Reshape – To change the structure or form.
The new technology will reshape the future of education. - Revitalize – To give new life or energy.
The city revitalized its downtown area with new shops and parks. - Revolutionize – To radically change something.
The smartphone revolutionized how we communicate. - Rescue – To save someone or something from harm.
The firefighter rescued the child from the burning building. - Reinvent – To create something anew or different.
The company reinvented its business model to cater to younger audiences. - Reinvigorate – To restore strength or energy.
A short vacation helped reinvigorate her after months of stress. - Reform – To make improvements by removing flaws.
The new policies aim to reform the healthcare system. - Refine – To improve or perfect something.
She refined her presentation until it was flawless. - Regenerate – To regrow or restore something.
The forest was able to regenerate after the wildfire. - Rebuild – To construct again after destruction.
After the earthquake, they rebuilt the city from the ground up. - Revise – To alter or make changes for improvement.
He revised his report after receiving feedback. - Rejuvenate – To make something feel fresh or youthful.
A good night’s sleep rejuvenated her energy. - Restore – To bring something back to its original condition.
The museum restored the ancient artwork. - Reconstruct – To rebuild something that was damaged or destroyed.
The team reconstructed the old bridge using modern techniques. - Resurrect – To bring something back to life or use again.
The scientist resurrected the long-lost species using DNA. - Reassert – To state or assert again.
The leader had to reassert his authority over the team. - Reacquaint – To make familiar again.
She reacquainted herself with the company’s policies after returning from vacation. - Regrow – To grow again, especially after being damaged.
The plants quickly regrew after being pruned. - Reconfigure – To change the structure or arrangement.
They reconfigured the office layout to increase productivity. - Reorganize – To arrange or systematize something differently.
The team decided to reorganize the workflow to be more efficient. - Reassert – To reaffirm or declare with confidence.
He reasserted his belief in the importance of honesty. - Reclaim – To take something back or recover.
The farmers reclaimed the land that was previously abandoned. - Revamp – To improve or renovate something.
They revamped the website to attract more visitors. - Rekindle – To relight or reignite something, like a relationship.
The old friends rekindled their friendship after many years. - Reopen – To open again after being closed.
The café will reopen after renovations are complete. - Reaffirm – To confirm or assert again.
The manager reaffirmed the team’s goals for the next quarter. - Reignite – To restart or reestablish something.
The campaign helped reignite public interest in the issue. - Rebalance – To adjust something to a more stable or correct state.
She rebalanced her work-life priorities to avoid burnout. - Reposition – To place in a different position.
The manager repositioned several staff members to improve performance. - Recalibrate – To adjust or reset to ensure accuracy.
The technician recalibrated the machine after it malfunctioned.
Verbs of Perception
These verbs describe actions related to the senses or mental awareness.
- Recognize – To identify or acknowledge someone or something.
She recognized him immediately as he entered the room. - Reveal – To make something known or visible.
The magician revealed the secret behind his trick. - Resonate – To evoke a strong emotional response.
Her speech resonated with the audience deeply. - Realize – To become fully aware or understand something.
He realized he had left his phone at home. - Relate – To establish a connection or understanding.
She could relate to the character’s struggle in the novel. - Recollect – To remember something.
I can’t recollect the exact moment when we first met. - Reflect – To think deeply or carefully about something.
He took a moment to reflect on the consequences of his actions. - Reinterpret – To understand or explain something in a new way.
She reinterpreted the story to make it more modern. - Reassure – To make someone feel confident or safe.
He reassured his friend that everything would be fine. - Reaffirm – To state something again for emphasis.
The coach reaffirmed their commitment to the team’s success. - Recalibrate – To adjust or correct perception.
He needed to recalibrate his assumptions after receiving new information. - Recount – To tell or narrate in detail.
He recounted the events of the meeting with clarity. - Reevaluate – To assess something again, often in light of new information.
The scientist had to reevaluate her hypothesis after the new data came in. - Reinterpret – To give a new or different meaning.
Critics often reinterpret classic literature to find fresh perspectives. - Recognize – To identify something as familiar or known.
I recognized her voice from the phone call yesterday. - Retell – To tell again, often with new insights.
She retold the story with additional context for better understanding. - Revisit – To review or return to something.
Let’s revisit the project after we gather more data. - Reassess – To evaluate again.
We need to reassess the situation before making a final decision. - Relinquish – To give up or let go of something.
He relinquished control of the project to his colleague. - Rebel – To resist or defy authority.
The citizens rebelled against the unfair taxes imposed by the government. - Rejoice – To express great happiness or joy.
We rejoiced when we heard the good news. - Regret – To feel sorry about a past decision.
She regretted not taking that job opportunity. - Rebuke – To express sharp disapproval of someone.
The teacher rebuked the students for their lack of effort. - Reconfirm – To confirm again for assurance.
Please reconfirm your attendance for tomorrow’s meeting. - Recondition – To restore something to good condition.
The car was reconditioned and now runs like new. - Reproof – To express criticism or correction.
His actions were met with disapproval and reproof. - Rebuke – To express disapproval sharply.
The boss rebuked the employee for the mistake made. - Reluctance – To feel hesitant or unwilling.
She showed reluctance to accept the offer at first. - Recoil – To spring back in fear or disgust.
He recoiled in horror at the sight of the blood. - Retreat – To move back or withdraw.
The soldiers retreated from the battlefield after realizing they were outnumbered.
Verbs of Creation
These verbs describe actions that involve making, building, or inventing something new or original.
- Reinvent – To create something anew, typically in a way that is different from before.
She reinvented the classic dish by adding a new twist. - Rebuild – To construct something again after it has been damaged.
They rebuilt the house after the flood completely destroyed it. - Refine – To improve something by making small changes.
He spent hours refining the project proposal to make it perfect. - Reform – To make improvements by removing flaws or issues.
The organization reformed its hiring practices to be more inclusive. - Reconstruct – To build again or restore something that has been damaged.
The city is working to reconstruct the historic bridge. - Revise – To alter or improve something, especially writing or plans.
He revised his essay after receiving constructive feedback. - Reimagine – To visualize or conceptualize something in a new way.
They reimagined the classic fairytale to fit a modern setting. - Reconfigure – To change the arrangement or setup of something.
The team had to reconfigure their approach after the initial plan failed. - Reinvent – To transform something into a completely different version.
The startup reinvented how people use social media apps. - Reconstruct – To rebuild or reorganize something that has fallen apart.
The architects worked to reconstruct the old mansion into a boutique hotel. - Reenvision – To see or imagine something in a new way.
She reenvisioned the town center as a place for community gatherings. - Rejuvenate – To make something feel new, fresh, or youthful again.
A new coat of paint helped rejuvenate the old building. - Recreate – To create something that is similar to or modeled after something else.
The artist recreated a famous painting using digital tools. - Redesign – To plan or make changes to the appearance or structure of something.
The company plans to redesign its logo for the new branding campaign. - Rebuild – To reconstruct something that has been damaged or destroyed.
They rebuilt the neighborhood after the hurricane caused widespread damage. - Remodel – To alter the structure or appearance of a building.
They decided to remodel the kitchen to make it more modern. - Renew – To restore or make something new again.
The spa offers treatments that promise to renew your skin. - Reconstruct – To rebuild or form something again.
The workers are tasked with reconstructing the bridge after the accident. - Reenact – To recreate an event or scene from the past.
The group will reenact a historical battle at the upcoming festival. - Rebuild – To reconstruct or reassemble something.
They are working to rebuild the damaged structures in the neighborhood. - Repurpose – To use something for a different purpose than originally intended.
The old warehouse was repurposed into a trendy art gallery. - Reinterpret – To explain or understand something in a new way.
The director reinterpreted the classic play for a contemporary audience. - Refashion – To remake or reshape something.
She refashioned the old dress into a stylish new outfit. - Rejuvenate – To restore something to a more youthful or energetic state.
The team’s efforts helped rejuvenate the declining business. - Recreate – To make something similar to the original.
The chefs recreated the signature dish from the famous restaurant. - Reproduce – To make a copy or version of something.
The artist reproduced the sculpture in different materials. - Rebuild – To construct something once again after it was destroyed or deteriorated.
The foundation plans to rebuild the old theater. - Reinvest – To invest money or resources back into something.
The company decided to reinvest its profits into expansion. - Repackage – To change the presentation of a product or service.
They repackaged the product with new branding to attract younger consumers. - Reorganize – To arrange or systematize something in a new way.
The business was reorganized to improve efficiency and customer service.
Verbs of Restoration
These verbs focus on returning something to its previous state or improving it after a period of decline.
- Revive – To bring something back to life or existence.
The community worked hard to revive the local theater. - Restore – To bring something back to its original or better condition.
The museum successfully restored the ancient artifacts. - Rejuvenate – To make something feel young, fresh, or energetic again.
The city rejuvenated its parks with new green spaces. - Rehabilitate – To restore someone or something to health or a better condition.
The injured athlete went through intense therapy to rehabilitate his knee. - Reinstate – To put something back in its original position or state.
The former employee was reinstated after an internal review. - Rekindle – To start something again, especially feelings or relationships.
They rekindled their friendship after years of no contact. - Recover – To return to a normal or healthy state after a loss or setback.
It took months for the company to recover after the scandal. - Rebuild – To reconstruct something that was damaged or destroyed.
The city had to rebuild after the devastating earthquake. - Rehabilitate – To restore to a healthy or useful state.
The facility is designed to rehabilitate animals rescued from the wild. - Rebirth – To be born again or start afresh.
The business underwent a rebirth under new ownership. - Reform – To improve something by removing flaws.
The government plans to reform the judicial system. - Replant – To plant again after removal.
They replanted the trees in a more spacious area of the park. - Reconstruct – To rebuild something after damage or destruction.
The government is working to reconstruct the city’s infrastructure. - Recondition – To restore something to a good working state.
The mechanic reconditioned the engine, making it run like new. - Reestablish – To set something back in place after a disruption.
The group is working to reestablish the charity’s presence in the community. - Reinforce – To strengthen or support something.
The coach reinforced the importance of teamwork to the players. - Regenerate – To restore or revitalize something.
The forest was able to regenerate after the wildfire. - Reinvigorate – To fill something with new life or energy.
The new management has reinvigorated the struggling company. - Rejuvenate – To restore something to its original or youthful state.
The skincare line promises to rejuvenate the skin. - Reinvigorate – To bring new strength or energy.
Her vacation helped reinvigorate her for the busy months ahead. - Reestablish – To bring something back into existence after it has been removed or disrupted.
They managed to reestablish their reputation after the setback. - Reinstate – To bring something back to its former state or position.
The decision to reinstate the old system was met with approval. - Regrow – To grow back after being lost or damaged.
The trees regrew after the forest fire. - Remodel – To make changes or improvements to the structure or appearance of something.
They remodeled the living room to make it more spacious. - Reaffirm – To confirm or assert again.
The CEO reaffirmed the company’s commitment to customer satisfaction. - Reassert – To declare again with confidence.
He had to reassert his authority after the disagreement. - Renew – To make something new or fresh again.
They renewed their vows during their anniversary trip. - Reconstruct – To rebuild something after it has been damaged.
The architect was hired to reconstruct the historical landmark. - Refurbish – To renovate or restore something, often to improve its appearance.
They refurbished the old school building, making it look brand new. - Refit – To modify or upgrade something.
The boat was refitted with new equipment to ensure safety.
Verbs of Conflict or Opposition
These verbs describe actions that involve resisting, opposing, or fighting something.
- Resist – To fight against something or refuse to accept it.
She resisted the temptation to procrastinate. - Revolt – To rebel or rise against authority.
The citizens revolted against the oppressive regime. - Refuse – To decline or reject something.
He refused to sign the contract until all the terms were clear. - Repel – To drive something away.
The new technology helps repel harmful bacteria. - Rebuke – To express sharp disapproval or criticism.
The teacher rebuked the student for his tardiness. - Reprimand – To formally rebuke or scold someone.
She was reprimanded for being late to work several times. - Resent – To feel bitter or angry about something.
He resented the way his ideas were dismissed in the meeting. - Reject – To refuse to accept, believe, or consider something.
She rejected the offer because the salary was too low. - Refute – To disprove or argue against something.
The lawyer refuted the claims made by the opposing side. - Repudiate – To deny or refuse to accept something.
He repudiated the rumors circulating about his personal life. - Reprimand – To scold or rebuke someone for a wrongdoing.
The manager reprimanded the team for missing the deadline. - Refuse – To decline an offer, request, or proposal.
He refused to attend the meeting after the disagreement. - Resist – To actively oppose or struggle against something.
The troops resisted the invaders for several days. - Repulse – To repel or drive back.
The enemy’s attack was repulsed by the defending forces. - Resist – To refuse to give in or submit.
She resisted the urge to check her phone during the meeting. - Retaliate – To take revenge or act in response to an attack.
The country retaliated with sanctions after the breach of its borders. - Renounce – To formally reject or give up something.
He renounced his claim to the family inheritance. - Rebuff – To reject or repulse in an ungracious manner.
Her proposal was rebuffed by the board of directors. - Restrain – To hold back or limit someone’s actions.
The officer restrained the suspect during the arrest. - Repel – To force or drive something away.
The shield repelled the arrows during battle. - Rescind – To cancel or reverse a decision.
The company rescinded its earlier offer of employment. - Reprove – To express disapproval or criticism.
He was reproved for his lack of punctuality. - Retreat – To withdraw or pull back from a position.
The soldiers were forced to retreat after the enemy advanced. - Renegade – To act outside of accepted norms or authority.
The renegade soldier deserted his unit in the heat of battle. - Revolt – To rise up in opposition.
The workers revolted after months of poor working conditions. - Refuse – To deny or turn down a request.
They refused to accept the terms of the agreement. - Resist – To oppose actively or stand firm against something.
She resisted all attempts to change her mind. - Rebel – To resist or defy authority.
The students rebelled against the strict school rules. - Retaliate – To seek revenge or payback.
The company retaliated by filing a lawsuit. - Reproach – To express disapproval or disappointment.
He reproached his team for failing to meet their targets.
Verbs of Influence
These verbs describe actions related to affecting, changing, or controlling something or someone.
- Convince – To persuade someone to believe or do something.
She convinced him to join the project with her enthusiasm. - Influence – To have an effect on the behavior or development of something.
Her leadership style influenced many of her colleagues. - Persuade – To induce someone to take action or believe something.
He persuaded his team to adopt the new strategy. - Manipulate – To control or influence something in a way that is often deceitful or unfair.
She manipulated the data to make the results appear more favorable. - Shape – To influence or guide something’s development.
Her vision shaped the direction of the company. - Encourage – To inspire someone to take action or feel confident.
She encouraged him to pursue his dreams, despite the challenges. - Guide – To lead or direct someone or something.
The mentor guided the team through the complex project. - Lead – To direct or show the way.
He led the group through the challenging task. - Sway – To influence someone’s opinion or decision.
His words swayed the voters, leading them to support his campaign. - Inspire – To motivate someone to act or feel a certain way.
Her dedication to the cause inspired others to get involved. - Direct – To manage or oversee something or someone.
He directed the team to focus on meeting the deadlines. - Command – To give authoritative orders or instructions.
The captain commanded his crew to prepare for departure. - Impress – To make a strong impact or impression on someone.
Her speech impressed everyone at the conference. - Encourage – To give someone confidence or hope.
Her kind words encouraged me to keep going. - Motivate – To stimulate someone to take action or perform well.
The coach motivated the team to play harder in the second half. - Instigate – To provoke or start something, often with the intention of causing action.
His speech instigated a change in how the company operates. - Provoke – To cause a reaction or emotion, often intense.
The comment provoked an angry response from the audience. - Entice – To attract someone by offering something appealing.
They enticed customers with discounts and special offers. - Prompt – To encourage or stimulate someone to take action.
The teacher’s question prompted a lively discussion among the students. - Cajole – To persuade someone through flattery or gentle urging.
She cajoled him into helping her with the event planning. - Manipulate – To control or influence someone skillfully or unfairly.
He manipulated the situation to his advantage. - Admonish – To warn or reprimand someone gently.
He admonished the team for their lack of preparation. - Suggest – To put forward an idea or plan for consideration.
He suggested they take a break before continuing the meeting. - Encourage – To offer support or confidence to help someone succeed.
Her encouragement helped me push past my fears. - Instill – To gradually introduce an idea or belief into someone’s mind.
The teacher instilled a love of learning in her students. - Urge – To strongly advise or encourage someone to do something.
He urged his team to focus on quality over quantity. - Coerce – To force or compel someone to do something.
They were coerced into signing the contract under duress. - Propose – To offer or suggest an idea or course of action.
She proposed a new marketing strategy during the meeting. - Impress – To make a strong or favorable effect on someone.
Her performance at the interview truly impressed the hiring manager. - Guide – To show someone the right direction.
He guided the travelers to the best spots in the city.
Verbs of Emotion
These verbs describe actions related to feelings, emotional responses, or mental states.
- Love – To feel deep affection or passion for someone or something.
She loves spending time with her family. - Hate – To feel intense dislike or hostility toward someone or something.
He hated the idea of working on weekends. - Fear – To experience a strong sense of dread or worry.
She feared the worst when the storm approached. - Grieve – To feel sorrow or sadness, especially after a loss.
He grieved the loss of his childhood pet. - Rejoice – To feel great joy or happiness.
They rejoiced in their victory after a long battle. - Adore – To regard with deep affection or admiration.
She adores her little brother and always takes care of him. - Despise – To feel strong contempt or dislike for something or someone.
He despised the unfair treatment of employees. - Suffer – To experience physical or emotional pain.
She suffered from anxiety after the stressful events. - Cherish – To hold dear and appreciate with love.
He cherished every moment spent with his family. - Empathize – To understand and share another person’s feelings.
She empathized with her friend’s struggles and offered support. - Anger – To feel strong displeasure or rage.
He was angry when his efforts were ignored. - Admire – To regard with respect or approval.
I admire her dedication to her work. - Fascinate – To attract and hold someone’s attention in a deep way.
The mysterious story fascinated the audience. - Disgust – To cause strong feelings of dislike or revulsion.
The smell of rotten food disgusted him. - Miss – To feel the absence of someone or something.
She missed her old friends after moving away. - Tolerate – To endure or put up with something, often reluctantly.
She tolerated the noise because she had no choice. - Excite – To make someone feel thrilled or eager.
The news of the concert excited the fans. - Confuse – To cause uncertainty or a lack of clarity.
The complex instructions confused the students. - Worry – To feel anxious or concerned about something.
She worried about the outcome of the test. - Regret – To feel sorrow or disappointment about something.
He regretted not spending more time with his family. - Shock – To cause a sudden feeling of surprise or disbelief.
The announcement shocked the entire community. - Reassure – To comfort or calm someone by offering encouragement.
She reassured him that everything would be okay. - Relieve – To ease or alleviate pain, worry, or stress.
The medication relieved her headache. - Comfort – To offer solace or support during a time of distress.
He comforted his friend after the difficult news. - Disappoint – To cause someone to feel sadness or displeasure.
His actions disappointed his parents deeply. - Bewilder – To cause someone to feel confused or puzzled.
The sudden change in plans bewildered the team. - Astonish – To surprise or amaze someone greatly.
Her performance astonished the judges. - Bore – To make someone feel uninterested or weary.
The lecture bored the students to tears. - Elate – To make someone feel happy and uplifted.
The good news elated the entire group. - Sadden – To make someone feel sorrowful or unhappy.
The movie’s sad ending saddened the audience.
Verbs of Thought
These verbs describe actions related to thinking, reasoning, or reflecting.
- Contemplate – To think about something deeply or seriously.
She contemplated the decision carefully before making it. - Reflect – To think deeply or carefully about something.
He reflected on his actions and felt guilty. - Analyze – To examine something in detail in order to understand it better.
She analyzed the results of the survey to draw conclusions. - Consider – To think about or give thought to something.
They considered all options before making a final decision. - Decide – To make a choice or judgment.
After much thought, she decided to pursue her passion for art. - Speculate – To form a theory or conjecture without firm evidence.
He speculated about the reasons behind the sudden change in behavior. - Imagine – To form a mental picture or idea of something.
She imagined a life full of travel and adventure. - Envision – To picture or visualize something in the mind.
He envisioned a world where everyone lived in harmony. - Deduce – To reach a conclusion through reasoning or logical thinking.
From the clues, he deduced the answer to the mystery. - Conclude – To arrive at a decision or opinion based on evidence.
She concluded that the project was a success. - Ponder – To think about something carefully, especially for a long time.
He pondered the implications of his actions. - Judge – To form an opinion or conclusion about something.
She judged the art competition based on creativity. - Evaluate – To assess or judge the value or quality of something.
The team evaluated the proposal before making a decision. - Determine – To come to a conclusion or decision after consideration.
They determined that the plan was feasible. - Recall – To bring something back to mind or memory.
He recalled the events of the previous day with clarity. - Assume – To take something for granted without proof.
He assumed she would be at the meeting. - Reason – To think logically or rationally.
She reasoned that if they left early, they’d avoid traffic. - Infer – To deduce something from evidence or reasoning.
From the behavior, we inferred that she was upset. - Appraise – To evaluate the quality, significance, or value of something.
The expert appraised the artwork for authenticity. - Dissect – To break down or analyze something in detail.
The professor dissected the argument to highlight flaws. - Guess – To form an opinion or answer without sufficient evidence.
She guessed the answer based on intuition. - Ruminate – To think deeply or repeatedly about something.
He ruminated over the decision for days before acting. - Surmise – To make a guess or assumption based on limited evidence.
She surmised that he would attend the event. - Consider – To think carefully about something before making a decision.
She considered all perspectives before responding. - Think – To engage in the process of reasoning or cognition.
He thought deeply about the issue before speaking. - Understand – To grasp the meaning, significance, or nature of something.
She understood the complexity of the problem after listening to the experts. - Comprehend – To fully understand or grasp something.
He couldn’t comprehend the enormity of the situation. - Focus – To direct attention or effort on something specific.
She focused on the task at hand without distractions. - Visualize – To form a mental image of something.
She visualized herself succeeding in her new role. - Recollect – To remember or recall something from the past.
He recollected the details of the meeting as if it had just happened.
How to Use “R” Verbs Effectively
Now that you have a list of verbs starting with “R,” how can you put them to good use? Here are some actionable tips to make your writing or speaking more impactful.
1. Vary Your Vocabulary
Repeating the same verbs in every sentence can make your language feel monotonous. By adding a few “R” verbs to your vocabulary, you’ll avoid redundancy and keep your communication fresh and engaging.
2. Be Specific
Choosing the right verb for the situation is key to clear and effective communication. For instance, if you want to express someone’s emotional response, instead of just saying “feel,” try using verbs like “rejoice” or “resent,” depending on the sentiment. Specific verbs convey more meaning and add depth to your sentences.
3. Use Strong Verbs for Impact
Strong, action-oriented verbs make your message more vivid. Rather than using passive constructions or weak verbs, go for verbs like “rescue,” “rebuild,” or “revitalize” to bring more life to your language.
A Few More Fun “R” Verbs to Explore
- Ramble: to talk or write in a confused or long-winded manner.
- Rejoice: to celebrate or take great delight in something.
- Ruminate: to think deeply about something.
- Ravage: to cause severe damage or destruction.
These additional verbs will expand your toolkit and help you articulate your thoughts with even greater precision.
Conclusion: Verbs That Start with R
Words are powerful, and the verbs you choose can shape how your message is received. With a wide array of “R” verbs at your disposal, you’re now equipped to express actions, emotions, transformations, and states of mind in a more vivid and engaging way.
Whether you’re writing a novel, crafting a speech, or just chatting with friends, using the right verbs will take your communication to the next level.
So, the next time you need to make an impact, consider reaching for one of these dynamic “R” verbs. Keep experimenting with new words and phrases to find the ones that best convey your thoughts, and remember: powerful communication starts with the right verb!
MCQs: Verbs That Start with R
1. Which of the following verbs describes a mental or cognitive action?
a) Run
b) Think
c) Walk
d) Laugh
Answer: b) Think
2. Which verb would best fit the definition of influencing someone’s opinion?
a) Love
b) Convince
c) Jump
d) Ignore
Answer: b) Convince
3. Which of the following is a verb of perception?
a) Analyze
b) See
c) Lead
d) Inspire
Answer: b) See
4. What verb refers to making someone feel deep affection for someone?
a) Hate
b) Grieve
c) Love
d) Suffer
Answer: c) Love
5. Which of these verbs is associated with physical movement or motion?
a) Fear
b) Run
c) Admire
d) Consider
Answer: b) Run
6. Which verb would you use to describe the act of carefully inspecting something?
a) Reflect
b) Analyze
c) Hear
d) Encourage
Answer: b) Analyze
7. What verb refers to the act of feeling excited or motivated to take action?
a) Coerce
b) Guide
c) Inspire
d) Reassure
Answer: c) Inspire
8. Which of these verbs involves making a choice or forming an opinion?
a) Reflect
b) Judge
c) Run
d) Laugh
Answer: b) Judge
9. Which verb would you choose to describe the process of understanding something deeply or intellectually?
a) Analyze
b) Observe
c) Imagine
d) Admire
Answer: a) Analyze
10. Which of the following is a verb of emotion related to deep sadness or sorrow?
a) Rejoice
b) Grieve
c) Love
d) Enjoy
Answer: b) Grieve
11. Which verb is used when you want to describe persuading someone to take action by offering support or arguments?
a) Persuade
b) Fear
c) Relax
d) Examine
Answer: a) Persuade
12. What verb refers to the act of understanding or grasping something clearly?
a) Perceive
b) Interpret
c) Appreciate
d) Feel
Answer: b) Interpret
13. Which of these verbs relates to the physical action of moving in a particular direction?
a) Watch
b) Walk
c) Love
d) Reflect
Answer: b) Walk
14. Which verb would you use to describe a sudden realization or understanding of something?
a) Recollect
b) Assume
c) Realize
d) Fear
Answer: c) Realize
15. Which of the following verbs expresses the action of considering something with care before deciding?
a) Analyze
b) Imagine
c) Ponder
d) Jump
Answer: c) Ponder
16. Which verb describes the act of feeling strong dislike or contempt toward someone or something?
a) Admire
b) Despise
c) Grieve
d) Love
Answer: b) Despise
17. Which verb best describes the act of feeling excitement or enthusiasm about something?
a) Reassure
b) Rejoice
c) Analyze
d) Sway
Answer: b) Rejoice
18. What verb would you use to describe gently encouraging someone to take action?
a) Sway
b) Urge
c) Force
d) Discourage
Answer: b) Urge
19. Which verb describes the act of changing or transforming into a new state?
a) Suffer
b) Grieve
c) Adapt
d) Reflect
Answer: c) Adapt
20. What verb refers to making someone feel sorrow or regret?
a) Disgust
b) Sadden
c) Rejoice
d) Inspire
Answer: b) Sadden
21. Which verb is used to describe the action of moving or progressing from one place to another?
a) Bounce
b) Travel
c) Sing
d) Wander
Answer: b) Travel
22. Which verb describes experiencing a feeling of excitement about an achievement or event?
a) Comfort
b) Rejoice
c) Dread
d) Dislike
Answer: b) Rejoice
23. Which of the following verbs best describes the act of touching something physically to understand it?
a) Feel
b) Admire
c) See
d) Think
Answer: a) Feel
24. What verb would you use to describe the act of thinking deeply about something?
a) Ponder
b) Walk
c) Laugh
d) Fear
Answer: a) Ponder
25. Which verb describes the mental process of making conclusions or decisions after considering options?
a) Decide
b) Reflect
c) Guide
d) Urge
Answer: a) Decide
26. Which verb refers to the act of forcing someone to do something against their will?
a) Coerce
b) Convince
c) Encourage
d) Help
Answer: a) Coerce
27. Which verb would you use to describe a quick look at something, typically without much attention?
a) Glance
b) See
c) Analyze
d) Reflect
Answer: a) Glance
28. What verb refers to examining something carefully in order to make a judgment or decision?
a) Evaluate
b) Judge
c) Guess
d) Ignore
Answer: a) Evaluate
29. Which verb is best used to describe the action of understanding someone else’s emotional situation?
a) Hear
b) Dissect
c) Empathize
d) Comfort
Answer: c) Empathize
30. Which verb describes the process of forming an opinion or conclusion without sufficient evidence?
a) Guess
b) Judge
c) Reflect
d) Reassure
Answer: a) Guess
31. Which verb would best describe the process of considering all possibilities before making a decision?
a) Reflect
b) Evaluate
c) Analyze
d) Ponder
Answer: d) Ponder
32. What verb refers to forming a mental image or concept of something not present or visible?
a) Perceive
b) Imagine
c) Reflect
d) Fear
Answer: b) Imagine
33. Which verb describes the act of taking action or making progress after a decision is made?
a) Act
b) Rejoice
c) Grieve
d) Fear
Answer: a) Act
34. What verb describes the act of looking at something with interest or appreciation?
a) Admire
b) Fear
c) Wander
d) Ignore
Answer: a) Admire
35. Which verb is best used to describe becoming aware of something or noticing it for the first time?
a) See
b) Listen
c) Perceive
d) Ignore
Answer: c) Perceive
36. Which verb refers to creating a mental picture of something in your mind?
a) Think
b) Imagine
c) Judge
d) Hear
Answer: b) Imagine
37. What verb best describes causing a feeling of intense sadness or disappointment?
a) Rejoice
b) Sadden
c) Convince
d) Fear
Answer: b) Sadden
38. Which verb would you use to describe taking action based on reasoning or logic?
a) Judge
b) Reason
c) Feel
d) Sway
Answer: b) Reason
39. Which verb refers to trying to understand the meaning or nature of something?
a) Ponder
b) Analyze
c) Dissect
d) Reflect
Answer: b) Analyze
40. Which verb describes a deep or reflective thought, especially about something significant?
a) Evaluate
b) Reflect
c) Judge
d) Act
Answer: b) Reflect
41. Which verb refers to forming an assumption or hypothesis based on incomplete information?
a) Speculate
b) Analyze
c) Reflect
d) Observe
Answer: a) Speculate
42. Which verb describes the act of providing insight or knowledge into a topic?
a) Teach
b) Inform
c) Educate
d) Explain
Answer: b) Inform
43. Which verb would best describe the act of experiencing joy or happiness?
a) Sadden
b) Rejoice
c) Grieve
d) Reflect
Answer: b) Rejoice
44. Which of the following verbs describes a mental effort to connect related ideas?
a) Judge
b) Reason
c) Analyze
d) Imagine
Answer: b) Reason
45. Which verb refers to the action of forming an opinion or decision about something?
a) Conclude
b) Ponder
c) Imagine
d) Reflect
Answer: a) Conclude
46. What verb is used when you want to describe the act of becoming aware of something emotionally or intellectually?
a) Feel
b) Recognize
c) Think
d) Judge
Answer: b) Recognize
47. Which verb refers to the act of creating something from scratch or developing a new idea?
a) Develop
b) Build
c) Create
d) Imagine
Answer: c) Create
48. Which verb best describes moving without a clear destination or purpose?
a) Wander
b) Walk
c) Travel
d) Run
Answer: a) Wander
49. What verb describes the act of explaining something in a detailed and clear manner?
a) Describe
b) Teach
c) Explain
d) Analyze
Answer: c) Explain
50. Which verb refers to the mental process of identifying or recognizing something as a fact or reality?
a) Understand
b) Realize
c) Assume
d) Evaluate
Answer: b) Realize
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Shannon G. Johnson is a passionate writer and grammar expert, specializing in adjectives, verbs, and nouns. Through her blog, she simplifies complex grammar concepts, offering practical tips and clear explanations to help readers enhance their language skills. Shannon’s work is an invaluable resource for grammar learners of all levels.