This list brings together 94 verbs, starting with “Gain” and ending with “Gyrate.” They cover a wide range of everyday actions, from physical movements like galloping and gliding to mental processes like grasping an idea or gauging a reaction. You’ll find verbs used in cooking, sports, emotions, business, and casual conversation, making this a handy reference whenever you need the right word for a specific action.

Verbs are the words that show action, occurrence, or a state of being in a sentence, giving language its sense of movement and change. Many verbs on this list, such as “gild” and “gird,” come from Old English roots tied to medieval craftsmanship and preparation for battle. Others, like “google,” show how language keeps evolving, turning a brand name into an everyday action word.

Below you’ll find the table with the word, tense forms, definition, example usage, and description for each verb.

Word: the verb itself, listed alphabetically so you can quickly scan or search for the exact one you’re looking for.

Tense Forms: shows the base form, past tense, and past participle together, helping you use the verb correctly in any sentence.

Definition: gives you a short, clear explanation of what the verb means, so you understand it at a glance.

Example Usage: shows the verb used in a natural sentence, giving you a real-world sense of how and when to use it.

Description: offers extra context or nuance about the verb, including related meanings or common situations where it applies.

Verbs

WordTense FormsDefinitionExample Usage
Gaingain / gained / gainedTo obtain or acquire something, especially graduallyShe began to gain confidence after her first presentation.
Gallopgallop / galloped / gallopedTo run at a horse’s fastest paceThe horses galloped across the open field.
Gamblegamble / gambled / gambledTo bet money or take a risky chanceHe gambled his savings on a single hand of poker.
Garblegarble / garbled / garbledTo distort or confuse a messageThe radio signal garbled his last words.
Garnishgarnish / garnished / garnishedTo decorate food, or legally withhold wagesGarnish the soup with fresh parsley before serving.
Gaspgasp / gasped / gaspedTo catch one’s breath suddenly, often from shockThe crowd gasped when the magician vanished.
Gathergather / gathered / gatheredTo bring together or collectThey gathered around the campfire to tell stories.
Gaugegauge / gauged / gaugedTo measure or estimate somethingThe teacher tried to gauge the students’ understanding.
Gazegaze / gazed / gazedTo look steadily and intentlyShe gazed at the stars for hours.
Geargear / geared / gearedTo prepare or equip for a purposeThe team geared up for the championship game.
Generalizegeneralize / generalized / generalizedTo draw a broad conclusion from limited examplesYou can’t generalize about a whole country from one visit.
Generategenerate / generated / generatedTo produce or create somethingSolar panels generate electricity from sunlight.
Germinategerminate / germinated / germinatedTo begin to grow, as a seed doesThe seeds germinated after a week of watering.
Gesticulategesticulate / gesticulated / gesticulatedTo make expressive hand or arm movementsHe gesticulated wildly while telling the story.
Gesturegesture / gestured / gesturedTo make a movement to express meaningShe gestured toward the door, signaling him to leave.
Getget / got / gotten (got)To obtain, receive, or becomeHe got a new job last week.
Gigglegiggle / giggled / giggledTo laugh in a light, nervous, or silly wayThe kids giggled at the funny cartoon.
Gildgild / gilded (gilt) / gilded (gilt)To cover something with a thin layer of goldCraftsmen gilded the frame with real gold leaf.
Girdgird / girded (girt) / girded (girt)To prepare oneself for something difficultThe team girded themselves for a tough negotiation.
Givegive / gave / givenTo hand over or provide something to someoneShe gave her friend a birthday present.
Gladdengladden / gladdened / gladdenedTo make someone feel happyThe good news gladdened everyone in the office.
Glamorizeglamorize / glamorized / glamorizedTo make something seem more exciting than it really isMovies often glamorize dangerous jobs.
Glanceglance / glanced / glancedTo take a quick lookHe glanced at his watch during the meeting.
Glareglare / glared / glaredTo stare angrily, or shine with a harsh lightShe glared at him after his rude comment.
Glazeglaze / glazed / glazedTo cover with a smooth, shiny coatingThe baker glazed the donuts with sugar icing.
Gleamgleam / gleamed / gleamedTo shine brightly, often brieflyThe polished silver gleamed under the lights.
Gleanglean / gleaned / gleanedTo gather information gradually and with effortResearchers gleaned new insights from the old records.
Glideglide / glided / glidedTo move smoothly and effortlesslyThe skater glided gracefully across the ice.
Glimmerglimmer / glimmered / glimmeredTo shine with a faint, unsteady lightCandlelight glimmered through the window.
Glimpseglimpse / glimpsed / glimpsedTo see something briefly or partiallyTourists glimpsed the mountain through the clouds.
Glistenglisten / glistened / glistenedTo shine with a wet or moist sheenDew glistened on the morning grass.
Glitterglitter / glittered / glitteredTo sparkle with small flashes of lightThe city lights glittered below the plane.
Gloatgloat / gloated / gloatedTo show smug satisfaction about one’s successHe gloated over his rival’s defeat.
Glossgloss / glossed / glossedTo give a shiny finish, or to skim over a topicThe report glossed over the project’s failures.
Glorifyglorify / glorified / glorifiedTo praise highly or make something seem more impressiveThe film was accused of glorifying violence.
Glowglow / glowed / glowedTo give off a steady, soft light or warmthHer cheeks glowed after the long run.
Glueglue / glued / gluedTo stick something together with adhesiveHe glued the broken vase back together.
Glutglut / glutted / gluttedTo supply or fill with far more than is neededCheap imports glutted the local market.
Gnashgnash / gnashed / gnashedTo grind the teeth together, usually in angerHe gnashed his teeth in frustration.
Gnawgnaw / gnawed / gnawed (gnawn)To bite or chew persistentlyThe dog gnawed on its bone for hours.
Gogo / went / goneTo move or travel from one place to anotherThey went to the beach for the weekend.
Goadgoad / goaded / goadedTo provoke someone into doing somethingHis friends goaded him into trying the spicy wings.
Gobblegobble / gobbled / gobbledTo eat quickly and greedilyThe kids gobbled up their lunch before recess.
Gogglegoggle / goggled / goggledTo stare with wide eyes in amazementVisitors goggled at the size of the waterfall.
Googlegoogle / googled / googledTo search for information using the Google search engineShe googled the restaurant’s opening hours.
Goofgoof / goofed / goofedTo make a silly mistake, or to fool aroundHe goofed on the final exam question.
Goregore / gored / goredTo pierce with a horn or tuskThe bull gored the matador’s cape.
Gorgegorge / gorged / gorgedTo eat greedily until completely fullThey gorged themselves on pizza at the party.
Gossipgossip / gossiped / gossipedTo talk about others’ private affairsThe neighbors gossiped about the new couple.
Gougegouge / gouged / gougedTo cut or scoop out roughlyThe chisel gouged a deep groove in the wood.
Governgovern / governed / governedTo rule or control a country or organizationThe council governs the small town.
Grabgrab / grabbed / grabbedTo take hold of something suddenlyShe grabbed her umbrella before running outside.
Gracegrace / graced / gracedTo honor or add elegance to somethingCelebrities graced the red carpet that evening.
Gradegrade / graded / gradedTo assign a rank or score based on qualityThe teacher graded the essays over the weekend.
Graduategraduate / graduated / graduatedTo complete a course of study successfullyShe graduated from college last spring.
Graftgraft / grafted / graftedTo join plant tissue, or to work hardGardeners grafted a new branch onto the old tree.
Grantgrant / granted / grantedTo formally give or allow somethingThe judge granted the request for a delay.
Granulategranulate / granulated / granulatedTo form into small grains or particlesSugar is granulated during processing.
Graphgraph / graphed / graphedTo plot data visually on a chartStudents graphed the temperature changes over a week.
Grapplegrapple / grappled / grappledTo struggle to deal with something difficultThe company grappled with rising costs.
Graspgrasp / grasped / graspedTo take hold firmly, or to understand fullyIt took a while for her to grasp the concept.
Grategrate / grated / gratedTo shred food into small pieces, or to irritateHe grated the cheese for the pasta.
Gratifygratify / gratified / gratifiedTo please or satisfy someoneThe award gratified years of hard work.
Gravitategravitate / gravitated / gravitatedTo be drawn toward something naturallyNew students gravitated toward the music club.
Grazegraze / grazed / grazedTo feed on grass, or to scrape the skin lightlyCows grazed peacefully in the meadow.
Greasegrease / greased / greasedTo lubricate or coat with fat or oilMechanics greased the bike chain before the race.
Greetgreet / greeted / greetedTo welcome someone with a friendly gestureShe greeted her guests with a warm smile.
Grievegrieve / grieved / grievedTo feel deep sorrow, especially over a lossThe family grieved for months after the loss.
Grillgrill / grilled / grilledTo cook over direct heat, or to question intenselyThey grilled burgers in the backyard.
Grimacegrimace / grimaced / grimacedTo twist the face in pain or disgustHe grimaced after tasting the sour candy.
Gringrin / grinned / grinnedTo smile broadlyShe grinned from ear to ear at the surprise party.
Grindgrind / ground / groundTo crush into small pieces through frictionShe ground the coffee beans fresh each morning.
Gripgrip / gripped / grippedTo hold tightlyHe gripped the steering wheel during the storm.
Gripegripe / griped / gripedTo complain persistently about something minorEmployees griped about the new parking policy.
Groangroan / groaned / groanedTo make a low sound of pain or displeasureThe audience groaned at the terrible pun.
Groomgroom / groomed / groomedTo clean and maintain appearance, or to prepare someoneShe groomed the horse before the show.
Gropegrope / groped / gropedTo feel around blindly for somethingHe groped for the light switch in the dark.
Groundground / grounded / groundedTo prevent from flying, or to base something firmlyThe storm grounded all flights at the airport.
Groupgroup / grouped / groupedTo arrange into a set or categoryThe teacher grouped students by skill level.
Grovelgrovel / groveled (grovelled) / groveled (grovelled)To behave with excessive humility, often to gain favorHe groveled for forgiveness after the mistake.
Growgrow / grew / grownTo increase in size or develop over timeThe company grew rapidly over five years.
Growlgrowl / growled / growledTo make a low, threatening soundThe dog growled at the stranger.
Grumblegrumble / grumbled / grumbledTo complain in a low, discontented toneStaff grumbled about the long hours.
Gruntgrunt / grunted / gruntedTo make a short, low, gruff soundHe grunted in response instead of answering.
Guaranteeguarantee / guaranteed / guaranteedTo promise that something will happen or be trueThe store guarantees a full refund.
Guardguard / guarded / guardedTo protect or watch over somethingSoldiers guarded the entrance all night.
Guessguess / guessed / guessedTo estimate an answer without certain knowledgeShe guessed the number of jellybeans in the jar.
Guideguide / guided / guidedTo lead or direct someoneThe ranger guided tourists through the forest.
Gulpgulp / gulped / gulpedTo swallow quickly and often noisilyHe gulped his coffee before rushing out the door.
Gumgum / gummed / gummedTo stick or clog with a sticky substanceOld tape gummed up the printer’s rollers.
Gungun / gunned / gunnedTo accelerate suddenly, or to shootHe gunned the engine as the light turned green.
Gushgush / gushed / gushedTo flow out suddenly and abundantlyWater gushed from the broken pipe.
Gutgut / gutted / guttedTo remove the internal organs, or destroy the inside of somethingThe fire gutted the old warehouse.
Gyrategyrate / gyrated / gyratedTo move in a circular or spiral motionThe dancers gyrated to the upbeat music.

Descriptions

Gain
To gain something means to get more of it over time, like skill, weight, or an advantage.
Gallop
Galloping is the fastest gait of a horse, with all four legs briefly off the ground at once.
Gamble
To gamble is to risk something valuable, usually money, on an uncertain outcome.
Garble
Garbling means mixing up or scrambling a message so it becomes unclear or hard to understand.
Garnish
In cooking, garnishing means adding a small decorative touch to a dish; it can also mean legally deducting money from wages.
Gasp
A gasp is a short, sharp intake of breath caused by surprise, pain, or breathlessness.
Gather
Gathering means collecting people or things into one place, or gradually assembling information.
Gauge
To gauge something is to judge or measure it, often using instinct rather than an exact tool.
Gaze
A gaze is a long, fixed look, often expressing wonder, curiosity, or deep thought.
Gear
To gear something is to adjust or prepare it so it’s suited for a particular task or outcome.
Generalize
Generalizing means forming a broad statement or rule based on a smaller set of examples.
Generate
To generate is to produce something, whether it’s energy, ideas, or income.
Germinate
Germination is the process by which a seed sprouts and begins developing into a plant.
Gesticulate
Gesticulating is using energetic hand and arm gestures to emphasize what you’re saying.
Gesture
A gesture is a movement of the body, especially the hands, used to communicate a feeling or instruction.
Get
One of English’s most versatile verbs, “get” broadly means to obtain, receive, understand, or become something.
Giggle
A giggle is a short burst of light, often uncontrollable laughter, common in children.
Gild
Gilding is the technique of coating an object’s surface in gold to make it look valuable and shine.
Gird
To gird oneself means to mentally or physically brace for a challenge, originally meaning to fasten a belt.
Give
Giving means transferring something you have to someone else, whether it’s an object, help, or information.
Gladden
To gladden someone is to bring them joy or make them feel pleased.
Glamorize
Glamorizing means presenting something in an appealing or exciting light, sometimes hiding its downsides.
Glance
A glance is a brief, quick look at something rather than a sustained stare.
Glare
A glare is either an angry, piercing look or an intensely bright and unpleasant light.
Glaze
Glazing means applying a thin, glossy coating to food, pottery, or glass.
Gleam
A gleam is a brief flash or soft glow of light reflecting off a surface.
Glean
To glean is to slowly collect facts or details, often from scattered or incomplete sources.
Glide
Gliding describes smooth, continuous movement, often without visible effort, as with skating or flying.
Glimmer
A glimmer is a weak, flickering light, often used to describe faint hope or a small trace of something.
Glimpse
A glimpse is a very short, incomplete look at something, often by chance.
Glisten
Glistening describes the sparkling shine of something wet, like rain, sweat, or dew catching the light.
Glitter
Glittering means sparkling with many small points of reflected light.
Gloat
Gloating is openly and often annoyingly enjoying your own success or someone else’s failure.
Gloss
Glossing can mean adding shine to a surface or briefly, and often deliberately, skipping past a difficult subject.
Glorify
To glorify something is to praise it excessively or present it as more admirable than it truly is.
Glow
A glow is a soft, steady light or a warm radiant look, often linked with health or happiness.
Glue
Gluing means joining materials together using a sticky adhesive substance.
Glut
To glut a market or system means to flood it with an oversupply of something.
Gnash
Gnashing the teeth is grinding them together, typically as a sign of anger or pain.
Gnaw
Gnawing is repeated biting or chewing, often used literally for animals or figuratively for nagging worry.
Go
One of the most basic English verbs, “go” means to move toward, proceed, or leave a place.
Goad
To goad someone is to push or provoke them into action, often through teasing or pressure.
Gobble
Gobbling means eating fast and hungrily, often without much chewing.
Goggle
Goggling is staring with wide-open eyes, usually out of surprise or disbelief.
Google
“To google” has become shorthand for searching for information online, named after the search engine.
Goof
To goof means to make a careless error or to behave playfully and foolishly.
Gore
Goring is when an animal wounds something by stabbing it with a horn or tusk.
Gorge
To gorge is to eat a large amount of food quickly, often past the point of comfort.
Gossip
Gossiping means casually sharing rumors or personal details about other people, often unverified.
Gouge
Gouging means cutting or scooping material out forcefully, or figuratively overcharging someone.
Govern
To govern is to officially control and make decisions for a country, region, or organization.
Grab
Grabbing means seizing something quickly and often firmly with the hand.
Grace
To grace an event is to bring elegance or honor to it simply by being present.
Grade
Grading means evaluating and assigning a level, score, or quality rating to something.
Graduate
To graduate means to finish a degree or program and formally receive a diploma.
Graft
Grafting is joining a piece of one plant onto another so they grow together; it also means unethical use of a position for personal gain.
Grant
To grant something is to officially agree to give or allow it.
Granulate
Granulating means breaking or forming a substance into small, grain-like pieces.
Graph
To graph information is to represent it visually using lines, points, or bars on a chart.
Grapple
Grappling means wrestling physically with someone or struggling mentally with a tough problem.
Grasp
To grasp something means to hold it firmly, or figuratively, to fully understand an idea.
Grate
Grating means shredding food using a rough tool, or figuratively causing annoyance, like a grating sound.
Gratify
To gratify someone is to give them pleasure or satisfaction, often by fulfilling a desire.
Gravitate
Gravitating means being naturally attracted or drawn toward a particular person, place, or interest.
Graze
Grazing describes animals eating grass in a field, or lightly scraping the surface of the skin.
Grease
Greasing means applying oil or fat to something to reduce friction and keep it working smoothly.
Greet
Greeting is the act of welcoming someone, often with words, a smile, or a handshake.
Grieve
Grieving is the process of feeling and expressing deep sadness, usually after someone’s death.
Grill
Grilling means cooking food over an open flame, or informally, questioning someone persistently and firmly.
Grimace
A grimace is a facial expression showing pain, disgust, or discomfort.
Grin
A grin is a wide, often toothy smile that shows amusement or delight.
Grind
Grinding means crushing something, like grain or coffee, into powder using pressure and friction.
Grip
A grip is a firm, tight hold on something with the hand.
Gripe
Griping means grumbling or complaining, usually about small, everyday annoyances.
Groan
A groan is a deep, low sound expressing pain, disappointment, or frustration.
Groom
Grooming means cleaning and caring for appearance, whether of an animal’s coat or a person’s presentation, or preparing someone for a role.
Grope
Groping means feeling around uncertainly, usually with the hands, when you can’t see clearly.
Ground
To ground something means to keep it from leaving the ground, like a plane, or to firmly base an idea in fact.
Group
Grouping means organizing people or items together based on shared characteristics.
Grovel
Groveling means acting in an overly humble or submissive way, often to apologize or win someone’s approval.
Grow
Growing means increasing in size, number, or maturity, whether for a plant, a person, or a business.
Growl
A growl is a deep, guttural sound made by animals, or sometimes people, to express hostility.
Grumble
Grumbling is quietly and persistently complaining in a low, dissatisfied tone.
Grunt
A grunt is a brief, gruff sound made instead of speaking, often showing effort or disinterest.
Guarantee
To guarantee something is to promise firmly that it will happen or meet a certain standard.
Guard
Guarding means protecting a person, place, or object from harm or danger.
Guess
Guessing means giving an answer or opinion without being sure it’s correct.
Guide
Guiding means showing someone the way or helping direct their actions or decisions.
Gulp
A gulp is a large, quick swallow, often done in a hurry.
Gum
Gumming means clogging or sticking something together with a sticky residue.
Gun
To gun an engine means to rev it hard and suddenly; it can also mean to shoot someone with a firearm.
Gush
Gushing describes liquid flowing out forcefully and in large amounts, or talking about something with excessive enthusiasm.
Gut
Gutting means removing the inside of something, like an animal’s organs or a building’s interior, often leaving just the shell.
Gyrate
Gyrating means rotating or spinning around in a circular motion, often used to describe dancing.
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