This list covers 52 verbs starting with the letter N, running from “Nab” to “Nuzzle.” Most of these words describe everyday actions, from small physical gestures like a nod or a nudge to bigger processes like negotiating a deal or nationalizing an industry. You’ll find them useful for describing motion, communication, and change in both casual conversation and more formal writing.

Verbs are words that express an action, occurrence, or state of being, and they form the backbone of every sentence. English has borrowed and shaped many N-verbs from French and Latin roots, which is why words like “negotiate” and “naturalize” carry a slightly more formal tone than homegrown words like “nab” or “nag.” Some, like “neigh,” even exist purely to capture the sound an animal makes.

Below you’ll find the table with Word, Tense Forms, Definition, Example Usage, and Description.

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

Tense Forms: shows the past, past participle, and present participle, helping you conjugate the verb correctly in your own sentences.

Definition: a short, clear explanation of what the verb means, giving you the core idea without extra clutter.

Example Usage: a sample sentence showing the verb in context, so you can see how it fits naturally into everyday speech or writing.

Description: extra detail on tone, usage, or nuance, helping you understand when and how the word is typically used.

Verbs

WordTense FormsDefinitionExample Usage
Nabnabbed / nabbed / nabbingTo catch or seize someone, often unexpectedly“Police nabbed the thief red-handed.”
Nagnagged / nagged / naggingTo pester someone with persistent complaints or requests“She kept nagging him to clean his room.”
Nailnailed / nailed / nailingTo fasten with a nail, or to succeed at something precisely“He nailed the job interview.”
Namenamed / named / namingTo give a name to someone or something“They named the baby Emma.”
Napnapped / napped / nappingTo sleep briefly, usually during the day“The cat napped in the sun.”
Narratenarrated / narrated / narratingTo tell a story or give a spoken account“She narrated the documentary.”
Narrownarrowed / narrowed / narrowingTo make or become less wide“They narrowed the list to three finalists.”
Nasalizenasalized / nasalized / nasalizingTo pronounce a sound through the nose“French speakers nasalize certain vowels.”
Nationalizenationalized / nationalized / nationalizingTo bring an industry or resource under government ownership“The government nationalized the oil company.”
Naturalizenaturalized / naturalized / naturalizingTo grant a foreign resident full citizenship“She was naturalized as a citizen last year.”
Nauseatenauseated / nauseated / nauseatingTo cause someone to feel sick or disgusted“The smell nauseated everyone in the room.”
Navigatenavigated / navigated / navigatingTo plan and direct a route or course“He navigated the ship through the storm.”
Nearneared / neared / nearingTo approach or come close to something“The train was nearing the station.”
Neatenneatened / neatened / neateningTo make something tidy“She neatened up the desk before leaving.”
Necessitatenecessitated / necessitated / necessitatingTo make something necessary“The storm necessitated a change of plans.”
Needneeded / needed / needingTo require something because it is essential“Plants need water to grow.”
Needleneedled / needled / needlingTo provoke or annoy someone persistently“His brother kept needling him about the mistake.”
Negatenegated / negated / negatingTo cancel out or make something ineffective“The error negated all his hard work.”
Neglectneglected / neglected / neglectingTo fail to care for or give attention to“He neglected his health for years.”
Negotiatenegotiated / negotiated / negotiatingTo discuss terms in order to reach an agreement“The two sides negotiated a new contract.”
Neighneighed / neighed / neighingTo make the characteristic sound of a horse“The horse neighed loudly at the gate.”
Nervenerved / nerved / nervingTo give oneself courage before a difficult task“She nerved herself to speak in public.”
Nestnested / nested / nestingTo build and settle into a nest“The birds nested under the roof eaves.”
Nestlenestled / nestled / nestlingTo settle into a warm, comfortable position“The village nestles between two hills.”
Netnetted / netted / nettingTo catch with a net, or to earn as a final profit“The deal netted the company millions.”
Networknetworked / networked / networkingTo interact with others to exchange information or build contacts“She networked with investors at the conference.”
Nettlenettled / nettled / nettlingTo irritate or annoy someone“His sarcastic remark nettled the whole team.”
Neutralizeneutralized / neutralized / neutralizingTo counteract or cancel out an effect“The vaccine neutralizes the virus.”
Nibblenibbled / nibbled / nibblingTo eat with small, quick bites“The rabbit nibbled on a carrot.”
Nicknicked / nicked / nickingTo make a small cut, or informally to steal“He nicked his finger while chopping vegetables.”
Nicknamenicknamed / nicknamed / nicknamingTo give someone an informal, often affectionate name“Friends nicknamed him ‘Speedy’.”
Niggleniggled / niggled / nigglingTo cause a persistent, minor worry or irritation“A small doubt niggled at her all day.”
Nipnipped / nipped / nippingTo pinch or bite quickly, or to move briskly“The dog nipped at his heels.”
Nixnixed / nixed / nixingTo reject or cancel a plan“The board nixed the proposed merger.”
Nodnodded / nodded / noddingTo move the head up and down in agreement or greeting“He nodded in agreement with her plan.”
Nominatenominated / nominated / nominatingTo formally propose someone for a role or award“They nominated her for employee of the year.”
Normalizenormalized / normalized / normalizingTo make something conform to a standard, or make it seem typical“The company normalized remote work.”
Nosenosed / nosed / nosingTo move forward carefully, or to pry into something“The boat nosed slowly into the harbor.”
Notarizenotarized / notarized / notarizingTo have a document officially certified by a notary“She had the contract notarized before signing.”
Notchnotched / notched / notchingTo cut a small groove, or informally to achieve something“The team notched another win this season.”
Notenoted / noted / notingTo write down or take special notice of something“Please note the meeting has been rescheduled.”
Noticenoticed / noticed / noticingTo become aware of something using the senses“She noticed a change in his mood.”
Notifynotified / notified / notifyingTo formally inform someone of something“The school will notify parents of the closure.”
Nourishnourished / nourished / nourishingTo provide the food or care needed for growth“Good soil nourishes healthy plants.”
Novelizenovelized / novelized / novelizingTo turn a film, play, or story into a novel“The screenwriter novelized the hit movie.”
Nudgenudged / nudged / nudgingTo push gently, especially to get attention“She nudged him awake before the meeting.”
Nullifynullified / nullified / nullifyingTo make something legally invalid or without effect“The court nullified the unfair contract.”
Numbernumbered / numbered / numberingTo assign numbers to, or to total a certain amount“The pages were numbered in order.”
Numbnumbed / numbed / numbingTo make a part of the body lose feeling“The cold numbed her fingers.”
Nursenursed / nursed / nursingTo care for someone who is sick, or to feed a baby milk“She nursed her father back to health.”
Nurturenurtured / nurtured / nurturingTo care for and encourage the growth or development of“Teachers nurture curiosity in young students.”
Nuzzlenuzzled / nuzzled / nuzzlingTo gently rub or push with the nose“The puppy nuzzled against her hand.”

Descriptions

Nab
An informal verb meaning to catch or grab someone or something quickly, often used when someone is caught doing wrong.
Nag
To repeatedly urge or criticize someone about the same thing, often to the point of annoyance.
Nail
Literally means to fix something in place with a nail, but is also common slang for doing something perfectly.
Name
The act of assigning an identifying word or title to a person, place, or thing.
Nap
To take a short, light sleep, typically outside of normal nighttime hours.
Narrate
To provide a spoken or written account of events, often as the voice guiding a story or film.
Narrow
To reduce something in width or scope, such as options, a gap, or a physical space.
Nasalize
A linguistics term for producing speech sounds by letting air pass through the nose.
Nationalize
To transfer private companies, land, or resources into state control, often for public benefit.
Naturalize
The legal process by which a non-citizen becomes a full citizen of a country.
Nauseate
To make someone feel queasy or repulsed, either physically or emotionally.
Navigate
To find and follow a path, whether physically through terrain or figuratively through a difficult situation.
Near
To get progressively closer to a place, time, or state.
Neaten
To put something in order, making it look clean and organized.
Necessitate
To require or demand a particular action as a result of circumstances.
Need
To lack something that is essential or important, making it necessary to obtain.
Needle
To tease or irritate someone repeatedly, usually in a mildly hostile way.
Negate
To nullify or invalidate something, making its effect void.
Neglect
To leave something without proper care or attention, often with harmful results.
Negotiate
To talk through differences with another party in order to reach a mutually acceptable deal.
Neigh
The distinctive high-pitched cry made by horses.
Nerve
To summon the courage or resolve needed to face something daunting.
Nest
To construct a home, typically for birds or small animals, or to settle snugly somewhere.
Nestle
To lie snugly and comfortably within or against something, often used for cozy or sheltered settings.
Net
To capture something with a net, or, figuratively, to gain a final amount after expenses.
Network
To build professional or social connections that can offer mutual benefit.
Nettle
To cause irritation or provoke annoyance, much like the sting of the nettle plant.
Neutralize
To make something harmless or ineffective by countering its force or effect.
Nibble
To take small, gentle bites of food rather than large mouthfuls.
Nick
To cut slightly, or in British slang, to steal something or arrest someone.
Nickname
To assign a familiar or humorous alternative name to a person, place, or thing.
Niggle
To create a nagging, low-level feeling of concern or annoyance that won’t go away.
Nip
To give a quick pinch or small bite, or to move somewhere swiftly.
Nix
An informal verb meaning to refuse, veto, or put a stop to something.
Nod
A simple downward and upward head movement used to show agreement, acknowledgment, or greeting.
Nominate
To officially put forward a candidate for a position, honor, or election.
Normalize
To bring something into line with a standard, or to make an unusual practice seem ordinary.
Nose
To advance cautiously in a particular direction, or informally, to intrude into someone’s affairs.
Notarize
The formal process of having a notary public verify and certify the authenticity of a document.
Notch
To make a small cut or mark, or, informally, to record an achievement or score.
Note
To pay careful attention to something, or to jot down information for later reference.
Notice
To perceive or become conscious of something, often something subtle.
Notify
To officially tell someone about a fact, event, or decision, usually in writing or a formal manner.
Nourish
To supply the sustenance, nutrients, or support needed for someone or something to grow and thrive.
Novelize
To adapt a screenplay or existing story into a full-length novel.
Nudge
A light, gentle push, often used to prompt someone into action or draw their attention.
Nullify
To officially cancel or invalidate something, especially a law, agreement, or decision.
Number
To label items with numerals in sequence, or to add up to a specific total.
Numb
To deaden physical sensation or, figuratively, to dull an emotional response.
Nurse
To look after someone who is ill or injured, or to breastfeed an infant.
Nurture
To support and encourage the growth, development, or wellbeing of a person, idea, or skill.
Nuzzle
An affectionate gesture where an animal or person gently rubs or presses their nose or face against someone.
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