All 136 Positive & Impactful Verbs Starting With O (With Meanings & Examples)

All 136 Positive & Impactful Verbs Starting With O (With Meanings & Examples)

By
Dennis Kamprad

Read Time:26 Minutes

CLICK TO
SUBSCRIBE

follow follow

Impactful Ninja is reader-supported. When you buy through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission. Learn more Learn more .

Affiliate Disclosure

Hey fellow impactful ninja ?

You may have noticed that Impactful Ninja is all about providing helpful information to make a positive impact on the world and society. And that we love to link back to where we found all the information for each of our posts.

  • Most of these links are informational-based for you to check out their primary sources with one click.

  • But some of these links are so-called "affiliate links" to products that we recommend.

Why do we add these product links?

First and foremost, because we believe that they add value to you. For example, when we wrote a post about the environmental impact of long showers, we came across an EPA recommendation to use WaterSense showerheads. So we linked to where you can find them. Or, for many of our posts, we also link to our favorite books on that topic so that you can get a much more holistic overview than one single blog post could provide.

And when there is an affiliate program for these products, we sign up for it. For example, as Amazon Associates, we earn from qualifying purchases.

What do these affiliate links mean for you?
  1. First, and most importantly, we still only recommend products that we believe add value for you.

  2. When you buy something through one of our affiliate links, we may earn a small commission - but at no additional costs to you.

  3. And when you buy something through a link that is not an affiliate link, we won’t receive any commission but we’ll still be happy to have helped you.

What do these affiliate links mean for us?
  1. When we find products that we believe add value to you and the seller has an affiliate program, we sign up for it.

  2. When you buy something through one of our affiliate links, we may earn a small commission (at no extra costs to you).

  3. And at this point in time, all money is reinvested in sharing the most helpful content with you. This includes all operating costs for running this site and the content creation itself.

What does this mean for me personally?

You may have noticed by the way Impactful Ninja is operated that money is not the driving factor behind it. It is a passion project of mine and I love to share helpful information with you to make a positive impact on the world and society. However, it's a project in that I invest a lot of time and also quite some money.

Eventually, my dream is to one day turn this passion project into my full-time job and provide even more helpful information. But that's still a long time to go.

Stay impactful,

Overcome, outshine, orchestrate – the letter O, situated midway in the English alphabet, initiates a fantastic array of truly uplifting and positive verbs. O infuses our language with a distinctive optimism, imbuing the verbs it begins with an outright charm and originality. So, we had to ask: What are all the positive and impactful verbs starting with the letter O?

Some of the most used positive & impactful verbs that start with the letter O include overcome, orchestrate, optimize, outperform, obtain, offer, operate, overflow, open, and organize. There are many dozens of these original words, ranging from 3 to 15 characters in length.

Join us as we delve into the beauty and significance of these verbs, uncovering their meanings and embracing the power they hold to create a positive impact in our daily lives. We’ll then also share the most used and the most interesting words starting with O as well as ten interesting facts about and a brief history of words starting with O.

Related: Are you looking for even more positive & impactful words? Then you might also want to explore those words that start with all the other letters of the alphabet:

A | B | C | D | E | F | G | H | I | J | K | L | M | N | ‍O | P | Q | R | S | T | U | V | W | X | Y | Z

Here Are All 136 Positive & Impactful Verbs That Start With the Letter O

In the diverse landscape of English grammar, words are categorized into various groups based on their functions within sentences. These groups, referred to as ‘part-of-speech,’ constitute the building blocks of language, enabling you to communicate your thoughts, ideas, and emotions effectively.

Verb: A verb is a word that represents an action, an occurrence, or a state of being. An example of a verb would be “overcome.” In the sentence, “He overcame all obstacles to achieve his dreams,” “overcome” is the verb, showing the action performed.

Related: We also have a full list of nouns (a word that represents a person, place, thing, or idea), adjectives (a word that describes or modifies a noun), adverbs (a word that modifies a verb, an adjective, or another adverb), and interjections (a word or phrase that expresses strong emotion or surprise) that start with the letter O. As well as the fully filterable list of all words that start with the letter O.

Trivia: The average word length of our list of positive & impactful verbs that start with the letter O is a long 8.0 characters, with the shortest words only having 3 characters (e.g., opt, orb, and own) and the longest word having 15 characters (oneirocriticize).

These Are All Verbs Starting With O That Are Inherently Positive & Impactful

VerbsDescription (with synonyms)Example sentence
ObeyTo comply with rules or authority, demonstrating respect and responsibility (follow, adhere, submit).“I always obey my parents because I know they have my best interests at heart.”
ObjectTo provide assistance or support to someone or something, indicating kindness and generosity (help, aid, assist).“The defense lawyer objected to the prosecutor’s line of questioning, protecting the rights of his client.”
ObligeTo do something as a favor or courtesy, showing kindness and consideration towards others (accommodate, assist, help).“I would be happy to oblige and help you move your furniture this weekend.”
ObligedBeing under a moral or legal obligation to do something, signifying responsibility and duty (responsible, accountable, obligated).“I am obliged to help my neighbor with their groceries because it is the right thing to do.”
ObserveTo watch carefully and attentively, allowing for greater understanding and appreciation of the world around us (notice, perceive, witness).“I like to observe the way the leaves change colors in the fall.”
ObtainTo come into possession of something through effort or action, indicating resourcefulness and determination (acquire, procure, attain).“She was able to obtain the job she had been working towards for years, showcasing her resourcefulness and determination.”
OccidentalizeTo make something or someone more Western in character or culture, often leading to increased globalization and cultural exchange (Westernize, modernize, globalize).“The exchange program helped to occidentalize the students, exposing them to new ideas and perspectives from the Western world.”
OceanizeTo convert into an ocean-like environment, signifying the potential for marine life to thrive (aquaticize, marine-ize, sea-ify).“The government’s efforts to oceanize the previously polluted bay have led to a significant increase in marine biodiversity.”
OctuplicateTo multiply by eight, demonstrating exceptional skill and proficiency in a particular task (excel, master, dominate).“She was able to octuplicate her sales numbers in just one quarter, impressing her boss and earning a promotion.”
OeilladeTo give a flirtatious glance, conveying interest and attraction (flirt, wink, glance).“She gave him a quick oeillade and he knew he had her attention.”
OfferTo present something for someone to accept or reject, showing generosity and kindness (give, provide, extend).“I want to offer my help to anyone who needs it.”
OfficializeTo make something official or formal, indicating its legitimacy and importance (legitimize, formalize, validate).“The company decided to officialize their partnership with a signing ceremony, demonstrating their commitment to working together.”
OfficiateTo perform a ceremony or function, often in an official capacity, demonstrating leadership and authority (conduct, preside, oversee).“I am honored to officiate the wedding of my best friend, and I will do my best to ensure that the ceremony is a beautiful and memorable experience for everyone involved.”
OintTo apply a healing or soothing substance to a wound or sore, promoting faster healing and relief from pain (heal, soothe, alleviate).“I will oint this cut with some aloe vera gel to soothe the pain and promote faster healing.”
OlfactTo perceive or detect odors, indicating a heightened sense of smell and ability to distinguish scents (detecting scents, smelling, sniffing).“I was able to olfact the aroma of freshly baked bread from the bakery down the street, which made my mouth water.”
OligomerizeTo combine small molecules into a larger molecule, often resulting in improved properties or functionality, demonstrating the potential for innovation and advancement (synthesize, polymerize, amalgamate).“Scientists were able to oligomerize the individual components of the drug, resulting in a more effective treatment for the disease.”
OlympianizeTo elevate or exalt to the level of an Olympian, signifying the highest level of achievement and excellence (glorify, deify, exalt).“After years of hard work and dedication, the athlete’s performance at the championship game was enough to olympianize him in the eyes of his fans and teammates.”
OmnifyTo make universal or all-encompassing, signifying inclusivity and comprehensiveness (universalize, encompass, globalize).“The company’s mission is to omnify access to education for all, regardless of socioeconomic status or geographic location.”
OmnipotizeTo grant unlimited power or authority, signifying the ability to make significant changes and impact (empower, authorize, enable).“The CEO’s decision to omnipotize the marketing team allowed them to implement innovative strategies and drive significant growth for the company.”
OnboardTo bring someone onto a team or project, signifying inclusion and collaboration (incorporate, enlist, recruit).“We are excited to onboard a new member to our team who brings a unique set of skills and perspectives.”
One-upTo outdo or surpass someone in a competitive or boastful manner, often leading to a friendly rivalry and increased motivation (outshine, exceed, top).“I was able to one-up my coworker’s sales numbers last month, which motivated us both to work even harder this month.”
OneirocriticizeTo interpret dreams and provide insight into their meanings, signifying a deep understanding of the subconscious mind and its workings (analyze, decipher, interpret).“I was amazed by how accurately my therapist was able to oneirocriticize my dreams and provide me with valuable insights into my subconscious mind.”
OnlayTo apply a decorative layer onto a surface, adding aesthetic value and protection (embellish, adorn, beautify).“She decided to onlay the wooden table with a beautiful mosaic design, adding a unique and eye-catching touch to her home decor.”
OnlookTo observe something with interest or curiosity, often from a distance, indicating a sense of wonder and fascination (watch, gaze, peer).“As the sun began to set, the children on the beach gathered around to onlook the beautiful colors in the sky.”
OpenTo make accessible or available, signifying inclusivity and transparency (accessible, available, transparent).“The company decided to open up their hiring process to include more diverse candidates, promoting inclusivity and transparency in their recruitment efforts.”
Open UpTo reveal or share one’s thoughts or feelings with someone, allowing for deeper connection and understanding (disclose, confide, unveil).“I finally decided to open up to my therapist about my anxiety, and it was a huge relief to have someone to confide in.”
Open-mindedlyApproaching new ideas and perspectives with a willingness to learn and understand, allowing for growth and empathy (openly, receptively, non-judgmentally).“She open-mindedly listened to her friend’s differing opinion and was able to see things from a new perspective.”
OperateTo control the functioning of a machine or system, indicating skill and proficiency in handling complex tasks (manage, run, handle).“She was able to operate the advanced machinery with ease, showcasing her expertise in the field.”
OpineTo express an opinion or to hold a belief, often in a confident or forceful manner, signifying a willingness to engage in thoughtful discussion and debate (opine, assert, contend).“I appreciate when people opine on important issues, as it shows they are engaged and willing to contribute to meaningful conversations.”
OpposeTo resist or fight against something, often in the name of justice or principle, demonstrating courage and conviction (resist, challenge, defy).“I will oppose any policy that discriminates against marginalized communities.”
OptTo choose or decide on something after careful consideration, indicating thoughtfulness and intention (deliberate, contemplate, weigh).“After much consideration, she opted to pursue her passion in art, rather than sticking with her corporate job.”
OptateTo express a strong desire or wish for something, often with a sense of determination and purpose, signifying a clear goal or ambition (desire, aspire, aim).“I optate to become a successful entrepreneur and make a positive impact on society.”
OptimizeTo make the best use of resources or opportunities, resulting in increased efficiency and effectiveness (streamline, improve, enhance).“We need to optimize our production process to reduce waste and increase output.”
OptimizingTo make the best or most effective use of something, often resulting in improved efficiency or performance, demonstrating a commitment to excellence and innovation (streamlining, maximizing, improving).“Our team is constantly optimizing our website to ensure a seamless user experience and increase engagement.”
OrateTo speak formally and eloquently in public, conveying important messages with clarity and conviction (deliver, proclaim, articulate).“The keynote speaker will orate on the importance of diversity and inclusion in the workplace.”
OrbTo circle around something, as if in an orbit, signifying a continuous and cyclical motion (revolve, rotate, spin).“The moon orbited around the Earth, creating a beautiful and mesmerizing sight in the night sky.”
OrchestrateTo organize and coordinate complex events or activities, demonstrating strong leadership and planning skills (coordinate, manage, arrange).“She was able to orchestrate a successful fundraising campaign for the local animal shelter, raising thousands of dollars and increasing community involvement.”
OrchestratedTo have planned and coordinated a complex event or situation, demonstrating excellent organizational skills and leadership abilities (organized, coordinated, arranged).“She orchestrated a successful fundraising campaign for the local animal shelter, raising thousands of dollars and increasing community involvement.”
OrchestrionizeTo arrange or compose music for an orchestrion, showcasing the creativity and innovation of the composer (arrange, compose, create).“The composer spent months orchestrionizing the music for the grand opening of the theater, impressing the audience with their unique and innovative arrangements.”
OrchidizeTo convert or transform into an orchid, often used in the context of horticulture and gardening, creating beautiful and unique floral arrangements (flowerize, blossomize, bloomify).“The skilled gardener was able to orchidize the entire greenhouse, creating a stunning display of vibrant and exotic flowers.”
OrdainTo officially make someone a priest or minister, signifying a deep commitment to their faith and service to their community (consecrate, appoint, anoint).“The bishop will ordain John as a priest, recognizing his dedication to his faith and his desire to serve his community.”
OrderTo arrange or organize something in a particular way, indicating a sense of structure and efficiency (order, systematize, categorize).“I need to order my thoughts before I can start writing my essay.”
OrganizeTo arrange systematically, signifying efficiency and productivity (systematize, coordinate, streamline).“I need to organize my schedule for the week to ensure that I am able to complete all of my tasks efficiently.”
OrientTo align or position oneself towards a specific direction or goal, indicating a clear sense of purpose and direction (focus, direct, guide).“I need to orient myself towards my career goals and start taking steps to achieve them.”
OriginateTo come into existence or begin to develop, often used to describe the source or starting point of something (Originating from a unique idea, it sparked a movement of creativity and innovation, originating, arising, emanating).“The idea for the new product originated from a brainstorming session and has since become a best-seller.”
OrnamentTo decorate or adorn with ornaments, adding beauty and festivity to a space or object (embellish, garnish, decorate).“She spent hours ornamenting the Christmas tree with colorful lights and sparkling ornaments, creating a festive and joyful atmosphere in the room.”
OrthonormalizeTo make a set of vectors or functions orthogonal and of unit length, commonly used in linear algebra and signal processing (normalize through orthogonalization, standardize, regularize).“We were able to improve the accuracy of our data analysis by orthonormalizing the vectors.”
OsmoseTo gradually absorb or blend in with the surroundings, signifying a deep understanding and connection (assimilate, integrate, merge).“After spending years living in the small town, I was able to osmose into the community and truly understand their way of life.”
OutbalanceTo be greater in weight, value, or importance than something else, resulting in a favorable outcome or advantage, demonstrating superiority (outweigh, surpass, exceed).“The benefits of exercise outbalance any temporary discomfort or inconvenience.”
OutclassTo surpass in excellence or quality, demonstrating exceptional skill and ability (outshine, outdo, exceed).“The new employee’s work ethic and attention to detail consistently outclass those of their colleagues.”
OutdistanceTo surpass or exceed in distance or achievement, demonstrating exceptional skill and determination (outstrip, outrun, outpace).“Despite starting in last place, the runner was able to outdistance all of his competitors and win the race with ease.”
OutdoTo surpass in performance or achievement, demonstrating exceptional skill and dedication (excel, exceed, surpass).“She worked tirelessly to outdo her previous record and set a new personal best in the race.”
OutdoneHaving surpassed or exceeded expectations, demonstrating exceptional achievement and success (excelled, surpassed, exceeded).“She outdone herself with her latest project, impressing both her colleagues and superiors with her exceptional skills and dedication.”
OutdriveTo surpass or outdo in driving, indicating a high level of skill and determination (excel, exceed, outperform).“She was determined to outdrive her competitors and win the race.”
OutfaceTo confront someone or something with boldness and confidence, demonstrating strength and courage (confront, challenge, defy).“She outfaced her fears and delivered a powerful speech in front of the entire audience.”
OutflyTo surpass in flying, demonstrating superior speed or agility (outpace, outstrip, outrun).“The eagle was able to outfly all of the other birds in the sky, showcasing its impressive speed and agility.”
OutfoxTo outsmart or defeat someone through cleverness or cunning, often in a playful or non-threatening way, demonstrating quick thinking and resourcefulness (outfox, outwit, outmaneuver).“Despite being outnumbered, the underdog team was able to outfox their opponents and secure a surprising victory.”
OutgeneralTo outsmart or outmaneuver an opponent in a strategic situation, demonstrating superior planning and execution (outmaneuver, outwit, outflank).“The general was able to outgeneral the enemy forces, leading his troops to a decisive victory.”
OutgrowTo grow too big or too old for something, indicating personal growth and development (matured, evolved, progressed).“As she pursued her dreams and passions, she began to outgrow her old fears and insecurities, becoming a confident and empowered individual.”
OutlastTo endure longer than something else, demonstrating resilience and perseverance (persist, survive, withstand).“Despite facing numerous challenges, the small business was able to outlast its competitors and become a successful company.”
OutmaneuverTo gain an advantage over someone by using clever tactics, signifying strategic thinking and quick decision-making (outsmart, outwit, outplay).“She was able to outmaneuver her opponent in the debate by anticipating their arguments and countering them effectively.”
OutmatchTo surpass or exceed in performance or achievement, demonstrating superior ability and skill (outdo, outperform, surpass).“Despite being the underdog, the team was able to outmatch their opponents and secure a spot in the championship game.”
OutpaceTo surpass or exceed in a particular activity or competition, demonstrating exceptional skill and determination (outstrip, outrun, exceed).“She trained hard every day and managed to outpace her competitors in the race, winning the gold medal.”
OutperformTo perform better than expected or better than others, demonstrating excellence and achievement (excel, surpass, exceed).“The new sales team was able to outperform the previous year’s numbers, exceeding their goals and demonstrating their exceptional skills.”
OutperformedTo perform better than someone or something else, indicating a high level of skill and achievement (excelled, surpassed, exceeded).“The new sales team outperformed the previous year’s numbers, exceeding their goals and impressing the company’s executives.”
OutperformingTo exceed expectations or perform better than others, demonstrating exceptional skill and dedication (outshining, surpassing, excelling).“The new sales team is outperforming all previous records, bringing in impressive profits for the company.”
OutplayTo outdo or surpass in playing a game or sport, demonstrating superior skills and strategy (outperform, excel, dominate).“The underdog team managed to outplay their opponents, winning the championship game and shocking the entire league.”
OutpointTo surpass or exceed a particular point or level, demonstrating exceptional performance or achievement (outperform, excel, exceed).“The athlete’s dedication and hard work allowed him to outpoint his competitors and win the gold medal.”
OutraceTo run faster than someone in a race, demonstrating exceptional speed and agility (outrun, outpace, surpass).“Despite being the underdog, the athlete was able to outrace his opponents and win the gold medal.”
OutrankTo surpass or exceed in rank or importance, indicating a high level of achievement and success (surpass, exceed, outdo).“Her hard work and dedication allowed her to outrank her colleagues and become the top performer in the company.”
OutreachTo reach out or extend help or services to a wider community, demonstrating a commitment to inclusivity and support (connect, engage, involve).“Our organization plans to outreach to underprivileged communities to provide free educational resources and support.”
OutreasonTo surpass in reasoning or argumentation, demonstrating superior logic and intellect (outsmart, outwit, outthink).“She was able to outreason her opponent in the debate, impressing the judges with her superior logic and intellect.”
OutrunTo run faster or farther than someone or something else, demonstrating superior speed and endurance (surpass, outpace, exceed).“Despite being the underdog, the athlete was able to outrun his competitors and win the race.”
OutsailTo sail faster or farther than another vessel, demonstrating superior sailing skills and speed (outpace, surpass, exceed).“The skilled sailor was able to outsail his competitors and win the race.”
OutscoreTo score more points than an opponent, indicating a successful performance (outperform, surpass, excel).“The basketball team was able to outscore their opponents in the final quarter, securing their victory.”
OutsellTo sell more than someone or something else, indicating success and popularity (outperform, surpass, exceed).“Our company was able to outsell our competitors this quarter, thanks to our innovative marketing strategies.”
OutshineTo surpass in excellence or brilliance, demonstrating exceptional talent or skill (excel, shine, outdo).“She worked hard to outshine her competitors and won the gold medal.”
OutshoneTo surpass in shining or brightness, representing excellence and achievement (outshined, exceeded, excelled).“Her talent outshone all the other performers at the talent show, earning her a standing ovation from the audience.”
OutsmartTo outwit or defeat someone through cleverness or intelligence, often resulting in a positive outcome for oneself or others (outsmart, outmaneuver, outfox).“She was able to outsmart her opponent in the debate, impressing the judges and securing her victory.”
OutspokenExpressing opinions or feelings freely and confidently, signifying courage and authenticity (frank, candid, blunt).“She was outspoken about her beliefs, even when it wasn’t popular, and her courage inspired others to speak up as well.”
OutsprintTo run faster than someone else in a race, demonstrating exceptional speed and agility (outrun, outpace, outdistance).“She outsprinted her competitors in the final stretch of the race, securing her victory and setting a new personal record.”
OutstretchTo extend or stretch out, often used to describe a welcoming gesture or a physical movement of the body (welcome, embrace, reach out).“She outstretched her arms to welcome her long-lost friend with a warm embrace.”
OutstripTo surpass or exceed in performance or achievement, demonstrating exceptional ability and success (outdo, surpass, exceed).“Despite being a newcomer to the industry, her talent and hard work allowed her to outstrip her more experienced colleagues in sales.”
OutthinkTo outsmart or surpass in thinking, indicating intelligence and strategic planning (outthink, outwit, outmaneuver).“She was able to outthink her opponents and come up with a brilliant solution to the problem.”
OutvoteTo defeat or prevail over in a vote, indicating the power of democracy and the importance of participation (outmaneuver, outdo, outsmart).“The community came together to outvote the opposition and pass the important legislation.”
OutweighTo be more significant or important than something else, indicating the greater value or impact of one thing over another (dominate, surpass, eclipse).“The benefits of exercise outweigh the temporary discomfort of pushing yourself during a workout.”
OutwitTo defeat or get the better of someone by being clever or more intelligent, often resulting in a positive outcome for oneself (outsmart, outmaneuver, outfox).“She was able to outwit her opponent in the debate, impressing the judges and securing her victory.”
OverachieveTo perform better or achieve more than expected or required, demonstrating exceptional effort and dedication (excel, surpass, outperform).“She always strives to overachieve in her work, consistently exceeding expectations and setting a high standard for her colleagues.”
OveraweTo inspire a feeling of respect and fear, signifying authority and power (impress, intimidate, daunt).“The speaker’s commanding presence overawed the audience, leaving them in awe of his authority and power.”
OvercomeTo successfully deal with or defeat a problem or obstacle, demonstrating strength and resilience (conquer, triumph, prevail).“She was able to overcome her fear of public speaking and deliver a powerful presentation to the entire company.”
OverdeliverTo exceed expectations and go above and beyond what is required, demonstrating a strong work ethic and dedication to quality (overachieve, surpass, excel).“I always strive to overdeliver on my projects, ensuring that my clients are not only satisfied but impressed with the level of service I provide.”
OverflowTo fill or cover completely, often with an excess of something, such as water or emotions, creating a sense of abundance or overwhelmingness (flood, inundate, overwhelm).“The love in my heart overflows when I see my children succeed.”
OverhaulTo completely renovate or make extensive repairs to something, often resulting in improved functionality and efficiency, demonstrating a commitment to progress and innovation (revamp, renovate, modernize).“The company decided to overhaul their outdated technology, resulting in a significant increase in productivity and customer satisfaction.”
OverjoyTo experience great happiness or delight, often to the point of being overwhelmed, signifying a deep sense of contentment and satisfaction (ecstatic, elated, thrilled).“I was overjoyed to hear that I had been accepted into my dream school.”
OverjoyingTo cause great happiness or delight to someone, bringing immense joy and positivity (delighting, thrilling, elating).“The surprise party thrown by her friends ended up overjoying her, making her feel loved and appreciated.”
OverlearnTo learn something to the point of automaticity, allowing for greater efficiency and accuracy in performance (master, memorize, internalize).“I overlearned the dance routine so well that I was able to perform it flawlessly without even thinking about the steps.”
OvermasterTo gain complete control over someone or something, demonstrating one’s strength and power (dominate, overpower, conquer).“The athlete overmastered his opponent with his impressive skills and won the championship.”
OverpayTo pay more than the actual value or cost of something, often done out of generosity or lack of knowledge of the actual price (generous, charitable, magnanimous).“I was so grateful for the excellent service that I decided to overpay the waiter as a gesture of appreciation.”
OverseeTo supervise or be in charge of a project or activity, ensuring that it is carried out successfully and efficiently, demonstrating leadership and responsibility (manage, direct, supervise).“As the project manager, I will oversee the development of the new software and ensure that it is completed on time and within budget.”
OverspreadTo spread over or cover completely, creating a sense of abundance and fullness (enveloping, inundating, saturating).“The golden sunlight overspread the meadow, creating a warm and inviting atmosphere for a picnic.”
OvertakeTo catch up with and pass while traveling in the same direction, indicating progress and success (surpass, outstrip, exceed).“The young athlete overtook the reigning champion in the final lap, securing her place as the new record holder.”
OvertakingTo pass or go beyond, often in a competitive manner, demonstrating skill and determination (surpassing, outpacing, exceeding).“The young athlete overtook her opponents in the final lap, winning the race with impressive speed and determination.”
OvertopTo surpass or exceed in height, size, or importance, demonstrating superiority or excellence (outshine, outdo, overshadow).“The new skyscraper will overtop all other buildings in the city, showcasing the architectural excellence of its designers.”
OvertrumpTo surpass or outdo someone or something, often in a competitive context, demonstrating exceptional skill and ability (outshine, outperform, exceed).“She overtrumped her opponent in the debate, impressing the audience with her eloquence and knowledge.”
OverturnTo reverse or invalidate a decision or judgment, often leading to a more just outcome, (invalidate, reverse, nullify).“The Supreme Court’s decision to overturn the lower court’s ruling brought justice to the wrongly accused defendant.”
OvulateReleasing an egg from the ovary, allowing for the possibility of pregnancy and motherhood (fertile, reproductive, generative).“She was thrilled to ovulate and finally have the chance to start a family.”
OwnTo possess something as one’s own, indicating a sense of responsibility and control (possess, have, hold).“I am proud to own my own business and be in control of my own success.”
OwnedHaving possession or control over something, indicating responsibility and accountability (possessed, controlled, held).“I owned up to my mistake and took responsibility for the error.”
OwningHaving possession or control over something, indicating responsibility and accountability (possessing, having, holding).“I take pride in owning my mistakes and learning from them.”
OxygenateTo infuse or supply with oxygen, promoting healthy bodily function and aiding in recovery (oxygenize, aerate, oxygenate).“The doctor instructed the patient to take deep breaths to oxygenate their lungs and speed up the healing process.”
OxygenizeTo add oxygen to something, improving its quality or ability to function (oxygenate, aerate, enrich).“The aquarium staff oxygenize the water regularly to ensure the health and well-being of the marine life.”
OxymoronizeTo create an oxymoron by combining contradictory terms, resulting in a clever and humorous effect (paradoxize, contradict, juxtapose).“She oxymoronized her speech by saying “jumbo shrimp” which made the audience burst into laughter.”
OysteringTo gather oysters from their bed, signifying a sustainable and traditional way of harvesting seafood (harvesting, gathering, collecting).“Every summer, my family and I go oystering in the Chesapeake Bay, enjoying the fresh and delicious seafood while supporting local fishermen and preserving the environment.”
OzonizeTo treat or purify with ozone, removing impurities and improving air quality, (purify, sanitize, decontaminate).“The hospital uses ozone to ozonize the air in the operating room, ensuring a sterile environment for surgeries.”

These Are All Verbs Starting With O That Can Be Used In a Positive & Impactful Way

Now that we’ve covered all verbs starting with O that inherently exude positivity and impact, let’s complete the list and shift gears to another exciting set of words. These next words might not generally spell ‘positivity’ or ‘impact’ but when used thoughtfully, can surely add a positive & impactful spin to any conversation.

This next set of words exemplifies the beauty of language – their meaning is not just fixed but can be shaped by the context they are used in. So, try to use these words too, to have a bigger positive impact with your conversations.

VerbsDescription (with synonyms)Example sentence
ObliterateTo completely destroy or erase, leaving no trace behind, signifying a thorough and complete removal (annihilate, eradicate, demolish).“The new cleaning solution was able to obliterate the toughest stains on my carpet, leaving it looking brand new.”
ObscureTo make unclear or difficult to understand, but can also refer to something that is not well-known or popular, making it intriguing and mysterious (ambiguous, enigmatic, cryptic).“The artist’s use of abstract shapes and colors in her painting obscure the subject matter, creating a sense of mystery and intrigue.”
ObsessTo have an excessive preoccupation or fixation on something, often leading to intense focus and dedication, signifying passion and commitment (fixate, dwell, ruminate).“She obsesses over her art, spending countless hours perfecting every detail, which has led to her becoming a highly successful and respected artist.”
OccupyTo take up space or time, indicating active use or engagement (utilize, inhabit, reside).“I plan to occupy my time this weekend by volunteering at the local animal shelter.”
OccurTo take place or happen, often unexpectedly or suddenly, bringing about a change or consequence (happen, transpire, arise).“The idea for a new product occurred to me while I was taking a shower, and it ended up being a huge success.”
OmitTo leave out or exclude, indicating a deliberate decision to not include something (exclude, disregard, skip).“I decided to omit that paragraph from my essay because it didn’t add anything to my argument.”
OosporizeTo produce oospores, which are resistant structures formed by some fungi and algae, allowing them to survive harsh conditions (sporulate, germinate, propagate).“The algae were able to oosporize and survive the drought, ensuring the continuation of their species.”
OozeTo flow or seep slowly and steadily, often used to describe a thick or viscous substance, such as mud or honey, slowly oozing out of a container. (The sap oozed out of the tree trunk, providing a sweet and sticky treat for the nearby insects) (trickle, seep, drip).“The warm chocolate sauce oozed over the ice cream, creating a delicious and decadent dessert.”
OpalesceTo become milky or cloudy in appearance, often used to describe liquids such as oil or water (clarify, purify, refine).“After boiling the chicken broth, the impurities opalesced and rose to the surface, allowing me to easily skim them off and create a clearer, more refined broth.”
OppilateTo obstruct or close up (as a passage or orifice), often used in medical contexts to describe a blocked airway or blood vessel, but can also refer to figurative blockages; it is important to seek medical attention if you experience oppilation in your airways. (obstructed, closed, clogged).“The surgeon was able to successfully oppilate the bleeding vessel, preventing further complications during the procedure.”
OrdinateTo establish or determine the position or order of something, often used in scientific or mathematical contexts, ensuring accuracy and precision (arrange, classify, categorize).“The scientist was able to ordinate the data in a clear and concise manner, allowing for accurate analysis and conclusions to be drawn.”
OscillateTo move back and forth like a pendulum, indicating a fluctuation or indecision in a situation (sway, waver, vacillate).“The stock market tends to oscillate, but with careful analysis, investors can still make profitable decisions.”
OverbalanceTo lose balance or stability due to excess weight or force, highlighting the importance of maintaining equilibrium and stability (topple, tip, tilt).“The skilled acrobat was able to overbalance on the tightrope, impressing the audience with their incredible balance and control.”
OverestimateTo judge something as greater than it actually is, often leading to disappointment or failure, but can also inspire confidence and motivation (exaggerate, inflate, magnify).“I tend to overestimate my abilities, but it also pushes me to work harder and achieve more than I thought possible.”
OverexciteTo cause someone to become excessively excited or agitated, often resulting in a loss of control or rationality, but can also lead to increased creativity and productivity (enthuse, stimulate, invigorate).“The new project proposal overexcited the team, leading to a burst of creative ideas and increased productivity.”
OverindulgeTo excessively indulge in something, often leading to negative consequences, but can also be used in a positive context when referring to indulging in self-care or treating oneself (pamper, indulge, spoil).“I decided to overindulge in a day of self-care, treating myself to a spa day and indulging in my favorite foods, leaving me feeling refreshed and rejuvenated.”
OverreachTo go beyond what is reasonable or acceptable, often resulting in negative consequences, but can also lead to great success if done in moderation (exceed, stretch, push).“She decided to overreach her goals and ended up achieving more than she ever thought possible.”
OverruleTo reject or nullify a decision or ruling made by someone in authority, often in a legal context, demonstrating the power to make a fair and just decision (override, overturn, reverse).“The judge had to overrule the objection made by the defense attorney, ensuring that justice was served for the victim.”
OverstepTo exceed the limits or boundaries set by a rule or authority, often done with good intentions but can lead to negative consequences, (transgress, infringe, violate).“She decided to overstep her usual duties and take on the extra workload to help her team meet their deadline.”
OvertakeHaving been surpassed or caught up to, signifying a need for improvement or increased effort (outpaced, outstripped, exceeded).“Despite starting in last place, the runner was determined to overtake all of his competitors and eventually won the race.”
OverthrowTo remove forcibly from power, often used in the context of political revolutions or coups, leading to the establishment of a new government (topple, depose, dethrone).“The people of the country were able to overthrow the corrupt government and establish a new, fairer system.”
OverwhelmTo defeat completely or be too much to handle, leaving one feeling powerless and unable to cope (conquer, overpower, crush).“The support and love from my family and friends overwhelm me with gratitude and happiness.”

10 Most Used Positive & Impactful Verbs That Start With the Letter O

The letter O appears in about 7.5% of words used in the English language. Meaning that it is one of the most used letters in terms of letter frequency (btw, this is the full ranking, with the letters arranged from most to least frequent: etaoinshrdlcumwfgypbvkjxqz).

Yet, some verbs beginning with O are used more often than others. Below are some of the most used positive and impactful verbs that start with the letter O:

  1. Overcome
  2. Orchestrate
  3. Optimize
  4. Outperform
  5. Obtain
  6. Offer
  7. Operate
  8. Overflow
  9. Open
  10. Organize

The frequency of how many times you want to use verbs that start with the letter O is entirely in your hands! We believe our list offered an ocean of outstanding words with O, optimizing your oration originally. And we’re confident, you found it optimistic and opportune to use these words whenever you desired an ounce of optimism or a touch of opulence in your banter or writing!

10 Interesting Words That Start With the Letter O

Onward to the opulent offerings of the letter O, opening our minds to a plethora of fascinating terms. Here are ten compelling words that start with O:

  1. Oblivion: The state of being unaware or unconscious of what is happening around one. This term invites contemplation about existence, memory, and the mystery of the unknown.
  2. Obsequious: Obedient or attentive to an excessive or servile degree. This term is often used to describe someone who is overly submissive, usually to gain favor.
  3. Omnipotent: Having unlimited power and able to do anything. Stemming from the Latin roots ‘omni’ (all) and ‘potens’ (powerful), this term is often used in philosophical and theological contexts.
  4. Onomatopoeia: The formation of a word from a sound associated with what is named. It’s a fun, phonetic phenomenon found in languages around the world, and adds a dimension of sound symbolism to language.
  5. Osculate: To kiss. Derived from Latin “osculum,” meaning “little mouth,” this formal or scientific term adds a touch of classic romance to the English language.
  6. Obdurate: Stubbornly refusing to change one’s opinion or course of action. This term, derived from Latin roots meaning “hardened,” illustrates the human trait of stubbornness.
  7. Ostentatious: Characterized by vulgar or pretentious display; designed to impress or attract notice. This term acts as a critique of excessiveness and vanity.
  8. Oenophile: A person who enjoys wines, usually as a connoisseur. This term, stemming from Greek roots, encapsulates the appreciation of the refined, sensory experience of wine tasting.
  9. Ouroboros: An ancient symbol depicting a serpent or dragon eating its own tail. Symbolizing self-reflexivity or cyclicality, this term from ancient iconography represents the infinite cycle of nature’s endless creation and destruction.
  10. Omniscient: Knowing everything. Derived from Latin roots, this term often arises in philosophical and theological discussions, referring to an entity’s capacity to know everything that there is to know.

From the omnipotent to the omniscient, these words offer us an open opportunity to observe the omnipresence of the outstanding and occasionally odd aspects of the English language.

Related: Are you looking for even more positive & impactful words? Then you might also want to explore those words that start with all the other letters of the alphabet:

A | B | C | D | E | F | G | H | I | J | K | L | M | N | ‍O | P | Q | R | S | T | U | V | W | X | Y | Z

10 Interesting Facts About Words That Start With the Letter O

Let’s take a step back and have a look at the bigger picture of our words with O. We discover an array of intriguing aspects that reflect its indispensable position in our linguistic system.

  1. Historical journey: The letter O originates from the Semitic letter Ayin, and it found its way into the Greek alphabet as Omicron and Omega. This led to its inclusion in the Latin alphabet as our familiar O.
  2. Vowel and consonant: O serves as both a vowel and occasionally as a consonant. As a consonant, it’s seen in words like “one” and “once.”
  3. Pronunciation variations: The sound of O can vary greatly, as seen in words like “hot,” “more,” and “move.”
  4. Zero representation: O is commonly used to represent the number zero, especially in spoken English.
  5. Scientific significance: In the world of science, O is the symbol for oxygen on the Periodic Table of Elements.
  6. Mathematical role: In mathematics, O is used to denote Big O notation, which describes the limiting behavior of a function.
  7. Linguistic function: In English, the letter O is used to create a variety of common interjections, such as “oh,” “oops,” and “ouch.”
  8. O in music: In music, O is the open string note in tablature notation.
  9. Pictorial representation: The letter O is often used to represent an image of an eye or a whole object due to its round shape.
  10. Emotive use: O is widely used to express emotion in text-based communication, as in emoticons and expressions like “O_O” for surprise.

The letter O, with its varied pronunciations, dual vowel-consonant role, and significant influence across a range of fields, illuminates its integral part in the English language. From its historical roots to its modern-day applications, the versatility of O is a testament to its importance.

A Brief History of the Letter O

The story of the letter O has a rich and compelling history, beginning with ancient civilizations and carrying forward into the present day.

The letter O began its life as a hieroglyph that looked like a circular outline and represented the sound /ʕ/ in the Ancient Egyptian language

The Phoenicians adopted this character, keeping the circular shape but simplifying the design. They assigned it the sound /ʕ/ and named it ‘ayin,’ which translates to ‘eye.’

When the Greeks adopted the Phoenician alphabet, they repurposed ayin to represent a vowel sound. They called it ‘omicron,’ which means ‘small o,’ to differentiate it from the letter ‘omega,’ which was a long ‘o’ sound. Omicron was visually identical to our modern O, a testament to the enduring power of this simple design.

The Romans borrowed the Greek alphabet, including omicron, and adapted it to their own language to create the Latin alphabet. O retained its circular shape and vowel sound from Greek to Latin. It’s worth noting that O was the first vowel in the Latin alphabet, emphasizing its fundamental role in the language.

In modern usage, O has taken on a myriad of symbolic meanings beyond its role as a letter. In mathematics, O is used to represent the set of all whole numbers, also known as integers. In chemistry, O is the symbol for oxygen. In language, ‘O’ is sometimes used as a standalone exclamation or a poetic form of ‘oh.’ In pop culture, O often symbolizes a hug when used in the context of ‘XOXO,’ denoting ‘kisses and hugs.’

From an ancient hieroglyph to its position in the modern English alphabet, the journey of the letter O offers a compelling look into the evolution of written communication. Its simple, circular form and its foundational role as a vowel highlight the importance of design efficiency and linguistic necessity in shaping the alphabet.

Related: Are you looking for even more positive & impactful words? Then you might also want to explore those words that start with all the other letters of the alphabet:

A | B | C | D | E | F | G | H | I | J | K | L | M | N | ‍O | P | Q | R | S | T | U | V | W | X | Y | Z

Final Thoughts

Expanding your vocabulary is akin to broadening your intellectual horizons and enhancing your capacity to express your thoughts and emotions with precision. By embracing words like ‘overcome,’ ‘outshine,’ and ‘orchestrate,’ you’re not just learning new terms, but you’re also gaining nuanced ways to communicate positivity and drive. ‘Overcome’ can transform a simple ‘surpass’ into a triumphant victory, ‘outshine’ breathes life into routine success, and ‘orchestrate’ takes ‘organize’ to an elegant new arrangement.

The more words you have at your disposal, the more accurately and vividly you can paint your thoughts into speech and writing. So, by growing your vocabulary, especially with positive and impactful words, you’re empowering yourself to engage more effectively and inspiringly with the world around you.

Stay impactful,

Illustration of a signature for Dennis



Sources

Photo of author
Did you like this article?

Get the 5-minute newsletter that makes reading impactful news enjoyable—packed with actionable insights to make a positive impact in your daily life.

Three Related Posts

One Unrelated Post

Illustration of our Impactful Ninja logo, holding up a newsletter with a green heart
Become more impactful, one email at a time
Get the 5-minute newsletter that makes reading impactful news enjoyable—packed with actionable insights to make a positive impact in your daily life.