start over

phrasal verb

started over; starting over; starts over
chiefly US
1
: to begin doing something again
I'm sorry, but you'll have to start over (again).
She saw her divorce as an opportunity to start (her life) over.
2
: to begin to happen again
In the spring, the eggs hatch, and the cycle starts (all) over (again).

Examples of start over in a Sentence

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.
With temperatures climbing above freezing and sunny skies melting half the structure, they were forced to start over entirely. Jordan Greene, PEOPLE, 14 Jan. 2026 But everyone needs savings, especially someone who’s starting over. Daniel De Visé, USA Today, 14 Jan. 2026 One unexpected event shouldn’t force you to start over financially. Essence, 14 Jan. 2026 Quarterbacks who have attained a certain status understandably don’t want to start over as subordinates, be assigned grunt work and wait in line for promotions. Dan Pompei, New York Times, 13 Jan. 2026 See All Example Sentences for start over

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Cite this Entry

“Start over.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/start%20over. Accessed 18 Jan. 2026.

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