1
as in to begin
to come into existence
the fight started when one child tripped the other
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in to commence
to take the first step in (a process or course of action)
we'll be ready to start the concert in a moment
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
3
as in to establish
to be responsible for the creation and early operation or use of
started the impressionist movement in art
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
4
as in to activate
to cause to function
trying to start the car on a frigid morning
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
5
6
as in to protrude
to extend outward beyond a usual point
frightened horses with starting eyes
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
as in beginning
the point at which something begins
knew from the start of the game that he would win easily
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of start
Marlene Lenthang,
NBC news,
27 June 2026
Jed Hoyer can’t recall seeing his team’s starting pitching depth be decimated as significantly as the Chicago Cubs currently are experiencing.
—
Sean Hammond,
Chicago Tribune,
27 June 2026
Christopher Arnott,
Hartford Courant,
27 June 2026
In the next game, against Austria, Messi again scored both goals in a 2–0 victory, an astonishing start to the tournament.
—
Jordan Salama,
New Yorker,
27 June 2026
See All Example Sentences for start
Verb
It's been a bit of a messy first half, which started with two rapid yellow cards.
—
Marlene Lenthang,
NBC news,
27 June 2026
Jed Hoyer can’t recall seeing his team’s starting pitching depth be decimated as significantly as the Chicago Cubs currently are experiencing.
—
Sean Hammond,
Chicago Tribune,
27 June 2026
Noun
Fourth of July weekend is the unofficial start of the summer festival season, which includes open-air shows at stadiums and amphitheaters.
—
Christopher Arnott,
Hartford Courant,
27 June 2026
In the next game, against Austria, Messi again scored both goals in a 2–0 victory, an astonishing start to the tournament.
—
Jordan Salama,
New Yorker,
27 June 2026
See All Example Sentences for start
Recent Examples of Synonyms for start
Verb
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King’s attorney, Bill Mason, began his presentation by referencing Bosworth’s mentioning a defendant can’t be judged for not testifying in their own defense.
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Preliminary construction work is expected to begin soon, and officials estimate the overall project could take at least six years to complete.
Verb
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Coben, 64, thought that production couldn't commence until the crowds were cleared out, which seemed impossible to him.
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The weekend celebrated Italian summer and yachting, commencing with the opening of a new Riva Lounge and a welcome from CEO Stassi Anastassov.
Verb
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Trump earlier in June signed an executive order on AI oversight that established a framework for the federal government to vet the national security risks of the most advanced AI systems for up to 30 days before their public release.
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Local cherries are more likely to be suited to your specific climate and growing conditions, which increases the chances of successfully establishing a healthy tree.
Verb
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Beliefs bump against reality as the emotional Moon activates your 9th House of Learning, quincunx combative Mars in your 4th House of Home.
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The previous phases decompress, mobilize and activate individual areas; this one integrates all of those aspects into coordinated, whole-body functional movement.
Verb
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Bond puts increase in value when bond prices fall and interest rates rise, allowing investors to offset losses elsewhere in their portfolios if borrowing costs jump unexpectedly.
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Indiana forward Myisha Hines-Allen jumped into the scrum.
Verb
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The apartment's one window, protruding from the zinc roof, faces west, putting it in direct sun from midday to dusk.
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All door handles in the ward are metal levers flush with the door, rather than protruding, to prevent patients from using them as ligature points.
Noun
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The United Nations estimates that gang violence has killed over 2,300 people in Haiti since the beginning of this year.
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In the beginning, use a nitrogen-rich fertilizer for the seedlings before switching to one with phosphorus and potassium after the plants have started to sprout.
Verb
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The sideways walk of true crabs originated with a single ancestor.
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Adobe projects that consumer clicks originating from generative AI tools to retail sites will skyrocket by 103 percent compared to last June.
Cite this Entry
“Start.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/start. Accessed 28 Jun. 2026.
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