NONSTARTER Synonyms: 43 Similar and Opposite Words

nonstarter

noun

Definition of nonstarter

as in loser

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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 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 In a nation where the rule of law still matters, Elliott would allow cities and towns to pay utilities a fraction of the value of their infrastructure (poles, wires, transformers, and easements) because to pay their real value would make his proposal a nonstarter. — Kevin Rennie, Hartford Courant, 20 June 2026 See All Example Sentences for nonstarter

Recent Examples of Synonyms for nonstarter

Noun

The quarterfinal winners will secure automatic qualification for the 2027 World Cup, while the losers will face off in a final set of matches to determine which two teams advance to FIFA’s intercontinental playoff next year.

— Tamerra Griffin, New York Times, 6 Aug. 2026
That point was on Monday, with the former first lady, secretary of state, senator and 2016 presidential election loser showing up to watch the New York Liberty take on the Seattle Storm.

— Matt Reigle OutKick, FOXNews.com, 5 Aug. 2026

Definition of loser

Noun

Two lessons stand out from the Cook County inspector general’s assessment of the fiasco.

— Tom Dowling, Chicago Tribune, 5 Aug. 2026
And outside of the biggest Kool-Aid® guzzlers in Cupertino, pretty much nobody thinks Apple is interested in going for another big bite of live sports, especially not in light of its MLS fiasco.

— Anthony Crupi, Sportico.com, 31 July 2026

Definition of fiasco

Noun

Similar to today, there will be large gaps of three to four hours between rounds of rain so the day won't be a washout.

— Ron Smiley, CBS News, 10 Aug. 2026
But in a world where a few basis points separates legends from washouts, a 10-point edge is an enormous windfall for anyone who trusted Kalshi’s numbers over those crunched by CME, the giant futures-exchange operator.

— Liz Hoffman, semafor.com, 6 Aug. 2026

Definition of washout

Noun

Next week, for the first time ever, Taiwan will deliberately slow its mobile internet speed, testing how citizens would communicate if bandwidth becomes scarce in emergencies ranging ⁠from disasters to a Chinese invasion.

— Brad Lendon, CNN Money, 7 Aug. 2026
There was another near disaster when, two weeks out from the wedding, the couple learned their venue couldn’t accommodate them.

— Jessica Salter, Vogue, 6 Aug. 2026

Definition of disaster

Noun

Finish the look off with an elevated sandal like these minimalist flip flops from Dolce Vita or with feminine Mary Janes like Carel’s iconic Kina, and a statement bag like the Tommy from Staud.

— Caroline Reilly, Forbes.com, 7 Aug. 2026
Prior to his comments, WBD reported lackluster results for the second quarter, with revenue sandbagged by summer movie flop Supergirl and the lack of NBA telecasts.

— Dade Hayes, Deadline, 6 Aug. 2026

Definition of flop

Noun

Commissioner Mayra Uribe said the Sloth World debacle also highlighted the need for a system that would allow people to report problems at similar facilities.

— Rylan DiGiacomo-Rapp, The Orlando Sentinel, 5 Aug. 2026
Barring that, which seems unlikely as of now, and this is a real debacle for Republicans — who can’t afford one in such a tight election season.

— Shelby Talcott, semafor.com, 3 Aug. 2026

Definition of debacle

Noun

The Natrium reactor, like many of the newer small-scale projects, uses a special kind of refined uranium that's more concentrated than typical nuclear fuels, but still weaker than what's used for bombs.

— Trevor Hughes, USA Today, 9 Aug. 2026
MbS has made no secret of his desire to build a bomb, and the deal would be a concrete step in that direction.

— The Week UK, TheWeek, 9 Aug. 2026

Definition of bomb

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“Nonstarter.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/nonstarter. Accessed 13 Aug. 2026.

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Synonyms of nonstarter

noun

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