OUTSET Synonyms: 68 Similar and Opposite Words

outset

noun

ˈau̇t-ˌset

Definition of outset

as in beginning

the point at which something begins I wish you'd mentioned this problem at the outset

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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 outset That person might be a candidate for a different job at the outset of a career or a job adjustment later, Brian Becerra, a cardiologist and director of sports cardiology at UC Irvine, told STAT. — Elizabeth Cooney, STAT, 3 Sep. 2026 So from the outset, the Nasher’s goal was to collect contemporary art—and to collect it early and often. — Tessa Solomon, ARTnews.com, 2 Sep. 2026 At the outset of its Emmys campaign, the decision was made to submit every member of the show’s main cast in the supporting-acting categories. — Joe Reid, Vulture, 29 Aug. 2026 Quarterback Jaden Jefferson was left having to run for his life from the outset but used his instincts and intelligence to find ways to succeed. — Eric Sondheimer, Los Angeles Times, 29 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for outset

Recent Examples of Synonyms for outset

Noun

The industry remains near the beginning of its cycle, and the same principles—control over keys, and the routing of decisions—apply well beyond custody, including the issuance of tokenized instruments.

— Sergey Stopnevich, Forbes.com, 15 Sep. 2026
The timing of such decisions has cast a cloud of uncertainty over the sport just seven weeks out from the beginning of the regular season, and coaches involved are either fuming or biting their lips until there’s more clarity.

— CJ Moore, New York Times, 15 Sep. 2026

Definition of beginning

Noun

The selection committee has included at least one representative for each team/market since the Hall’s inception in 1963, with an increasing number of at-large selectors more recently.

— Mike Sando, New York Times, 4 Sep. 2026
McKenna took over the role in 2025 from Charles Mesure, who played the former World Security Bureau boss and intelligence operative since the character's 2023 inception.

— Taijuan Moorman, USA Today, 2 Sep. 2026

Definition of inception

Noun

The groundbreaking occurred in 2018, though construction was delayed by the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020 and by subsequent supply chain issues.

— Encyclopedia Britannica, Encyclopedia Britannica, 11 Sep. 2026
While researchers have made tremendous headway in diagnosing the disease early and delaying symptom onset, a cure remains elusive, and a detailed understanding of the mechanisms behind the disease still has too many gaps.

— Mike McRae September 10, New Atlas, 10 Sep. 2026

Definition of onset

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outs

outset

outsets

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“Outset.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/outset. Accessed 17 Sep. 2026.

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Synonyms of outset

noun

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