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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

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
Boston got off to a much more efficient start from beyond the arc, however, making seven of its first 16 threes while Philly started 2-for-9. Zack Cox, Boston Herald, 25 Apr. 2026 The esteemed David Rosenberg of Rosenberg Research points out that the market rallies that started April 13 and took the S&P 500 to a new high were a response to prospective new rounds of discussions to resolve the war between Iran and the United States and Israel. Terry Savage, Chicago Tribune, 25 Apr. 2026
Noun
Given Bello’s recent struggles, will the club consider skipping his next start? Mac Cerullo, Boston Herald, 25 Apr. 2026 Looking for a softer start to spring dressing? Christina Holevas, Vogue, 25 Apr. 2026 See All Example Sentences for start
Recent Examples of Synonyms for start
Verb
  • Construction will begin this summer on a new weight room that should help.
    Rick Armstrong, Chicago Tribune, 28 Apr. 2026
  • The greatest tornado potential is centered on Sunday over Kansas, where strong storms are expected to begin firing off around noon local time on Sunday, ahead of the severe weather developing later in the afternoon.
    Kyle Reiman, ABC News, 27 Apr. 2026
Verb
  • Another round of layoffs commenced in March and affected hundreds of employees working in a variety of units, including Facebook, Reality Labs, global operations and sales.
    Jonathan Vanian, CNBC, 23 Apr. 2026
  • Installation activities have officially commenced for newcleo’s PRECURSOR facility at the ENEA-Brasimone Research Centre.
    Aman Tripathi, Interesting Engineering, 22 Apr. 2026
Verb
  • Finally, in overcoming this vexing moment, the two would establish a painterly repartee that altered the trajectory of their own work and, by extension, modern art.
    Susan Tallman, The New York Review of Books, 25 Apr. 2026
  • Through this exhibition program, which shed a light on a generation of LA artists, The Box quickly established itself as a venturesome gallery and one of the most important in the city.
    Maximilíano Durón, ARTnews.com, 25 Apr. 2026
Verb
  • Veteran right-hander Phil Maton will be activated from the IL during the Cubs’ upcoming series in San Diego.
    Meghan Montemurro, Chicago Tribune, 27 Apr. 2026
  • Harriette Cole is a lifestylist and founder of DREAMLEAPERS, an initiative to help people access and activate their dreams.
    Harriette Cole, Mercury News, 27 Apr. 2026
Verb
  • Orlando’s defense caused problems early for Detroit when the Magic forced seven turnovers in the opening four minutes and jumped out to a 19-7 lead.
    Jason Beede, The Orlando Sentinel, 28 Apr. 2026
  • The strategy also is open to criticism, especially after the Steelers spent most of Day 3 adding special-teams players — why not trade some of that Day 3 draft capital to jump up and secure Lemon like the Eagles did (Philly traded two fourth-rounders to move up three spots)?
    Mike DeFabo, New York Times, 27 Apr. 2026
Verb
  • Her right hand gripped the scissors with the round finger holes embedded in her palm and the pointed end protruding from her fist.
    Carly Tagen-Dye, PEOPLE, 15 Apr. 2026
  • Shards of glass and ceramic, rusted metal, medical and bio-waste, syringes, cracked circuit boards, and broken electronics protruded everywhere.
    CNN Money, CNN Money, 15 Apr. 2026
Noun
  • His campaign, however, raised just over $1 million since the beginning of the year — placing him sixth in the fundraising race among the eight leading candidates.
    Grace Hase, Mercury News, 25 Apr. 2026
  • Meanwhile, today is the beginning of a six-year window that will impact your private world.
    Georgia Nicols, Denver Post, 25 Apr. 2026
Verb
  • To ensure the fairness and credibility of our readers’ poll, any votes originating from the same IP address that exceed 20 submissions will be excluded from the final tally.
    Aegis Staff, Baltimore Sun, 28 Apr. 2026
  • The ticket also includes lounge access and — for flights originating in Paris and six other cities in France — transportation to the airport in a premium vehicle.
    Beth Landman, HollywoodReporter, 28 Apr. 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Start.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/start. Accessed 29 Apr. 2026.

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