NONSTARTER Synonyms: 43 Similar and Opposite Words

nonstarter

noun

Definition of nonstarter

as in loser

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Example Sentences

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.

Recent Examples of nonstarter That fee was clearly a nonstarter for most shippers and oil companies. — Brian Sullivan, CNBC, 16 July 2026 So long as Hungary believes that the rights of Hungarian minority communities remain unsecured, the acceptance of thousands of new migrants will likewise remain a nonstarter for Magyar and his Tisza party. — Brett R. Chloupek, The Conversation, 15 July 2026 If the thought of wearing jeans right now is a nonstarter, opt for these pull-on baggy denim pants instead. — Emily Weaver, PEOPLE, 12 July 2026 Plus the idea of wearing AI glasses and a tech-bro wrist accessory was, truthfully, a nonstarter. — José Criales-Unzueta, Vanity Fair, 24 June 2026 See All Example Sentences for nonstarter

Recent Examples of Synonyms for nonstarter

Noun

Four of the last seven Super Bowl losers missed the playoffs the next season, including the last two (the Kansas City Chiefs and the San Francisco 49ers).

— Chad Graff, New York Times, 3 Sep. 2026
Here’s a look at how the global economy has weathered the war — and the winners and losers.

— Matt Sedensky, Los Angeles Times, 31 Aug. 2026

Definition of loser

Noun

The wedding invitation fiasco comes just days after Kelce opened up about his and Swift’s special day.

— Allison DeGrushe, StyleCaster, 25 Aug. 2026
Though the reason for Marte’s initial absence remains unknown publicly — the Diamondbacks were so blindsided by it that he was scratched only minutes before Monday’s game — the team seemed eager to move on from the fiasco.

— Marc Carig, New York Times, 22 Aug. 2026

Definition of fiasco

Noun

More than 1,000 people have been confirmed dead and thousands remain missing after the catastrophe, according to authorities in both countries.

— Simone McCarthy, CNN Money, 6 Sep. 2026
As the story moves breathlessly through the neighborhood’s streets and interiors, Kodeih, who also edited the feature, and cinematographer Tony Kopec zero in on a jumpy, kinetic tension between looming catastrophe and potential triumph.

— Sheri Linden, HollywoodReporter, 4 Sep. 2026

Definition of catastrophe

Noun

But Bama followed with a 38-3 quarterfinal flop to Indiana, erasing any momentum and placing DeBoer squarely under the microscope entering a pivotal third season.

— Edgar Thompson, The Orlando Sentinel, 28 Aug. 2026
But at the time, the latter was a major flop that was panned by notable critics such as Pauline Kael.

— Patrick Ryan, USA Today, 27 Aug. 2026

Definition of flop

Noun

Last year, when there was the SNAP debacle, kids were actually coming to school hungry.

— Sean Timberlake, Sacbee.com, 2 Sep. 2026
Supporters highlight funding efforts Perkins and his supporters, however, want voters to know the councilmember’s career has encompassed more than just the data center debacle.

— Ilana Arougheti, Kansas City Star, 26 Aug. 2026

Definition of debacle

Noun

On the final play of the game, Underwood found space and gave his receivers time to get downfield before heaving a bomb that ended up sailing just out the back of the end zone.

— Matt Reigle OutKick, FOXNews.com, 6 Sep. 2026
Marshall in the first half also connected on another bomb, this one a 47-yard pass up the middle to Middle Tennessee transfer Nahzae Cox.

— Gary Bedore, Kansas City Star, 5 Sep. 2026

Definition of bomb

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nonstandard

nonstarter

nonstarters

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“Nonstarter.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/nonstarter. Accessed 10 Sep. 2026.

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Synonyms of nonstarter

noun

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