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

The winners and the losers Like any economic policy, tariffs won’t benefit all parties.

— Allison Morrow, CNN Money, 20 Aug. 2026
Payouts for the runner-up and semifinal losers have also declined relative to the overall purse in the past decade.

— Lev Akabas, Sportico.com, 20 Aug. 2026

Definition of loser

Noun

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
Legal disputes and financial chaos have made the LAX people mover a construction fiasco, raising doubts about when it will ever be finished.

— Business Columnist, Los Angeles Times, 20 Aug. 2026

Definition of fiasco

Noun

Residents of the nearby River Road Apartments near there were encouragedto evacuate last night due to erosion caused by the washout.

— Bradley Hohulin, IndyStar, 17 Aug. 2026
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

Definition of washout

Noun

The baby’s father, Andres Garcia, survived the boat disaster, a law enforcement official briefed on the investigation told CNN.

— Martin Goillandeau, CNN Money, 20 Aug. 2026
Rescuers continued recovering bodies from the artisanal mining site in Zamboye, near the border with Cameroon, but local workers said the response lacked the equipment and expertise needed for a disaster of such scale.

— ABC News, ABC News, 20 Aug. 2026

Definition of disaster

Noun

That tension between catastrophe for humanity and recovery for nature runs all the way to the ending.

— Solitaire Townsend, Forbes.com, 23 Aug. 2026
The first step in averting this spiral toward catastrophe is for both Beijing and Washington to bear in mind that these economic tools were not designed as weapons.

— GLORIA XIONG, Foreign Affairs, 18 Aug. 2026

Definition of catastrophe

Noun

Bond yields are steady this morning after the Treasury’s debt buyback plan flops.

— Jeff Marks, CNBC, 21 Aug. 2026
Her flop of a debate performance left her sounding like someone with no vision or kindness — career suicide for someone who has made her reputation on both traits.

— Gustavo Arellano, Los Angeles Times, 20 Aug. 2026

Definition of flop

Noun

The violence primarily involved small bombs, arson and other forms of property damage.

— ABC News, ABC News, 23 Aug. 2026
Woods threw for three touchdowns — one to Zachariah Jean-Bart for a 63-yard catch and run, a 35-yard bomb to Zion Siler, and a 21-yarder to Jaiziah Battle.

— Chris Hays, The Orlando Sentinel, 22 Aug. 2026

Definition of bomb

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nonstandard

nonstarter

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“Nonstarter.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/nonstarter. Accessed 27 Aug. 2026.

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Synonyms of nonstarter

noun

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