Strong action verbs can help drive home your previous success and career achievements. They are important to help you start statements that explain your responsibilities and accomplishments.

Most people don’t realize that resumes aren’t written in perfect English. The statements are sentence fragments that generally begin with a verb.

These statements make up the paragraphs that are written under the job headings in the experience section. Sentences in the bullet points of accomplishments are also written using this structure.  Instead of saying “I helped” or “I produced” the pronoun is taken out and the action verb starts the sentence.

Sometimes we see resumes use words like “handled” when describing an action.  Usually you can use a stronger more compelling verb.   However, it is often difficult to think of good verbs. Sometimes, you can get stuck using the same verb such as multiple times when it is better to mix up statements with other similar verbs.

Below you will find a list of verbs and their synonym (verbs with a similar meaning).  It is also helpful to have an online thesaurus opened in a window, which can help you build more vibrant statements.

Resume Power Verbs A through H

ASynonymsDSynonyms
abateddecline, decrease, lessendealttraded, marketed, sold
abbreviatedconcise, condensed, summarizeddebatedargued, discussed, disputed
abolishedended, eradicated, terminateddebuggedcorrected, fixed, cured
abridgedcompressed, condensed, compactdecideddetermined, resolved, settled
absolvedcleared, excused, exonerateddecodeddecipher, fathom, solve
absorbedconsumed, engrossed, fascinateddecreasedabate, decline, ebb
acceleratedfast, rapid, swiftdedicatedapply, assign, commit
accentuatedheightened, highlight, stressdefineddecide, explain, specify
accommodatedadapt, aid, supportdelegatedcharge, elect, invest
accomplishedachieve, attain, realizedelineatedborder, define, edge
accounted foravailable, at hand, neardelivereddistribute, remit, transfer
accruedaccumulate, amass, build updemonstrateddetermine, establish, indicate
accumulatedaccrued, amass, collectdeployedarrange, display, position
achievedaccomplished, concluded, donederivedconclude, deduct, judge
acquiredattained, earned, receiveddescribedcommunicate, explain, Specify
actedmock, pretended, simulatedesignatedentitle, label, name
adaptedaccommodate, conform, tailordesignedconstruct, devise, invent
adoptedaccept, endorse, fosterdetailedallocate, commission, designate
addedaugment, summated, supplementdetecteddiscover, encounter, uncover
addresseddiscourse, lecture, remarkdetermineddecide, regulate, terminate
adjustedaltered, diversified, reviseddevelopedadvance, promote, thrive
administeredexecute, manage, overseedevisedarrange, construct, improvise
advancedcontinue, further, promotediagnoseddetermine, interpret, identify
advertisedamplify, notify, publicizedifferentiatedcontrast, demarcate, separate
advisedapprise, enlighten, informdiffuseddisburse, mitigate, temper
advocatedadvance, bolster, encouragedirectedgovern, lead, manage
affirmedapproved, assured, confirmeddisburseddistribute, expend, outlay
aidedalleviate, benefit, subsidizediscovereddetect, identify, reveal
alertedcaution, notify, signaleddiscussedconfer, converse, review
alignedcommensurate, level, paralleldispatchedforward, remit, transmit
allayedabate, assuage, relievedispensedallot, distribute, portion
alleviatedease, improve, mitigatedisplayedarrange, demonstrate, showcase
allocatedallot, budget, designatedisposedactuate, induce, regulate
allottedappoint, budget, metedisprovedbelie, confute, rebut
alteredadjust, convert, reviseddissecteddismember, part, sever
amassedcompile, collect, gatherdisseminatedcirculate, disperse, publish
amendedenhance, improve, modifydissolveddecline, disband, terminate
analyzedconsider, examine, interpretdistinguishedcollate, label, judge
answeredcomment, reply, remarkdistributedadminister, bestow, prorate
anticipatedassume, expect, deducediversifiedalter, expand, variegate
appeasedconciliate, contend, subduediverteddeflect, modify, veer
appliedcorrelated, exercised, relateddivesteddeprive, remove, seize
appointedassign, delegate, determinedivideddetach, segment, unbind
appraisedassess, evaluate, inspectdocumentedcertify, record, script
approachedadvance, offer, proposedoubledbinary, dual, paired
appropriatedappoint, devote, dispersedraftedcompose, devise, formulate
approvedcommend, praise, sanctiondramatizedamplify, exaggerate, overdo
arbitratedmediate, negotiate, settledrew upcompose, prepare
arousedanimate, enliven, provokedrovecompel, induce, urge
arrangedclassify, organizeE
articulatedexpress, state, toldearnedacquire, collect, obtain
ascertainedconfirm, determine, verifyeasedassist, expedite, mollify
aspiredaim, strive, yearneconomizedconserve, manage, save
assembledaccumulate, convene, uniteeditedalter, compile, prepare
assessedestimate, evaluate, judgeeducatedcoach, Develop, teach
assignedapportion, delegate, designateeffectedcause, Complete, enforce
assimilatedaccommodate, incorporate, standardizeelaborateddevise, Develop, enhance
assistedabet, collaborate, facilitateelectedappoint, cull, select
assuredensured, insured, guaranteedelevateddredge, erect, hoist
attainedacquire, obtain, procureelicitedcause, evoke, obtain
attendedappear, frequent, visiteliminatedcancel, discharge, eradicate
auditedexamine, review, verifyembracedclasp, enfold, seize
augmentedamplify, compound, supplementemphasizedassert, headline, prioritize
authoredcreated, penned, wroteempoweredaccredit, enable, vest
authorizedaccredit, enable, entitleenabledapprove, commission, permit
automatedcomputerized, mechanized, programmedencouragedbuoy, fortify, incite
avertedadvance, broach, proposeendedcease, dissolve, terminate
avoidedabstain, desist, evadeenforcedcompel, dictate, evoke
awardedbestow, confer, grantengagedappoint, enlist, retain
Bengineeredarrange, devise, manage
balanced collate, offset, stabilizeenhancedamplify, embellish, upgrade
beganactivate, commence, initiateenlisteddraft, enroll, hire
benchmarkedcommence, leveled, targetedenrichedcultivate, endow, supplement
benefitedadvance, further, promoteenrolledaccept, engage, register
bidpropose, tender, ventureensuredcertify, Establish, warrant
billeddebit, invoice, reckonenteredaccess, arrive, probe
blendedcombine, compound, integrateentertainedcaptivate, inspire, regale
blockedintercept, prevent, stonewallenticedbeguile, lure, tempt
bolsteredmaintain, reinforce, supportequippedendow, prepare, supply
boostedamplify, augment, elevateestablishedcreate, decree, enact
boughtacquire, purchase, procureestimatedassess, budget, gauge
brandedestablish, identify, designateevaluatedappraise, classify, value
bridgedbind, link, uniteexaminedaudit, consider, research
broadenedlink, increase, supplementexceededeclipse, excel, surpass
broughteffectuate, convey, importexecutedachieve, enact, render
budgetedallocate, calculated, computedexercisedapply, employ, utilize
builtcalculated, construct, engineerexhibiteddisplay, feature, proclaim
Cexpandedamplify, broaden, increase
calculatedappraise, consider, enumerateexpeditedfacilitate, promote, urge
calibratedadjust, attune, regulateexperiencedconfront, encounter, endure
capitalizedattune, use, utilizeexperimentedexamine, explore, speculate
capturedcaught, contained, detainedexplainedclarify, decipher, interpret
cared foraid, provide for, supportexploredexamine, probe, survey
carriedchannel, convey, sustainexpressedexert, state, testify
carvedform, hew, shapeextendedamplify, increase, widen
categorizedhew, group, sortextractedderive, glean, wrest
cataloguedarrange, class, indexF
caughtapprehend, capture, seizefabricatedassemble, compose, create
cautionedadvise, alert, forewarnfacilitatedaid, further, promote
cementedcombine, merge, sealfactoredallow for, consider,
certifiedapproved, authenticate, authorizefamiliarizedcondition, enlighten, inform
chairedjudge, mediate, presidefashionedcreate, devise, mold
challengeddispute, investigate, questionfieldeddeflect, handle, return
championedinvestigate, defend, upholdfiledfinish, level, refine
changedadjust, modify, transformfilledfurnish, inflate, pervade
chargedimpugn, indict, reproachfinalizedcomplete, conclude, decide
chartedarrange, graph, plotfinancedcapitalize, endow, promote
checkedcompare, inspect, verifyfine tunedadapt, conform, hone
choseaccept, elect, selectfinishedalter, modify, complete
chronicledenter, narrate, reportfixedimplant, stabilize
circulatedbroadcast, distribute, issuefocusedconvene, rivet, spotlight
circumventedavoid, elude, preventfollowedensue, displace, pursue
citedindicate, quote, referenceforecastedanticipate, conclude, infer
clarifieddefine, illuminate, simplifyforgedduplicate, invent, produce
classifiedcategorize, sort, groupformalizedinvent, denote, entitle
cleanedclarify, expunge, sanitizeformedArrange, compose, develop
clearedabsolve, clarify, cleanseformulatedcompose, contrive, invent
closedend, seal, shutfortifiedbrace, consolidate, reinforce
coachedadvise, encourage, supportforwardedadvance, expedite, promote
codedarrange, classify, organizefosteredcultivate, further, support
collaboratedcorporate, concur, conspirefoughtchallenge, dispute, strive
collatedfounddetect, observe, pinpoint
collectedarrange, find, gatherfoundedbegin, induce, start
combinedadd, mix, integrateframedassemble, forge, produce
commandedfulfilledachieve, complete, perfect
commendedacclaim, exalt, praisefunctioned asact, operate, perform
commencedexalt, innate, startfundedendow, finance, support
commissionedappoint, command, enlistfurnishedappoint, equip, purvey
communicatedtalk, speak, verbalizefurtheredassist, Contribute, patronize
comparedanalyze, contrast, considerG
compiledassemble, amass, gathergainedacquire, consummate, procure
complementedacclaim, laud,recommendgarneredaccumulate, collect, reap
completedend, finish, stopgatheredamass, group, unite
composedauthor, create, designgaugedappraise, count, quantify
compoundedblend, combine, mixgavecede, endow, supply
computedestimate, sum, tallygeneratedcause, develop, produce
conceivedaccept, believe, understandgovernedcommand, execute, regulate
concentratedconsider, muse, pondergraduatedcomplete, earn, finish
conceptualizedconceive, imagine,invasiongraspedaccept, comprehend, understand
condensedabridge, compress, reducegreetedherald, receive, welcome
conductedcompress, direct, overseegrewadvance, evolve, increase
conferredconsult, discuss, parleygroupedarrange, class, order
configuredarrange, assemble, groupguaranteedaffirm, pledge, verify
confirmedaffirm, endorse,verifyguidedadvise, govern, teach
confrontedencounter, resist, withstandH
connectedaffix, equate, relatehaltedcease, curb, stop
conservedhoard, save, stashhalvedbisect, divide, split
consideredcontemplate, muse, ponderhandledadvise, operate, Supervise
consolidatedamass, combine,joinheadedchair, manage, supervise
constructedbuild, create, makeheightenedenhance, increase, magnify
consultedask, confer, discussheldconfine, detain, retain
consummatedachieve, complete, finishhelpedaid, assist, support
contactedapproach, communicate, relatehiredemploy, engage, retain
continuedextend,maintain, perseverehonedinstruct, teach, practice
contractedabate, confine, edithostedaccommodate, entertain, receive
contributedadvance, assist, fortifyhypnotizedcharm, entrance, mesmerize
controlledmanage, oversee, supervisehypothesizedconsider, deem, judge
convertedadjust, change, modify
conveyedbring, carry, transport
convincedassure, establish, persuade
cooperatedaid, contribute,further
coordinatedgroup, manage, organize
copiedduplicate, transcribe, xerox
correctedalter, better, fix
correspondedaccord, coincide, match
counseledadvise, caution, warn
createdauthor, design, make
critiquedassess, examine, rate
cultivatedbreed, develop, harvest
customizedalter, convert, modify
cutbisect, curtail, prune

Resume Power Verbs I through R

ISynonymsPSynonyms
identifiedanalyze, classify, selectpaced, ,
ignitedenflame, kindle, startpackaged, ,
illustratedclarify, depict, typifypacked, ,
implementedcomplete, enable, startparedcrop, prune, reduce
importedattend, conduct, usherparticipatedaide, concur, share
improveddevelop, progress, revisepartneredconsort, corporate, help
improvisedcontrive, comprise, inventpassedaccomplish, complete, finish
incitedinduce, persuade, stimulatepenetratedcharge, insert, seep
includedaccommodate, add, introduceperceivedbehold, divine, observe
incorporatedblend, combine, includeperfectedaccomplish, complete, refine
increasedadvance, build, supplementperformedachieve, effect, satisfy
indicatedattest, make, revealpersuadedcoach, enlist, urge
individualizedbrand, define, portrayphotographeddepict, draw, portray
indoctrinatedconvince, instill, programpilotedconvey, guide, oversee
inducedcause, incite, urgepinpointeddefine, place, spot
influencedalter, impel, shapepioneeredbegin, develop, start
informedcaution, edify, teachplacedallot, locate, station
infusedanimate, impart, pervadeplannedcraft, devise, outline
initiatedbegin, start, triggerplayeddivert, show, trifle
innovatedadmit, induct, unveilpraisedcheer, ennoble, extol
inspectedaudit, review, studypredictedanticipate, conclude, foresee
inspiredcause, elate, infusepreparedalter, change, revise
installedbuild, Establish, stationprescribedappoint, command, require
instilleddiffuse, impart, programpresentedcite, declare, state
institutedlaunch, organize, pioneerpreservedconserve, defend, uphold
instructedappraise, drill, notifypresidedadvise, chair, manage
insuredcinch, hedge, warrantprevaileddominate, master, succeed
integratedarrange, blend, joinpreventedavoid, counter, restrict
intensifiedaccent, enhance, rouseprintedcompose, issue, publish
interactedcombine, join, mergeprioritizedassert, charge, repeat
intercededinterpose, negotiate, reconcileprocessedalter, convert, refine
interpretedclarify, decipher, translateprocuredannex, induce, secure
interveneddivide, involve, settleproducedcreate, make, manufacture
interviewedconsult, question, quizprofiledcontour, form, shape
inventedbuild, create, makeprogrammedbook, charter, reserve
inventoriedadd, compute, specifyprogressedadvance, proceed, travel
investedendow, infuse, stakeprojectedarrange, chart, feature
investigatedcheck, examine, scoutpromotedadvance, further, urge
invigoratedenliven, rally, triggerproofreadalter, emend, revise
invitedallure, issue, summonproposedadvance, contend, state
involvedbind, commit, linkprotectedassure, defend, guard
isolateddetach, part, secludeprovedaffirm, attest, certify
issuedemit, stem, ventprovidedarrange, cater, furnish
itemizedcite, quote, recordprunedclip, trim, reduce
Jpublicizedbill, headline, spotlight
joinedadhere, combine, interlacepurchasedattain, invest, procure
judgedarbitrate, decree, determinepursuedbait, follow, track
justifiedassert, condone, legitimizeQ
Lquadrupled
launchedcatapult, discharge, propelqualifiedcertify, endow, sanction
learnedattain, grasp, studyquantifiedadd, calculate, measure
lecturedexpress, recite, teachquerieddoubt, inquire, examine
ledconvey, guide, usherquestionedask, challenge, probe
lessenedabate, decrease, reducequoteddetail, name, recall
leveragedcompel, influence, regulateR
licensedaccredit, certify, permitraised boost, elevate, lift
liftedelevate, raise, upholdralliedassemble, muster, organize
limitedconfine, restrict, lessenrankedarrange, class, rate
linkedcombine, group, relateratedclassify, rank, value
liquidatedcash, convert, honorreachedattain, enter, show
listenedattend, hear, observereadconstrue, skim, study
litigatedcontest, dispute, suerealigned
loadedheap, pack, pilerealizedcatch, feature, image
locateddetect, find, uncoverrearrangedalter, draft, style
loggedenter, note, recordreasonedconclude, decide, solve
Mrebuiltfix, mend, repair
made create, invent, producereceivedacquire, derive, secure
maintainedinvent, support, sustainrecognizednote, observe, recall
manageddirect, supervise, wieldrecommendedadvise, exhaust, urge
mandatedagree, mandate, permitreconciledaccepted, submit, yield
maneuvereddevise, navigate, operatereconstructedfix, overhaul, reform
manipulatedchange, maneuver, planrecordedcatalog, copy, transcribe
manufacturedassemble, build, completerecoveredbalance, transcribe, restore
mappedchart, direct, planrecruiteddraft, enlist, gather
markedcheck, imprint, labelrectifiedamend, correct, fix
marketedadvertise, display, sellredesignedalter, change, improve
masteredcomprehend, grasp, understandredirectedalter, change, veer
maximizedenlarge, escalate, increasereducedabate, curtail, decrease
measuredassess, gauge, metere-engineeredupdate, create, remodel
mediatedarbitrate, conciliate, determinereferredcite, credit, name
memorizedcomprehend, fathom, understandrefocusedattract, converge, spotlight
mentoredcoach, counsel, guideregisteredenlist, join, record
mergedblend, mix, uniteregulatedadjust, control, manage
meritedmix, gain, raterehabilitatedadjust, change, improve
metcontact, encounter, engagereinforcedaugment, bolster, stress
minimizedcurtail, decrease, diminishreiteratedecho, recap, retell
mobilizedimpel, propel, readyrelateddepict, express, state
modeledbase, create, patternreleasedabsolve, clear, vent
moderatedabate, curb, modifyreliedawait, commit, depend
modifiedadjust, convert, varyrelievedally, console, improve
moldedbuild, frame, plotremainedabide, delay, endure
monitoredaudit, control, observeremodeledadjust, alter, tailor
monopolizedconsume, engross, possessrenderedcede, furnish, tender
motivatedcause, quicken, swayrenegotiatedassess, postpone, remand
mountedbegin, promote, startrenewedbrace, continue, extend
movedadvance, relocate, proceedreorganizedadapt, convert, vary
multipliedadd, boot, raiserepairedcorrect, patch, revive
Nreplacedconvert, modify, transform
namedclassify, define, labelrepliedanswer, transform, return
narrateddepict, portray, recitereplicatedclone, copy, imitate
navigateddirect, operate, guidereportedadvise, cover, state
negotiatedaccommodate, haggle, mediaterepresentedenact, factor, served
nettedaccumulate, earn, reapreproducedcopy, echo, parallel
neutralizedbalance, negate, offsetrequestedappeal, demand, entreat
nominatedappoint, elect, presentresearchedconsult, explore, inquire
normalizedclass, control, evenreservedcontact, maintain, schedule
notifiedalert, inform, warnresolvedagree, cinch, elect
nurturedcare, develop, fosterrespondedanswer, counter, retort
Orestoredimprove, mend, repair
observeddetect, discover, markrestructuredarrange, conform, shape
obtainedacquire, collect, retainretainedabsorb, grasp, possess
offeredextend, furnish, provideretooleddeduce, overhaul, remake
officiatedconduct, direct, manageretrievedrecall, restore, salvage
offsetbalance, compensate, negatereturnedconvey, refund, render
openeddisclose, expand, vacatedrevampedconvert, modify, reform
operatedconduct, convey, promotereversedannul, convert
optimizedculminate, expand, perfectreviewedexamine, recap, rehash
orchestratedarrange, compose, organizerevisedcompare, redo, revamp
orderedcommand, direct, instructrevitalizedassist, enliven, refresh
organizedarrange, construct, formulaterevolutionizedadapt, evolved, renovate
orientedadapt, conform, directrewardedcompensate, honor, pay
originatedbegin, commence, startriskedbrave, chance, confront
outdistancedoutdo, outpace, passrotatedcircle, move, pivot
outlinedchart, describe, plotroutedconduct, direct, pilot
outperformedbeat, eclipse, surpass
overcamebest, conquer, master
overhauledexamine, fix, redo
oversawcaptain, command, manage
ownedhave, occupy, possess

Resume Power Verbs S through Z

 

SSynonymsTSynonyms
safeguardedassure, cover, defendtabulated cataloged, classified, ordered
salvageddeliver, reclaim, savetackledaccepted, attacked, undertook
savedregain, rescue, retrievetalkedspoke, conversed, articulated
scannedbrowse, check, skimtalliedcomputed, summed, inventoried
scheduledappoint, engage, slatetargetedaimed, focused, attempted
screenedcloak, cover, shieldtastedtried, savored, sampled
sculpturedcarve, fashion, huetaughteducated, coached, explained
searchedexamine, probe, scourteamedaffiliated, cooperated, coordinated
secureddefend, guard, protecttemperedabated, mitigated, softened
seizedclasp, embrace, snagtendedcared for, minded, oversaw
selectedchoose, cull, markterminatedaborted, discontinued, finished
sentadvance, dispatched, remittestedevaluated, assessed, analyzed
separatedcleave, detach, dividetestifiedaffirmed, corroborated, swore
sequencedassort, classify, grouptiedbound, fastened, united
servedaid, deal, providetookacquired, accepted, seized
servicedcorrect, focused, mendtoppedsurpassed, bested, outshined
set uparrange, begin, starttotaledsummed, calculated, figured
settledachieve, complete, endtracedhunted, followed, chased
shapedconfigure, frame, profiletrackedpursued, followed, shadowed
sharedassign, dispense, rationtrainedprepared, coached, instructed
sharpenededge, hone, tapertranscribedrecorded, reproduced, rewrote
shippeddirect, export, sendtransformedrevolutionized, reformed, mutated
shortenedabridge, compress, reducetransitioneddeveloped, evolved, progressed
showedappear, disclose, unveiltranslatedinterpreted, deciphered, paraphrased
signedabandon, cede, yieldtransmittedbroadcast, dispatched, conveyed
simplifiedclarify, decipher, explainedtraveledjourneyed, ventured, explored
simulatedape, copy, imitatetreatedconducted, managed, served
sketchedcraft, draw, maketrimmedclipped, cropped, truncated
slashedcut, incise, severtripledincreased, inflated, multiplied
smoothedclear, even, refinetroubleshotserviced, repaired, corrected
solicitedclaim, demand, referturnedaltered, modified, transformed
soldbarter, contract, vendtutoredtaught, coached, trained
solidifiedcompact, condense, settypedclassified, categorized, transcribed
solvedclarify, decide, settleU
sortedclassify, grade, groupuncoveredbear, display, expose
sourcedbegin, create, startunderlinedaccentuate, emphasize, feature
sparkedexcite, inspire, kindleunderscoredhighlight, stress, underline
spearheadedattend, show, usherundertookcommit, devote, endeavor
specializedpractice, study, trainedunderwroteendorse, consent, finance
specifiedcite, decide, itemizeuneartheddelve, excavate, expose
speculatedconsider, suspect, theorizeunifiedarrange, integrate, orchestrate
spentconfer, deplete, wasteunitedally, commingle, unify
spokeallege, assert, stateupdatedrefresh, renew, restore
sponsoredbuoy, champion, promoteupgradedboost, elevate, advance
spurredadvance, aid, urgeupheldaid, endorse, maintain
staffedemploy, crew, retainurgedcompel, incite, recommend
standardizedadjust, institute, orderusedconsume, exercise, utilize
startedbegin, order, makeutilizedemploy, handle, use
steeredconduct, direct, guideV
stimulatedelate, incite, prodvalidatedcertify, endorse, verify
streamlinedfocus, gather, organizevaluedlaud, revere, treasure
strengthenedbrace, cheer, restorevaultedascend, hurtle, surpass
stretchedamplify, extend, widenverbalizedexpress, state, utter
structuredbuild, create, makeverifiedcertify, justify, validate
studiedconsider, ponder, watchviewedconsider, deem, judge
submittedenter, give, refundvisualizeddeem, foresee, suppose
succeededaccomplish, complete, finishvoicedannounce, declare, proclaim
suggestedbroach, commend, conveyvolunteeredadvance, offer, suggest
summarizedabridge, convey, cutW
supervisedadminister, control, manageweathered brave, endure, overcome
suppliedcater, deliver, furnishweighedcontemplate, consider, evaluate
supportedbuoy, aid, promotewidenedaugment, broaden, expand
surpassedexceed, outrank, topwithstoodbear, brave, weather
surveyedaccess, case, inspectwonachieve, conquer, prevail
swayedbend, incline, leanworkedlabor, manage, toil
sweptaccomplish, complete, wonwoveblend, incorporate, interlace
symbolizeddenote, embody, suggestwroteauthor, compose, create
synthesizedarrange, blend, integrateY
systemizedarray, design, frameyielded accrue, earn, generate
Resume Power Verbs By Resume Edge