Ultimate Fantasy Writing Verbs List (150+ Fantasy Verbs)
Ever stare at a blank screen, trying to write the perfect scene, but the action just... sits there? Maybe your heroine walks to the castle, takes a sword, and looks around. It's fine, but it’s flat. You know your writing could be sharper, more immersive, but you're not sure how to fix it.
Let me tell you a secret: the magic is in the verbs. Choosing the right verbs can make your writing leap off the page, painting vivid pictures and keeping your readers hooked. That’s why I put together this fantasy writing verbs list—a treasure trove of action-packed words to help you elevate your scenes.
Whether you’re writing high fantasy, dark fantasy, or something in between, this list will be your ally.
Topics covered in this post:
Why fantasy writing verbs are your best worldbuilding tool
Okay, so why are verbs such a big deal in fantasy writing? Can’t you just focus on epic characters and a killer plot? Well, sure—but without strong verbs, your story might feel like it’s trudging through knee-deep mud instead of soaring on dragon wings.
Verbs are action. They’re the spark that moves your plot forward and gives your characters purpose. They set the tone, mood, and pace of your scenes. Think of them as the building blocks of your storytelling.
Here’s the kicker: in fantasy, verbs aren’t just about movement—they’re about worldbuilding. The way your characters fight, explore, speak, or even breathe can hint at the culture, technology, and magic of your world.
For example:
Does a knight simply ride a horse, or does she spur it forward, armor clanking in the moonlight?
Does a wizard cast a spell, or does he weave ancient incantations through trembling fingers?
See the difference? The right verbs bring everything to life.
Speaking of worldbuilding, if you’re working on fleshing out your fantasy setting, our Fantasy Worldbuilding Workbook (below ⬇️) is packed with tips to help you design kingdoms, magic systems, and even cultural quirks for your characters. It’s a great companion to this list!
The fantasy writing verbs list you didn’t know you needed
Here’s the moment you’ve been waiting for: the ultimate fantasy writing verbs list. These aren’t your average action words—they’re curated to help you level up your fantasy storytelling.
1. Fantasy verbs for battles and action scenes
Fantasy fights deserve epic action, whether you’re describing a clashing army or an intimate duel. Swap out tired verbs like "hit," "fought," or "attacked" with ones that vividly capture every clash of steel or burst of magic.
slash, cleave, hack, rend, carve, lop – for brutal, messy strikes.
parry, deflect, block, counter, evade, twist – when your hero is on the defensive.
lunge, jab, thrust, stab, pierce, impale – quick, precise attacks.
batter, pummel, crush, smite, bludgeon, hammer – for sheer strength.
swing, whirl, slash, chop, scythe, arc – dynamic motions with a weapon.
release, nock, fire, let fly, unleash, rain – perfect for archers or siege weapons.
unleash, summon, scorch, ignite, sear, immolate – when magic enters the battlefield.
shatter, pulverize, break, splinter, crack, crush – describing armor, shields, or bones.
Example: The warrior didn’t simply swing her blade—she cleaved through the advancing orc, blood spraying across the battlefield as her sword screamed through the air.
2. Fantasy verbs for movement and exploration
In fantasy, journeys are just as important as the destination. The way characters move through a world—whether creeping through haunted ruins or hiking over misty peaks—can build tension, convey emotion, and reveal personality.
prowl, creep, skulk, sneak, edge, tiptoe – stealthy or cautious movement.
trudge, stagger, plod, drag, stumble, heave – for exhaustion or struggle.
glide, dart, weave, flit, bound, skim – light, agile movement.
ascend, descend, clamber, scramble, haul, scale – climbing or navigating tough terrain.
wander, meander, roam, saunter, drift, stray – for aimless or relaxed movement.
rush, dash, race, sprint, charge, bolt – quick, urgent action.
wade, paddle, ford, sink, splash, slosh – for moving through water.
tread, pace, march, stalk, stride, plod – walking with purpose or determination.
Example: She didn’t just walk into the cave—she tiptoed, each step echoing in the silence, her breath catching as shadows seeped from the walls.
3. Fantasy verbs for magic and the supernatural
Magic in fantasy writing isn’t just a tool; it’s an experience. To immerse your readers, your magic should feel tactile and alive. Choose verbs that suggest complexity, power, and wonder—or, for dark magic, danger and corruption.
summon, conjure, invoke, call forth, evoke, beckon – for calling magic or creatures.
weave, channel, shape, mold, forge, craft – creating or controlling spells.
ignite, flare, sear, burst, scorch, burn – fiery magic.
pulse, ripple, surge, thrum, shimmer, glimmer – for magic with energy or light.
corrupt, drain, wither, decay, rot, poison – sinister, destructive magic.
shatter, dissolve, unravel, fracture, disrupt, scatter – destructive magic or undoing spells.
bind, tether, trap, lock, seal, imprison – for containment or restraint spells.
Example: The sorceress didn’t just cast a spell; she wove strands of golden light into intricate sigils, the air thrumming as the magic burst outward.
4. Fantasy verbs for dialogue and character expression
Dialogue isn’t just what your characters say—it’s how they say it. The right verbs can capture tone, emotion, and personality in just a word.
murmur, whisper, hiss, breathe, mutter, hum – for quiet or secretive dialogue.
snarl, growl, bark, snap, sneer, spit – anger or aggression.
shout, bellow, roar, holler, thunder, cry – loud or commanding dialogue.
gasp, rasp, croak, wheeze, choke, stammer – pain, fear, or nervousness.
chant, intone, recite, utter, proclaim, vow – formal, magical, or ceremonial speech.
laugh, chuckle, cackle, giggle, snicker, scoff – adding humor or derision.
Example: “You don’t understand,” she rasped, her voice barely audible over the howling wind.
5. Fantasy verbs for atmosphere and setting
Even your world needs action. Describing the environment in dynamic ways can make settings feel alive, rather than static backdrops.
howl, roar, wail, shriek, whisper, sigh – wind and weather.
crackle, pop, smolder, blaze, burn, spark – fire or heat.
shimmer, glimmer, gleam, flicker, glow, flash – light or magical auras.
creep, seep, ooze, slither, ripple, flow – eerie or unnatural movement.
quiver, tremble, shudder, quake, rumble, shake – earth or unstable structures.
shatter, crumble, collapse, fracture, split, fall – destruction or decay.
Example: The ancient tower didn’t just collapse; it shuddered, cracks spidering across its walls as stone tumbled in a cascade of dust and rubble.
Want to craft unique environments that reflect your story’s themes? Our Fantasy Worldbuilding Workbook (below ⬇️) offers step-by-step guidance on designing locations that feel rich and meaningful.
Actionable tips for using the fantasy writing verbs list
So, you’ve got the list—now how do you actually use it?
1. Show, don’t tell
The right verbs will help you show what’s happening instead of telling the reader. Instead of saying "she was scared," write "she trembled, her breath catching as shadows slithered closer."
2. Match verbs to tone
Your verbs should fit the mood of your scene. A tense battle calls for sharp, aggressive words like clash or shatter. A quiet, reflective moment might lean on softer verbs like drift or whisper.
3. Don’t overdo it
Yes, strong verbs are important, but don’t go overboard. If every sentence is packed with dramatic words, it can feel overwhelming. Mix things up—sometimes, a simple "walked" or "said" is exactly what you need.
Making your fantasy world unforgettable
Writing great fantasy isn’t just about plot twists or epic quests—it’s about the little details that make your world feel alive. Verbs are one of the easiest ways to achieve that.
With this fantasy writing verbs list, you can make your action scenes pulse with energy, your magic shimmer with wonder, and your characters leap off the page.
And remember, building a memorable fantasy world takes more than just a good verbs list. Tools like my 🌍 Fantasy Worldbuilding Workbook are designed to help you dive deep into every aspect of your world—from geography to politics to magic systems.
Frequently asked questions about fantasy writing verbs (FAQ)
How do I make verbs fit the time period of my fantasy world?
The time period or technological level of your fantasy world should influence the verbs you choose. For example, in a medieval-inspired setting, verbs like ride, forge, or hew feel natural, while modern words like type or program might feel out of place. If your story is set in a world where magic dominates, verbs like weave, summon, or channel will make your prose align with the magical tone. Always consider the technology, culture, and societal norms of your world when selecting your verbs.
Can I invent new verbs for my fantasy world?
Absolutely! One of the joys of fantasy is inventing language. If your world has unique magical systems, tools, or cultural practices, create verbs that reflect them. For example, a society that uses crystals for energy might "shard" instead of "break" or "fracture." Just make sure the meaning of your invented verb is clear from context, or you’ll risk confusing readers. Sprinkle these sparingly, and they’ll add a unique flavor to your prose without overwhelming the narrative.
How do I avoid repetition when writing action scenes?
Repetition is a common challenge, especially in battle sequences or fast-paced scenes. To avoid this, vary your sentence structure and use synonyms from the fantasy writing verbs list. Instead of saying "he swung his sword" repeatedly, alternate with slashed, hacked, or carved. You can also include sensory details—describe the sound of swords clashing, the scent of blood, or the weight of armor. These sensory cues can break up repetitive action and make your scene feel more immersive.
