This list brings together 77 verbs that start with the letter W, running from “Wade” to “Write.” These are everyday action words you’ll recognize from conversation, writing, and reading alike, covering everything from simple physical movements like walking and waving to emotional expressions like weeping and worrying. You’ll find them useful for building vocabulary, studying grammar, or simply picking the right word for a sentence.

Verbs are words that describe actions, states, or occurrences, and they form the backbone of every sentence in the English language. Many W verbs carry double meanings, like “wave,” which can describe a hand gesture or the motion of water, and “wane,” a word historically tied to describing the moon’s shrinking phases. This mix of the literal and the figurative makes W verbs especially versatile in everyday speech.

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

Word: the verb itself, listed in its base form so you can quickly scan the alphabetical list for the one you need.

Tense Forms: shows the past tense and past participle, helping you conjugate the verb correctly in different sentences.

Definition: a short, clear explanation of what the verb means, so you know exactly how and when to use it.

Example Usage: a sample sentence showing the verb in context, giving you a practical model for your own writing or speech.

Description: extra background on the verb’s common uses, nuances, or figurative meanings, helping you understand it beyond the basic definition.

Verbs

WordTense FormsDefinitionExample Usage
Wadewaded, wadedTo walk through water or another substance that slows movementShe waded across the shallow stream.
Wagwagged, waggedTo move something rapidly from side to side or up and downThe dog wagged its tail with joy.
Wagerwagered, wageredTo bet money or something of value on an uncertain outcomeHe wagered ten dollars on the match.
Wailwailed, wailedTo cry out in grief, pain, or complaint with a long, loud soundThe toddler wailed after dropping his ice cream.
Waitwaited, waitedTo stay in place or delay action until something happensWe waited an hour for the bus.
Wakewoke, wokenTo stop sleeping or to rouse someone from sleepShe woke up early to catch the sunrise.
Walkwalked, walkedTo move on foot at a normal paceThey walked to the park together.
Wallowwallowed, wallowedTo roll about lazily in mud, water, or self-pityThe pigs wallowed in the cool mud.
Waltzwaltzed, waltzedTo dance a waltz, or to move somewhere confidently and casuallyHe waltzed into the meeting late without apology.
Wanderwandered, wanderedTo move around without a fixed destination or purposeThey wandered the old city streets for hours.
Wanewaned, wanedTo gradually decrease in size, strength, or intensityPublic interest in the trend began to wane.
Wantwanted, wantedTo desire or wish for somethingShe wants a new bicycle for her birthday.
Wardwarded, wardedTo fend off or deflect something, usually danger or harmHe warded off the attack with his shield.
Warmwarmed, warmedTo raise the temperature of something, or to become more affectionateThe soup warmed quickly on the stove.
Warnwarned, warnedTo inform someone in advance of a possible danger or problemThe sign warned drivers of the sharp curve.
Warpwarped, warpedTo bend or twist out of shape, often due to heat or pressureThe wooden floor warped after the flood.
Washwashed, washedTo clean something using water, usually with soapHe washed the dishes after dinner.
Wastewasted, wastedTo use something carelessly or without a useful resultDon’t waste your money on cheap tools.
Watchwatched, watchedTo look at something attentively over a period of timeThey watched the sunset from the balcony.
Waterwatered, wateredTo supply plants or land with waterShe waters her garden every morning.
Wavewaved, wavedTo move a hand or arm as a greeting or signalHe waved goodbye from the train window.
Waxwaxed, waxedTo increase gradually, or to coat something with waxThe moon waxes before it becomes full.
Weakenweakened, weakenedTo make or become less strong or powerfulIllness weakened his ability to work.
Wearwore, wornTo have clothing or an accessory on one’s bodyShe wore a bright red coat to the party.
Weavewove, wovenTo form fabric by interlacing threads, or to move through obstacles skillfullyHe weaved through the crowded market.
Wedwed, wedTo marry someoneThe couple wed in a small ceremony.
Weedweeded, weededTo remove unwanted plants from a gardenShe spent the afternoon weeding the flower bed.
Weepwept, weptTo cry, especially from sorrowHe wept quietly at the funeral.
Weighweighed, weighedTo measure the heaviness of something, or to consider carefullyShe weighed the fruit before buying it.
Welcomewelcomed, welcomedTo greet someone warmly upon arrivalThey welcomed the guests with open arms.
Weldwelded, weldedTo join pieces of metal by heating and pressing them togetherThe technician welded the broken pipe.
Wetwet, wetTo make something damp or covered with liquidThe rain wet the freshly painted fence.
Whackwhacked, whackedTo strike something forcefullyHe whacked the piñata with the stick.
Wheelwheeled, wheeledTo push or pull something on wheels, or to turn suddenlyShe wheeled the cart down the aisle.
Wheezewheezed, wheezedTo breathe with a whistling or rattling sound, often due to difficultyThe old man wheezed after climbing the stairs.
Whimperwhimpered, whimperedTo make soft, weak crying soundsThe puppy whimpered outside the door.
Whinewhined, whinedTo complain in a high-pitched, irritating toneThe child whined about doing homework.
Whipwhipped, whippedTo strike with a flexible object, or to beat quickly, as with creamShe whipped the cream until it was fluffy.
Whirlwhirled, whirledTo move rapidly in a circular motionLeaves whirled in the autumn wind.
Whiskwhisked, whiskedTo move something quickly and lightly, or to beat ingredients brisklyThe waiter whisked the plates away.
Whisperwhispered, whisperedTo speak very softly and quietlyShe whispered the secret to her friend.
Whistlewhistled, whistledTo produce a clear musical sound by forcing air through pursed lipsHe whistled a cheerful tune on his walk.
Whitenwhitened, whitenedTo make or become white or lighter in colorThe dentist whitened her teeth.
Whittlewhittled, whittledTo carve wood into shape with a knife, or to gradually reduce somethingHe whittled a small figure from a branch.
Widenwidened, widenedTo make or become broaderWorkers widened the road to ease traffic.
Widowwidowed, widowedTo make someone a widow or widower through the death of a spouseThe war widowed thousands of young women.
Wieldwielded, wieldedTo hold and use a weapon or tool skillfully, or to exercise powerThe knight wielded his sword with precision.
Wigglewiggled, wiggledTo move with quick short movements from side to sideThe baby wiggled his toes happily.
Wiltwilted, wiltedTo become limp and drooping, especially of plantsThe flowers wilted in the summer heat.
Winwon, wonTo achieve victory in a contest or competitionOur team won the championship game.
Windwound, woundTo turn or twist something repeatedly, or to follow a curving pathHe wound the string around the spool.
Winkwinked, winkedTo close and open one eye quickly, often as a signalShe winked at him from across the room.
Winnowwinnowed, winnowedTo separate grain from chaff, or to narrow down a group by removing weaker optionsThey winnowed the applicants down to five finalists.
Wipewiped, wipedTo clean or dry a surface by rubbing itHe wiped the table with a damp cloth.
Wishwished, wishedTo feel or express a strong desire for somethingShe wished for good weather on her wedding day.
Withdrawwithdrew, withdrawnTo remove or take back something, or to leave a placeHe withdrew cash from the ATM.
Witherwithered, witheredTo shrivel or lose freshness, strength, or vitalityThe plants withered without regular watering.
Withholdwithheld, withheldTo refuse to give or keep something backThe landlord withheld the security deposit.
Withstandwithstood, withstoodTo endure or resist successfullyThe bridge was built to withstand strong earthquakes.
Witnesswitnessed, witnessedTo see an event happen, or to be a legal witness to a signatureThousands witnessed the historic launch.
Wobblewobbled, wobbledTo move unsteadily from side to sideThe old chair wobbled when he sat down.
Wonderwondered, wonderedTo think about something with curiosity or doubtShe wondered what the future would hold.
Workworked, workedTo perform a task or job, or to function properlyHe works at a local bakery.
Worryworried, worriedTo feel anxious or troubled about somethingShe worried about the upcoming exam.
Worshipworshipped, worshippedTo show deep reverence or adoration, especially to a deityThe community gathers to worship every Sunday.
Woundwounded, woundedTo injure someone, physically or emotionallyThe soldier was wounded in battle.
Wranglewrangled, wrangledTo argue persistently, or to herd and manage livestockThe siblings wrangled over the last slice of pizza.
Wrapwrapped, wrappedTo cover something by folding material around itShe wrapped the gift in colorful paper.
Wreathewreathed, wreathedTo encircle or surround something, as with a ring of smoke or flowersMist wreathed the mountain peak at dawn.
Wreckwrecked, wreckedTo destroy or severely damage somethingThe storm wrecked several boats in the harbor.
Wrenchwrenched, wrenchedTo pull or twist something suddenly and violentlyHe wrenched the door open in a panic.
Wrestwrested, wrestedTo forcibly pull or take something awayThe champion wrested the title from her rival.
Wrestlewrestled, wrestledTo grapple physically with an opponent, or to struggle with a difficult issueHe wrestled with the decision for weeks.
Wrigglewriggled, wriggledTo twist and turn with quick, snake-like movementsThe worm wriggled through the soil.
Wringwrung, wrungTo twist and squeeze something tightly to remove liquidShe wrung out the wet towel.
Wrinklewrinkled, wrinkledTo form small creases or folds, especially in fabric or skinThe shirt wrinkled in the suitcase.
Writewrote, writtenTo form letters, words, or symbols to communicate on a surfaceShe wrote a letter to her grandmother.

Descriptions

Wade
A common verb for slogging through water, mud, or a long tedious task, often used both literally and figuratively.
Wag
Best known for describing a dog’s tail motion, though it can apply to fingers, tongues, or anything shaken briskly.
Wager
A slightly formal synonym for “bet,” often used in contexts involving gambling or risky predictions.
Wail
Describes a prolonged, mournful cry, often associated with sirens, mourners, or upset children.
Wait
One of the most common English verbs, used for pausing until an event, time, or person arrives.
Wake
A basic everyday verb describing the transition from sleep to consciousness, for oneself or others.
Walk
The most fundamental verb for pedestrian movement, used constantly in everyday speech.
Wallow
Often used literally for animals in mud, and figuratively for people dwelling in sadness or excess comfort.
Waltz
Originally a ballroom dance term, now commonly used figuratively for breezy, self-assured movement.
Wander
Evokes aimless, exploratory movement, whether physically through a place or mentally through thoughts.
Wane
Classically used for the moon’s shrinking phase, and widely extended to fading popularity or energy.
Want
A core verb of desire, among the most frequently used verbs in the English language.
Ward
Mostly seen in the phrase “ward off,” meaning to keep something unwanted at bay.
Warm
Applies to literal heating as well as figurative warming of feelings, such as warming up to an idea.
Warn
A key communication verb used to alert others before trouble occurs.
Warp
Used for physical distortion of materials and figuratively for distorted judgment or perception.
Wash
One of the most common household verbs, referring to cleaning with water.
Waste
Applies broadly to squandering time, resources, food, or opportunities.
Watch
A everyday verb of observation, used for entertainment, supervision, or simply paying attention.
Water
A straightforward gardening and agriculture verb, also used figuratively as in “water down” an idea.
Wave
A simple gestural verb, also describing objects like flags or hair moving in a rippling motion.
Wax
Pairs classically with “wane” to describe growth, and separately means polishing a surface with wax.
Weaken
A general-purpose verb for reduced strength, used for people, structures, economies, and arguments alike.
Wear
Fundamental to describing clothing and appearance, and also used for gradual erosion, as in “wear down.”
Weave
Combines a textile-making sense with a figurative one describing nimble, twisting movement.
Wed
A slightly formal or literary way of saying “marry,” common in headlines and traditional writing.
Weed
A gardening verb also used figuratively to mean eliminating unwanted elements, as in “weed out.”
Weep
A literary and emotional synonym for crying, often implying deep or silent sadness.
Weigh
Used literally for measuring mass and figuratively for weighing options or decisions.
Welcome
A hospitable verb expressing warm reception of people, ideas, or changes.
Weld
A technical manufacturing verb, occasionally used figuratively for tightly bonding things together.
Wet
A simple everyday verb describing moisture applied to a surface or object.
Whack
An informal, punchy verb for a hard hit, often used in casual or playful speech.
Wheel
Common for moving wheeled objects and also for a sharp turning motion, as in wheeling around in surprise.
Wheeze
Typically describes labored breathing associated with illness, exertion, or asthma.
Whimper
Suggests a quiet, feeble cry, often used for frightened animals or timid complaints.
Whine
Carries a negative connotation of persistent, petty complaining, often applied to children.
Whip
Used in cooking for rapid beating, and elsewhere for striking or moving something with sudden force.
Whirl
Describes fast, spinning movement, often applied to weather, dancers, or racing thoughts.
Whisk
Common in cooking for rapid mixing and elsewhere for swift, sudden removal or movement.
Whisper
The standard verb for hushed speech meant to avoid being overheard.
Whistle
Describes both human whistling and similar sounds made by wind, kettles, or birds.
Whiten
A cosmetic and general-purpose verb for lightening the color of an object or surface.
Whittle
Literally a woodworking term, and figuratively used for slowly reducing a list, budget, or number.
Widen
A straightforward verb for increasing width, used for roads, gaps, and figuratively for opportunities.
Widow
A somber verb almost always used in the passive voice, as in “she was widowed young.”
Wield
Applies to handling physical tools or weapons and figuratively to holding influence or authority.
Wiggle
A playful, informal verb for small, rapid shaking or squirming motions.
Wilt
Primarily describes plants losing freshness, and figuratively people losing energy or confidence.
Win
A core verb of success and competition, among the most commonly used in sports and everyday life.
Wind
Describes both winding a mechanism, like a clock, and a road or river that curves.
Wink
A small, expressive gesture verb used to signal humor, flirtation, or shared understanding.
Winnow
An agricultural term now widely used figuratively for filtering out the less desirable choices.
Wipe
A basic cleaning verb, also used figuratively as in “wipe out,” meaning to eliminate completely.
Wish
A gentle verb of hope and desire, often used for things beyond one’s control.
Withdraw
Common in financial, military, and social contexts to describe pulling back or retreating.
Wither
Used literally for dying vegetation and figuratively for fading hope, confidence, or relationships.
Withhold
A formal verb often used in legal, financial, or emotional contexts involving restraint.
Withstand
Conveys durability and resilience against pressure, force, or hardship.
Witness
Used both for casual observation of events and formal legal contexts requiring testimony.
Wobble
Describes unstable, shaky movement, often applied to furniture, bicycles, or uncertain plans.
Wonder
A reflective verb expressing curiosity, doubt, or amazement about something unknown.
Work
One of the most versatile English verbs, covering employment, effort, and mechanical function.
Worry
A common emotional verb expressing anxiety or concern over uncertain outcomes.
Worship
Primarily a religious verb, also used figuratively for intense admiration of a person or idea.
Wound
Describes physical injury from weapons or accidents, and figuratively hurt feelings or pride.
Wrangle
Combines a sense of noisy dispute with the cowboy-associated meaning of herding animals.
Wrap
A common verb for covering or enclosing objects, frequently used around holidays and gift-giving.
Wreathe
A poetic verb often describing something enveloped in a circular or flowing form.
Wreck
Used for physical destruction of vehicles or structures, and figuratively for ruined plans.
Wrench
Conveys forceful, twisting movement, and figuratively an emotionally painful separation, as in “heart-wrenching.”
Wrest
Suggests taking something through struggle or effort, often power, control, or an object.
Wrestle
Describes both the sport of wrestling and the figurative struggle with a tough problem.
Wriggle
Evokes small, squirming motion, often used for escaping a tight spot literally or figuratively.
Wring
Common in laundry contexts, and figuratively in phrases like “wring one’s hands” with worry.
Wrinkle
Describes the formation of creases, used for clothing, paper, and aging skin alike.
Write
A foundational verb of language and communication, central to reading, education, and creativity.
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