This list brings together 99 verbs, running from “Label” all the way to “Lynch.” You’ll find a wide mix here, from everyday action words like “listen” and “load” to more specialized terms like “liquidate” and “legislate.” Some describe simple physical movements, others cover emotions, business dealings, or legal matters, and many carry more than one meaning depending on how they’re used in a sentence.

Verbs are the words that show action, occurrence, or a state of being, and they form the backbone of every sentence you write or speak. English verbs often shift meaning based on context, which is why a word like “lie” can mean resting flat or telling an untruth depending on which form you use. Many verbs on this list, such as “loot” and “lynch,” even carry weight tied to real historical events.

Below you’ll find the table with Verb, Tense Forms (Past, Past Participle), Definition, Example Usage, and Description.

Verb: the base word itself, shown in its plain present-tense form so you can quickly scan and find the one you need.

Tense Forms (Past, Past Participle): the past and past participle forms of each verb, useful when you’re writing in different tenses or checking irregular conjugations.

Definition: a short, clear explanation of what the verb means, helping you understand its core sense before you use it.

Example Usage: a sample sentence showing the verb in action, giving you a practical reference for how it fits naturally into speech or writing.

Description: extra context on how and where the verb is commonly used, including any secondary meanings or notable associations worth knowing.

Verbs

VerbTense Forms (Past, Past Participle)DefinitionExample Usage
Labellabeled, labeledTo attach a name, category, or descriptive tag to somethingShe labeled each jar with its contents.
Laborlabored, laboredTo work hard, especially with physical effortHe labored for hours in the garden.
Lacelaced, lacedTo fasten with a lace, or to add a small amount of something to a mixtureShe laced up her boots before the hike.
Laceratelacerated, laceratedTo deeply cut or tear fleshThe branch lacerated his arm as he fell.
Laglagged, laggedTo fail to keep pace or fall behindThe team lagged behind the leaders in the final lap.
Lamentlamented, lamentedTo express grief, sorrow, or regret about somethingShe lamented the loss of her childhood home.
Laminatelaminated, laminatedTo cover a surface with a thin protective layerThe teacher laminated the classroom posters.
Lampoonlampooned, lampoonedTo publicly mock or satirize someone or somethingThe comedian lampooned the politician’s recent scandal.
Landlanded, landedTo come down to the ground or a surface after being in the air or in transitThe plane landed safely despite the storm.
Landscapelandscaped, landscapedTo improve or arrange the features of a piece of land for aesthetic effectThey landscaped the backyard with native plants.
Languishlanguished, languishedTo lose strength or vitality, or to remain in a state of neglectThe project languished for years without funding.
Laplapped, lappedTo drink by scooping with the tongue, or to overtake a competitor by a full circuitThe cat lapped up the milk from its bowl.
Lapselapsed, lapsedTo gradually fail, expire, or fall back into a previous stateHis gym membership lapsed after he stopped paying.
Lashlashed, lashedTo strike violently, or to tie tightly with rope or cordThe sailors lashed the cargo to the deck.
Lassolassoed, lassoedTo catch an animal using a looped ropeThe cowboy lassoed the runaway calf.
Lastlasted, lastedTo continue existing or occurring for a period of timeThe meeting lasted almost two hours.
Latchlatched, latchedTo fasten with a latch, or to become firmly attached to an ideaThe gate latched shut behind them.
Latherlathered, latheredTo form or apply a foam, typically from soapHe lathered his face before shaving.
Laudlauded, laudedTo praise highly, especially in a public wayCritics lauded the film’s stunning cinematography.
Laughlaughed, laughedTo make sounds and facial expressions showing amusementThe children laughed at the clown’s antics.
Launchlaunched, launchedTo send forth, start, or set into motionThe company launched its new product last week.
Launderlaundered, launderedTo wash clothes or linens, or to disguise the origins of illegally obtained moneyShe laundered the towels before the guests arrived.
Laylaid, laidTo place something down carefully in a flat positionHe laid the blanket on the grass.
Leadled, ledTo guide or direct a person, group, or activityShe led the team to victory in the finals.
Leakleaked, leakedTo escape or let a substance escape through a small opening, or to release secret informationThe pipe leaked water onto the kitchen floor.
Leanleaned, leanedTo bend or slant from an upright position, or to rely on something for supportHe leaned against the wall while waiting.
Leapleaped, leapedTo jump a long distance, high, or with great forceThe dancer leaped gracefully across the stage.
Learnlearned, learnedTo gain knowledge or skill through study, experience, or teachingShe learned to play the piano as a child.
Leaseleased, leasedTo grant or obtain use of property or equipment for a fixed rentThey leased an apartment near downtown.
Leashleashed, leashedTo restrain an animal or control something with a leash-like tieShe leashed the dog before entering the park.
Leaveleft, leftTo go away from a place, or to allow something to remainHe left the office at six o’clock.
Lecturelectured, lecturedTo give an educational talk, or to scold someone at lengthThe professor lectured on ancient Roman history.
Leechleeched, leechedTo drain resources from someone or something persistentlyThe old software leeched memory from the system.
Leerleered, leeredTo look at someone with a sly, lecherous, or malicious expressionThe stranger leered at them from across the bar.
Legislatelegislated, legislatedTo make or enact lawsCongress legislated new rules for online privacy.
Lendlent, lentTo give something temporarily on the understanding it will be returnedHe lent his neighbor a ladder for the weekend.
Lengthenlengthened, lengthenedTo make or become longerThe tailor lengthened the hem of the dress.
Lessenlessened, lessenedTo make or become smaller in amount, degree, or extentThe medicine lessened her pain within an hour.
Letlet, letTo allow or permit something to happenHer parents let her stay out late.
Levelleveled, leveledTo make flat or even, or to aim something directlyWorkers leveled the ground before pouring the foundation.
Leverageleveraged, leveragedTo use something to maximum advantageThe startup leveraged social media to grow quickly.
Levitatelevitated, levitatedTo rise or float in the air, seemingly defying gravityThe magician appeared to levitate above the stage.
Levylevied, leviedTo impose a tax, fee, or fineThe government levied a new tax on imported goods.
Liaiseliaised, liaisedTo communicate and cooperate with another group or personShe liaised between the two departments on the project.
Libellibeled, libeledTo publish a false, damaging statement about someoneThe tabloid libeled the actor in its front-page story.
Licenselicensed, licensedTo grant official permission to do, use, or own somethingThe state licensed her to practice law.
Licklicked, lickedTo pass the tongue over somethingThe puppy licked her hand affectionately.
Lielay, lainTo be in or assume a horizontal resting positionHe lay on the couch after a long day.
Liftlifted, liftedTo raise something to a higher positionShe lifted the box onto the shelf.
Lightlit, litTo ignite something, or to illuminate a spaceHe lit the candles on the birthday cake.
Lightenlightened, lightenedTo make less heavy, dark, or seriousThe joke lightened the mood in the room.
Likeliked, likedTo find something enjoyable or agreeableShe liked the new restaurant downtown.
Limitlimited, limitedTo restrict the size, amount, or extent of somethingThe coach limited practice to two hours.
Limplimped, limpedTo walk with difficulty, favoring one leg due to injuryHe limped off the field after twisting his ankle.
Linelined, linedTo cover the inside surface, or to arrange in a rowThey lined the shelves with fresh paper.
Lingerlingered, lingeredTo stay somewhere longer than necessaryThe guests lingered after the party ended.
Linklinked, linkedTo connect two or more things togetherResearchers linked the disease to a specific gene.
Liquefyliquefied, liquefiedTo make or become liquidHeat liquefied the solid wax quickly.
Liquidateliquidated, liquidatedTo convert assets into cash, or to close down a businessThe company liquidated its assets to pay off debt.
Listlisted, listedTo write items in a series, or to offer for saleShe listed her house on the market last week.
Listenlistened, listenedTo give attention to sound or to what someone is sayingHe listened carefully to his grandmother’s stories.
Litigatelitigated, litigatedTo take a dispute to court or engage in legal proceedingsThe two companies litigated the contract dispute for years.
Litterlittered, litteredTo scatter items untidily, or to leave trash in a public placeTourists littered the beach with plastic bottles.
Livelived, livedTo be alive, or to reside in a particular placeThey lived in Paris for five years.
Loadloaded, loadedTo fill something with cargo, ammunition, or dataWorkers loaded the truck with boxes of supplies.
Loafloafed, loafedTo spend time idly instead of workingHe loafed around the house all weekend.
Loanloaned, loanedTo give money or an item temporarily, expecting it backThe museum loaned the painting to a gallery abroad.
Loatheloathed, loathedTo feel intense dislike or disgust for somethingShe loathed doing paperwork more than anything else.
Loblobbed, lobbedTo throw or hit something in a high arcShe lobbed the ball over the net.
Lobbylobbied, lobbiedTo seek to influence a politician or public official on an issueActivists lobbied lawmakers for stricter climate laws.
Localizelocalized, localizedTo restrict something to a particular place, or to adapt a product for a specific regionThe company localized its app for the Japanese market.
Locatelocated, locatedTo discover the exact place of something, or to situate it thereRescuers located the missing hikers by nightfall.
Locklocked, lockedTo fasten something securely with a lockShe locked the front door before leaving.
Lodgelodged, lodgedTo provide or find temporary accommodation, or to formally submit a complaintThey lodged at a small inn near the trailhead.
Loglogged, loggedTo record information systematically, or to cut down treesHe logged his workouts in a notebook every day.
Loiterloitered, loiteredTo stand around in a public place without an obvious purposeTeenagers loitered outside the convenience store.
Lolllolled, lolledTo sit, lie, or lean in a lazy, relaxed mannerThe dog lolled in the shade all afternoon.
Longlonged, longedTo have a strong desire or yearning for somethingShe longed for a simpler life in the countryside.
Looklooked, lookedTo direct one’s gaze in order to see somethingHe looked out the window at the falling snow.
Loomloomed, loomedTo appear as a large, looming, or threatening shapeDark clouds loomed on the horizon before the storm.
Looplooped, loopedTo form into a loop, or to repeat something continuouslyThe video looped seamlessly in the background.
Loosenloosened, loosenedTo make something less tight or firmHe loosened his tie after the long meeting.
Lootlooted, lootedTo steal goods, typically during a war, riot, or disasterRioters looted several stores during the blackout.
Loplopped, loppedTo cut off a part of something, especially a branchThe gardener lopped off the dead branches.
Lopeloped, lopedTo run or move with a long, easy, bounding strideThe wolf loped across the open field.
Loselost, lostTo fail to win, or to no longer have somethingThe team lost the championship game in overtime.
Loungelounged, loungedTo relax in a leisurely, informal mannerThey lounged by the pool all afternoon.
Loveloved, lovedTo feel deep affection or strong liking for someone or somethingHe loved his family more than anything.
Lowerlowered, loweredTo move something to a less high position, or to reduce itWorkers lowered the flag at sunset.
Lubricatelubricated, lubricatedTo apply oil or grease to reduce frictionThe mechanic lubricated the squeaky hinges.
Luglugged, luggedTo carry or drag something heavy with great effortShe lugged her suitcase up three flights of stairs.
Lulllulled, lulledTo calm or soothe someone into relaxation or sleepThe gentle rocking lulled the baby to sleep.
Lumberlumbered, lumberedTo move in a slow, heavy, awkward wayThe old truck lumbered down the dirt road.
Lungelunged, lungedTo make a sudden forward movement, often aggressivelyThe dog lunged at the mail carrier.
Lurchlurched, lurchedTo move in a sudden, unsteady wayThe ship lurched violently in the rough seas.
Lurelured, luredTo tempt or attract someone, often into dangerThe scammer lured victims with fake prize offers.
Lurklurked, lurkedTo wait or move stealthily, often with bad intentA stranger lurked near the parking lot entrance.
Lustlusted, lustedTo feel intense desire, especially sexual or materialHe lusted after the sports car in the showroom window.
Lynchlynched, lynchedTo kill someone, typically by hanging, without a lawful trialThe mob lynched the accused man before trial.

Descriptions

Label
A simple everyday verb for identifying or classifying something with a tag or name, used in contexts from grocery jars to gossip about people.
Labor
Describes strenuous, often prolonged effort toward a task, frequently used for manual work but also figuratively for difficult mental effort.
Lace
Covers both the literal act of tying laces on shoes or clothing and the figurative sense of mixing a small ingredient, like alcohol, into a drink.
Lacerate
A more clinical or dramatic word than “cut,” often used to describe jagged, painful wounds from accidents or sharp objects.
Lag
Common in sports, technology, and business to describe something moving or progressing slower than expected or than a competitor.
Lament
A somewhat formal or literary verb for openly mourning or complaining about a loss, mistake, or unfortunate situation.
Laminate
Widely used in offices and classrooms for coating paper or documents in plastic to protect and preserve them.
Lampoon
A sharp, often humorous verb describing satire aimed at exposing the flaws of public figures or institutions.
Land
One of the most common verbs in aviation and everyday speech, also used figuratively for securing a job, deal, or opportunity.
Landscape
Refers to the deliberate design and planting of outdoor spaces to make them more attractive or functional.
Languish
Often used to describe something or someone suffering from prolonged neglect, hardship, or lack of progress.
Lap
Has two distinct everyday uses: animals drinking liquid with their tongues, and runners or racers passing a rival by an entire lap.
Lapse
Commonly used for subscriptions, habits, or agreements that quietly end due to inattention or the passage of time.
Lash
Describes either a whip-like striking motion, as with rain or a whip, or securely binding objects together with rope.
Lasso
A vivid, western-flavored verb associated with ranching and rodeo culture, describing the skillful use of a looped rope.
Last
An extremely common verb for describing duration, endurance, or how long something remains functional or ongoing.
Latch
Refers to physically securing a door or window, and is also used figuratively for someone fixating on a plan or idea.
Lather
Associated with soap, shampoo, and shaving, and used figuratively to describe becoming worked up or excited.
Laud
A formal verb reserved for enthusiastic public praise, common in reviews, award ceremonies, and news reporting.
Laugh
One of the most universal human verbs, describing the natural vocal and physical response to humor or joy.
Launch
Widely used for rockets and boats leaving the ground or dock, as well as figuratively for starting businesses, campaigns, or careers.
Launder
Has a domestic meaning tied to washing fabric and a criminal-justice meaning involving concealing illicit financial gains.
Lay
A frequently confused irregular verb (distinct from “lie”) meaning to set something down, often used for objects, plans, or eggs.
Lead
A foundational leadership verb used across sports, business, politics, and everyday navigation of people or paths.
Leak
Applies to liquids and gases escaping containers as well as confidential information being disclosed without authorization.
Lean
Describes both a physical tilt of the body or object and a figurative reliance on someone or something for support or preference.
Leap
A dynamic verb for powerful jumps, often used literally in athletics and dance, and figuratively for sudden decisions or advances.
Learn
One of the most fundamental verbs in education, describing the acquisition of new information, habits, or abilities.
Lease
Central to real estate and business, describing a contractual arrangement to use property or assets for a set period.
Leash
Primarily describes attaching a lead to a pet for control, and occasionally used figuratively for restraining impulses.
Leave
An everyday, essential verb covering departures, resignations, and leaving objects, messages, or legacies behind.
Lecture
Used both for formal academic presentations to students and, informally, for someone delivering a lengthy reprimand.
Leech
A figurative verb drawn from the blood-sucking creature, used to describe draining money, energy, or resources parasitically.
Leer
Describes an unsettling, suggestive, or hostile stare, often carrying negative or predatory connotations.
Legislate
A formal, government-related verb describing the process by which lawmakers create binding rules and statutes.
Lend
A core financial and social verb for loaning money, objects, or even qualities like support or credibility.
Lengthen
Used for physical extension of objects like fabric or rope, and figuratively for extending time, such as daylight hours.
Lessen
A common verb for reducing intensity, quantity, or severity, frequently used in medical and emotional contexts.
Let
One of the most versatile English verbs, used for granting permission and, in British English, for renting out property.
Level
Describes flattening surfaces in construction, and figuratively “leveling” accusations, criticism, or a weapon at a target.
Leverage
A business-favored verb meaning to strategically exploit an existing resource, asset, or relationship for greater impact.
Levitate
Often associated with stage magic and mysticism, describing an object or person floating without visible support.
Levy
A formal, financial and legal verb for officially imposing charges, penalties, or military conscription.
Liaise
A workplace-oriented verb describing coordination and communication between different teams, agencies, or organizations.
Libel
A legal term specifically for written defamation, distinct from spoken defamation, which is called slander.
License
Describes formally authorizing an activity, product, or profession, common in business, media, and professional certification.
Lick
A simple, tactile verb for tongue contact, used literally for animals and people, and figuratively for narrowly overcoming a challenge.
Lie
An irregular verb often confused with “lay,” describing a person or object resting flat, distinct from “lie” meaning to tell an untruth.
Lift
A basic physical verb for raising objects, and also used figuratively for boosting morale or ending a restriction, like a ban.
Light
Covers both igniting a flame and providing illumination, essential in everyday contexts from cooking to home lighting.
Lighten
Used for reducing physical weight or color intensity, and frequently for easing emotional tension or a heavy atmosphere.
Like
One of the most common verbs of preference in English, also central to social media interactions and approval.
Limit
A regulatory verb widely used in policy, health, and daily life to describe setting boundaries or caps on something.
Limp
Describes an uneven, labored gait caused by pain or injury, and figuratively something proceeding weakly or slowly.
Line
Used for adding an interior layer to containers or clothing, and for arranging people or objects in an orderly row.
Linger
Describes a reluctant or leisurely delay in leaving, and is also used for smells, memories, or illnesses that persist.
Link
A versatile verb for establishing a connection, used literally for physical or digital links and figuratively for causal relationships.
Liquefy
A scientific and cooking-related verb describing the transformation of a solid or gas into liquid form.
Liquidate
A financial and legal verb central to business closures, bankruptcy, and the sale of assets to settle obligations.
List
Common in both organizational contexts, like making a list, and real estate or e-commerce, where items are listed for sale.
Listen
A core communication verb essential to conversation, music, and relationships, emphasizing active attention rather than mere hearing.
Litigate
A legal-industry verb describing the formal process of resolving disputes through the court system.
Litter
Describes both messy discarding of trash and, more broadly, objects scattered carelessly across a surface or area.
Live
One of the most fundamental verbs in the language, covering existence itself as well as where someone makes their home.
Load
Applies broadly across shipping, firearms, and computing, referring to placing material or information into a system or container.
Loaf
An informal verb for lazing about, often carrying a mildly disapproving tone toward unproductive time.
Loan
Closely related to “lend,” commonly used in financial and institutional contexts for temporary transfers of money or valuables.
Loathe
A strong emotional verb expressing deep hatred or revulsion, more intense than simply disliking something.
Lob
Common in sports like tennis and volleyball, describing a soft, high, arcing shot or throw.
Lobby
A political verb describing organized efforts by groups or individuals to sway legislation or policy decisions.
Localize
Used in medicine to describe confining a condition to one area, and in business for tailoring products to local markets.
Locate
A practical verb for pinpointing position, used for finding lost items or people as well as placing a business or building.
Lock
An everyday security verb, also used figuratively for finalizing a deal or becoming stuck in a fixed position or dispute.
Lodge
Covers both staying somewhere temporarily and formally filing an official complaint, appeal, or piece of information.
Log
Widely used in technology and record-keeping for entering data, and in forestry for the industrial felling of trees.
Loiter
Often carries a slightly negative connotation, describing aimless lingering that can attract suspicion or minor legal trouble.
Loll
A gentle, informal verb capturing a relaxed, drooping posture, often used for both people and animals at rest.
Long
An emotionally rich verb describing deep, often wistful desire for something distant, past, or currently unattainable.
Look
An essential everyday verb for visual attention, also used in countless phrasal forms like “look up” or “look after.”
Loom
Often used to describe something ominous or imposing coming into view, whether physically, like a mountain, or figuratively, like a deadline.
Loop
Common in both physical contexts, like tying rope, and digital ones, like repeating audio, video, or code.
Loosen
Describes reducing tension or tightness in physical objects like knots or clothing, and figuratively easing rules or restrictions.
Loot
A crime-related verb describing opportunistic theft that occurs amid chaos, civil unrest, or the aftermath of disaster.
Lop
A brisk, practical verb for trimming or cutting away parts of plants, objects, or even figuratively budgets and costs.
Lope
Describes an effortless, rhythmic running gait often associated with wild animals or relaxed, ground-covering human jogging.
Lose
One of the most common verbs in competition and daily life, covering everything from misplacing objects to losing loved ones.
Lounge
Captures a relaxed, unhurried posture or activity, often associated with vacations, weekends, and comfortable furniture.
Love
A universal emotional verb spanning romantic, familial, and platonic affection, as well as strong enthusiasm for activities or things.
Lower
Used both for physically moving objects downward and for reducing amounts, such as prices, volume, or expectations.
Lubricate
A mechanical maintenance verb essential for keeping machinery, engines, and moving parts running smoothly.
Lug
An informal verb emphasizing the physical strain of transporting a bulky or heavy object over some distance.
Lull
Describes a soothing, gradual calming effect, often used for putting someone to sleep or falsely putting them at ease.
Lumber
Evokes a ponderous, ungainly motion, often used for large animals, vehicles, or tired people moving without grace.
Lunge
A sudden, forceful forward motion used in fencing, exercise, and confrontations, conveying speed and intent.
Lurch
Describes abrupt, unbalanced movement, often used for vehicles, ships, or people who are unsteady or startled.
Lure
A persuasive, sometimes deceptive verb describing enticement toward a place, action, or trap using appealing bait.
Lurk
Suggests hidden, watchful presence, used for suspicious real-world loitering as well as passively observing online without posting.
Lust
A strong, often unfiltered desire verb applying to sexual attraction as well as intense craving for wealth, power, or possessions.
Lynch
A grave historical and legal term describing extrajudicial mob violence, most associated with racial terror in American history.
If you think there is a missing term, let us know using the contact form.