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 But negotiations for a permanent peace have stalled, and Iran has continued to menace the Strait of Hormuz and threatened to charge tolls for ships using the vital waterway, a nonstarter for American allies in the Persian Gulf. — Jonathan Lemire, The Atlantic, 28 July 2026 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 See All Example Sentences for nonstarter

Recent Examples of Synonyms for nonstarter

Noun

Deacon Phillippe was the winning pitcher and Cy Young the loser.

— Assistant Sports Editor, Los Angeles Times, 1 Oct. 2026
However, sticking to the basics of fundamental analysis means that while the selection standard may be higher, the process of determining winners and losers is largely unchanged.

— Zev Fima, CNBC, 30 Sep. 2026

Definition of loser

Noun

The weekend is not expected to be a complete washout, but passing storms will remain possible Saturday and Sunday.

— Lissette Gonzalez, CBS News, 29 Sep. 2026
Still some lingering light rain and breezy conditions across parts of the Northeast for tomorrow morning, but not a washout for most.

— ABC News, ABC News, 27 Sep. 2026

Definition of washout

Noun

Although major questions remained unanswered on Thursday about the attacker and his motive, the story of ordinary passengers saving the FlyDubai flight from disaster has quickly become the stuff of legend.

— Arkansas Online, Arkansas Online, 2 Oct. 2026
Second were unarmed passengers who subdued the armed attacker before one pulled back on the yoke to level the aircraft, drawing on knowledge from an air-disaster documentary.

— Billy Stockwell, CNN Money, 1 Oct. 2026

Definition of disaster

Noun

An institution built explicitly to neutralize biological catastrophes is now at the center of one.

— Mrigakshi Dixit, Interesting Engineering, 5 Oct. 2026
With climate change making natural disasters far more frequent, some consumers are turning to smaller off-grid electric networks to generate power in the event of a catastrophe.

— Justin Klawans, TheWeek, 5 Oct. 2026

Definition of catastrophe

Noun

Frustrated with the officiating following an apparent flop by Aces guard Mai Yamamoto amid heavy physical pressure, Clark picked up a technical foul late in the frame.

— Alejandro Avila OutKick, FOXNews.com, 30 Sep. 2026
Analysts point out that no one is immune to the occasional flop.

— Rebecca Rubin, Variety, 30 Sep. 2026

Definition of flop

Noun

But after the Tua Tagovailoa debacle, should the Dolphins take a chance with another undersized quarterback, albeit one with considerably more mobility?

— Barry Jackson, Miami Herald, 27 Sep. 2026
The ending was reminiscent of Miami’s debacle against Georgia Tech in October 2023, when Hurricanes coach Mario Cristobal chose to run the ball instead of taking a knee with 26 seconds left and no timeouts remaining for Georgia Tech.

— ABC News, ABC News, 19 Sep. 2026

Definition of debacle

Noun

Washington hadn’t converted a third down until its final drive, when Williams converted a third-and-11 pass, then hit a fourth-and-two bomb for 43 yards.

— Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Times, 4 Oct. 2026
In other developments, one person was killed and 16 wounded Sunday in a Russian aerial bomb attack on the Ukrainian city of Sumy, local officials said.

— Susie Blann, Chicago Tribune, 4 Oct. 2026

Definition of bomb

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“Nonstarter.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/nonstarter. Accessed 8 Oct. 2026.

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Synonyms of nonstarter

noun

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