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Definition of startnext
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as in to jump
to move suddenly and sharply (as in surprise) I started from my chair when I heard the sudden scream

Synonyms & Similar Words

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start

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noun

Synonym Chooser

How is the word start different from other verbs like it?

Some common synonyms of start are begin, commence, inaugurate, initiate, and usher in. While all these words mean "to take the first step in a course, process, or operation," start, opposed to stop, applies especially to first actions, steps, or stages.

the work started slowly

How is begin related to other words for start?

Begin, start, and commence are often interchangeable, with begin, opposed to end, being the most general.

begin a trip
began dancing

How does the word commence relate to other synonyms for start?

Commence can be more formal or bookish than begin or start.

commence firing
commenced a conversation

When could inaugurate be used to replace start?

The meanings of inaugurate and start largely overlap; however, inaugurate suggests a beginning of some formality or notion of significance.

the discovery of penicillin inaugurated a new era in medicine

In what contexts can initiate take the place of start?

Although the words initiate and start have much in common, initiate implies taking a first step in a process or series that is to continue.

initiated diplomatic contacts

How are the words usher in and inaugurate related as synonyms of start?

Usher in is somewhat less weighty than inaugurate.

ushered in a period of economic decline

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 start
Verb
What to know about the R2 The least expensive version of the R2 is expected to start around $45,000 and be released in the 2027. Keith Laing, USA Today, 16 May 2026 Add a touch of Field’s style to your wardrobe with these dress pants at Amazon, and keep reading for even more options starting at $26. Rylee Johnston, PEOPLE, 16 May 2026
Noun
The team hopes to get Holmes back after the ex-reliever had gotten off to the best start of his career as a starter. Fiifi Frimpong, New York Daily News, 16 May 2026 All three levels of the defense will have a fresh look, and that’s an excellent start considering the way 2025 ended. John Romano, The Orlando Sentinel, 16 May 2026 See All Example Sentences for start
Recent Examples of Synonyms for start
Verb
  • Prosecutors allege Saab led a yearslong scheme beginning around 2015 to defraud a humanitarian program intended to provide food to impoverished Venezuelans.
    Bonny Chu, FOXNews.com, 19 May 2026
  • Last July, when Colbert announced the end of the Late Show franchise on CBS, many wondered what happens when shows that function as cultural town squares begin to disappear?
    Dana Taylor, USA Today, 19 May 2026
Verb
  • In an interview with People magazine published Wednesday, May 13, Pima County Sheriff Chris Nanos reflected on authorities' progress in the high-profile search operation, which commenced in early February after Nancy Guthrie was reported missing from her home in Arizona.
    Edward Segarra, USA Today, 14 May 2026
  • Directed by Robert Kun and produced by Salem Entertainment, the film is scheduled to commence principal photography in July and is targeting a worldwide release in the second quarter of 2027.
    Naman Ramachandran, Variety, 14 May 2026
Verb
  • Dylan's older brother, Ashten, has since established a GoFundMe to help support Dylan and his family pay their rent during this challenging time, noting that Dylan has lost out on work and income during his recovery.
    Toria Sheffield, PEOPLE, 16 May 2026
  • The board’s five-part plan establishes a timeline to follow and directs district staff to execute some steps, including naming the new chief at the start of the new school year and the price tag of the search.
    Natalie La Roche Pietri, Miami Herald, 16 May 2026
Verb
  • Harriette Cole is a lifestylist and founder of DREAMLEAPERS, an initiative to help people access and activate their dreams.
    Harriette Cole, Mercury News, 18 May 2026
  • That foundation meant that when the mainstream moment arrived, there was already a real community ready to activate and amplify it.
    Olivia Shalhoup, Forbes.com, 18 May 2026
Verb
  • He was filmed jumping into the historic fountain while fully clothed as crowds nearby watched.
    Kelly McGreal, FOXNews.com, 19 May 2026
  • Data from travel booking platform TrainPal shows that in April, purchases by UK residents of Eurostar tickets to France jumped 42% month-over-month and rose 25% year-over-year.
    , CNBC, 18 May 2026
Verb
  • Under the flaps of his jacket there was a small tear in his T-shirt, directly over his left nipple, which protruded like a knot of purple rope.
    Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 14 May 2026
  • And in turn, the 867-foot monolith protruding from the surrounding Wyoming prairie like the stump of the world’s largest tree became a big draw for tourists.
    Marnie Hunter, CNN Money, 14 May 2026
Noun
  • The language of covenant, liberty, moral responsibility, human dignity, and redemption helped shape the nation’s moral imagination from the very beginning.
    Ari Berman, New York Daily News, 15 May 2026
  • And the most exciting part is that this is only the beginning.
    Eric Stephens, New York Times, 15 May 2026
Verb
  • Alex Mahon was in charge of Channel 4 during the period when the MAFS allegations originated.
    Jake Kanter, Deadline, 19 May 2026
  • The facility, which will cover up to $300 million in supply chain and trade finance assets originated by Standard Chartered, will roll out supply chain finance solutions in eight markets, including Ghana and Kenya.
    Justina Lee, CNBC, 19 May 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Start.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/start. Accessed 20 May. 2026.

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