restart

verb

re·​start (ˌ)rē-ˈstärt How to pronounce restart (audio)
restarted; restarting; restarts
Synonyms of restartnext

transitive verb

1
: to start anew
2
: to resume (something, such as an activity) after interruption

intransitive verb

: to resume operation
restartable adjective

Examples of restart in a Sentence

They plan to restart negotiations next week. The tournament will restart tomorrow.
Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
The game finished 1-0 but FIFA ordered the whole match to be replayed (Uzbekistan pushed for an automatic 3-0 win, or at the very least to restart play from the 38th minute, when the penalty incident occurred, and with them a goal up). Tim Spiers, New York Times, 10 June 2026 Trump has also repeatedly shown interest in restarting high-level US diplomacy with North Korea. Simone McCarthy, CNN Money, 8 June 2026 Iran had warned that an Israeli attack on Beirut would renew full-scale war across the Mideast, even as Pakistan and other mediators try to restart talks between Tehran and Washington. Khaled Wassef, CBS News, 8 June 2026 Trump has repeatedly stated his desire to restart nuclear talks with North Korea, but Kim has shown little sign of compromise. Stella Kim, NBC news, 8 June 2026 See All Example Sentences for restart

Word History

First Known Use

1749, in the meaning defined at transitive sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of restart was in 1749

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Restart.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/restart. Accessed 13 Jun. 2026.

Kids Definition

restart

verb
re·​start rē-ˈstärt How to pronounce restart (audio)
1
: to start anew
restarted the car
2
a
: to resume (as an activity) after an interruption
will restart the game
b
: to resume operation
the rides will restart after one hour
restart
ˈrē-ˌstärt
noun

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