outset

noun

out·​set ˈau̇t-ˌset 

: beginning, start

Synonyms of outset

• beginning
• start
• inception
• onset
• commencement

Examples of outset in a Sentence

There have been problems with the project from the outset.

From its very outset, the company has produced the highest quality products.

He made it clear at the outset that he is not going to quit his job.

She set high goals for herself at the outset of her career.

Recent Examples on the Web

At the outset of the race, the conventional wisdom among Michigan Democrats was that Stevens was the clear favorite, and that El-Sayed and McMorrow would compete with each other to emerge as her challenger. — Jason Zengerle, New Yorker, 10 July 2026

This is the final day of a six-day procession commemorating the late Khamenei and members of his family killed at the outset of the war with the United States and Israel. — Nadeen Ebrahim, CNN Money, 9 July 2026

No Republican has won the Los Angeles mayor’s office since 1997, making Pratt’s bid a significant long shot from the outset. — Barnini Chakraborty, The Washington Examiner, 8 July 2026

Superb reviews helped the show stand out from the outset — Widow’s Bay went on to receive five Television Critics Association award nominations, more than any other comedy — before word of mouth grew week over week as new episodes dropped. — David Canfield, HollywoodReporter, 8 July 2026

Word History

First Known Use

1759, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for outset

• abet
• asset
• baguette
• banquette
• barbette
• beget
• beset
• binet
• briquette
• brunet
• brunette
• burette

Kids Definition

outset

noun

out·​set ˈau̇t-ˌset 

: beginning sense 1, start