Unlock the power of “o” verbs to enhance your writing skills and vocabulary.
Explore a comprehensive list of verbs starting with “o,” organized into thematic categories.
From “obey” to “offer” and “obtain” to “offend,” discover the nuances and applications of each verb, expanding your expressive range and making your writing more engaging and impactful.
| Root | Past | Past Participle | Meaning |
|---|---|---|---|
| Oblige | Obliged | Obliged | To require or compel someone to do something. |
| Obstruct | Obstructed | Obstructed | To block or hinder someone or something from doing something. |
| Obtain | Obtained | Obtained | To get or receive something. |
| Occupy | Occupied | Occupied | To take up space or time. |
| Offer | Offered | Offered | To present something to someone for their acceptance or refusal. |
| Open | Opened | Opened | To make or become accessible, visible, or usable. |
| Operate | Operated | Operated | To cause or allow (a machine, system, or process) to function. |
| Oppose | Opposed | Opposed | To resist or counteract something. |
| Optimize | Optimized | Optimized | To make the best or most effective use of something. |
| Order | Ordered | Ordered | To give a command or instruction. |
Obedient
Obey
Obey: Submit to the commands or wishes of another, often a superior or authority figure.
Compliance and obedience are essential for maintaining order and structure within societies and organizations.
Oblige
Oblige, a verb, carries a sense of duty or constraint. When you oblige, you comply with a request or demand out of a feeling of necessity, rather than personal desire.
It often involves fulfilling an expectation or meeting an obligation.
Observe
Observe:
- Take in information through sight, hearing, or other senses.
- Watch attentively in order to gain knowledge or understanding.
- Examine closely or study carefully.
Obtain
Obtain: To gain possession of something through one’s efforts or actions. This could involve acquiring an object, skill, or piece of information.
Offer
Offer: bestow, advance, contribute, present, tender
Officiate
Officiate: To formally conduct a ceremony or proceeding, often in a religious or legal context. The officiant plays a crucial role in solemnizing marriages, leading religious services, and administering oaths.
Operate
Operate machinery, businesses, or systems efficiently.
Perform surgeries or medical procedures with skill and precision.
Orchestrate events or plans with meticulous attention to detail.
Opt
Opt, a verb meaning to choose or select, often implies a preference or decision.
It can be used in various contexts, such as opting for a healthier lifestyle or opting out of a particular service.
Occupy
Occupy
Occupy, a verb meaning to take possession of a place or thing, carries a sense of force or authority. Whether claiming territory, seizing control, or assuming a role, occupy suggests a deliberate and assertive action.
Occur
Occur: To take place; happen.
To come into being; arise.
To be found or present.
To come before the mind; appear.
Offend
Offend: Cause someone to feel upset, angry, or insulted.
Synonyms: Annoy, Irk, Provoke
Offer
Offer: Present something for someone’s acceptance or rejection, propose a deal or suggestion, volunteer oneself or one’s services.
Ogle
Ogle, a verb meaning to look at someone or something with great attention or admiration, often implies a prolonged or intense gaze.
It can be used in various contexts, from casual observation to artistic appreciation or even romantic interest.
Omit
Omit, a verb starting with ‘o’, means to leave out, exclude, or disregard something intentionally. It implies deliberate omission or exclusion of a person, thing, or information.
Open
Open doors to new opportunities. Open windows to let in fresh air.
Open your heart to love and kindness.
Open your mind to new ideas.
Operate
Operate:
- Control and manage the functioning of a machine, organization, or system.
- Perform surgery or medical treatment.
- Function or work effectively.
Obtain
Obtain
Obtain:
- Acquire or gain possession of something through effort or action.
- Reach or attain something with difficulty or effort.
- Get hold of something that is desired or necessary.
Occupy
Occupy: Take possession of a place or position by force, often in protest.
Examples: Occupy Wall Street, Occupy the Capitol.
Occur
Occur:
- To come into being or existence.
- Take place or happen.
- Be found or discovered.
Offend
Offend: To cause someone to feel insulted or upset, often unintentionally.
Actions or words can be offensive, and the degree of offense can vary depending on the individual’s perspective.
Avoiding offensive behavior is crucial for maintaining positive relationships.
Offer
- Offer something valuable, such as a product or service.
- Present something for consideration or acceptance.
- Propose a plan or idea for approval.
- Voluntarily give something to someone.
Ogle
Ogle: Observe intently, often with admiration or curiosity. Gaze at something or someone with great interest or admiration.
Take in the details of something with rapt attention.
Omit
Omit: Exclude or leave out something intentionally, especially from a list or document.
Open
Open wide the gates of opportunity, unveil hidden secrets, and embrace new beginnings.
Allow yourself to be receptive to fresh perspectives, and embark on a journey of discovery and exploration.
Offend
Offend
Offend: cause someone to feel upset, disappointed, or angry. Synonyms: annoy, affront, insult, displease, irk, provoke, nettle, rile, incense, outrage.
Offer
Offer what you can, when you can, as you can.
It’s not about the size of the offering but the spirit in which it is given.
Offers can be material, emotional, or simply a listening ear.
Be open to giving and receiving offerings, for in this exchange, we find connection and meaning.
Ogle
Ogle, a verb denoting a prolonged and often intrusive stare, is often used to convey a sense of curiosity, admiration, or even lust.
Its intrusive nature can make it unwelcome, sometimes causing discomfort or offense to the object of the gaze.
Omit
Omit: Exclude, leave out, or fail to include something intentionally or unintentionally. Often used in formal or technical contexts to convey the idea of deliberate exclusion or omission.
Open
Offend, Obey, Opt, Observe, Occupy, Open
Operate
Operate:
- Run or control (a machine, system, or business.
- Function or work effectively.
- Carry out a surgical procedure or medical treatment.
Opt
- Opt: Select, Choose
- Exclude, Decide against
- Prefer, Favor
- Exercise an option
Ordain
Ordain: bestow holy orders upon a person, officially authorize, or decree.
Often used in religious or legal contexts to confer authority or legitimacy.
Offer
Offer
Offer opportunities, options, and outstanding choices. Open doors to exceptional experiences and optimal solutions.
Orchestrate events, outings, and unforgettable occasions.
Organize activities, adventures, and outdoor escapes.
Ogle
Ogle, a verb, means to look at something or someone with great attention or curiosity. It implies a prolonged and intense gaze, often with an underlying desire to understand or assess the subject of observation.
Omit
Omit:
- Exclude or leave out intentionally.
- Fail to include or mention.
- Disregard or ignore.
Open
Open wide your eyes and embrace opportunities. Open the door to new experiences and let your heart overflow with joy.
Open your mind to knowledge and let your soul soar.
Open your arms to love and let it fill your world with warmth.
Operate
Operate: Execute or carry out a plan or procedure.
Manage or control the functioning of a system or organization.
Perform a surgical procedure.
Function or work in a particular way.
Opt
Opt presents an array of actions performed with ease and precision. Observe, organize, and overcome obstacles, while opting for opportunities and optimizing outcomes.
Ordain
Ordain, a commanding verb, carries divine authority.
It formally appoints individuals to religious or official positions, bestowing upon them the power and responsibility to serve as leaders and guides within their respective communities.
Organize
- Order items into a specific arrangement.
- Arrange items in a systematic or logical manner.
- Coordinate and manage tasks or resources.
- Put things in proper or suitable places.
- Systematize or structure something.
Final Verdict
In the realm of words starting with “O,” a plethora of verbs unfurl, each carrying its unique essence.
From the dutiful obedience, observation, and offering to the intricate occupations, occurrences, and offenses, these verbs paint a vibrant tapestry of human actions and interactions.
They occupy spaces, obtain objects, and open doors to new possibilities.
Whether offending or opting, omitting or operating, these verbs orchestrate the symphony of life’s experiences.
As we navigate the world, these verbal tools empower us to engage, explore, and evolve.
