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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
Travis Kelce started the scoring for the Kansas City Chiefs on Monday night against the Jacksonville Jaguars, but NFL fans raised questions about the call on the field. Ryan Gaydos, FOXNews.com, 7 Oct. 2025 For the Christmas travel season, travelers can begin scoring cheap fares starting nearly 70 days in advance and should look around 51 days before their departure for the best deals. Michael Cappetta, Travel + Leisure, 7 Oct. 2025
Noun
Newton’s referring to the Dolphins’ 0-3 start, which has featured struggles in all three phases of the game for McDaniel’s team. Omar Kelly, Miami Herald, 26 Sep. 2025 League play starts next week in most of the Orange County football leagues. Steve Fryer, Oc Register, 26 Sep. 2025 See All Example Sentences for start
Recent Examples of Synonyms for start
Verb
  • That’s where the adjustments will begin for the Mercury as the series flips back to Phoenix for Wednesday’s Game 3.
    Ben Pickman, New York Times, 6 Oct. 2025
  • If a permit is granted, Conway estimated construction on the plant could begin in the early 2030s, and the plant could come online in 2038 or 2039.
    Miranda Dunlap, jsonline.com, 6 Oct. 2025
Verb
  • Standing in for the franchise’s original hometown of Fernfield is Fort Langley, British Columbia, where production recently commenced.
    Ryan Gajewski, HollywoodReporter, 8 Oct. 2025
  • After 2029 the moon will pass south of the Pleiades until the next series commences in 2042.
    Joe Rao, Space.com, 8 Oct. 2025
Verb
  • With more than 20 years of experience at Calvin Klein, Victoria Beckham, Chloé and Stella McCartney, Smiley-Smith was brought in to re-establish a more refined, accessible luxury profile.
    Rhonda Richford, Footwear News, 4 Oct. 2025
  • The city’s mayor, Brandon Johnson, signed an order directing Chicago law enforcement and officials not to cooperate with federal agents and established an initiative intended to protect residents’ rights.
    Rebecca Schneid, Time, 4 Oct. 2025
Verb
  • At the same time, Mercury and Mars are activating your sector of expansion, meaning your inner philosopher is loud.
    Dossé-Via Trenou, Refinery29, 5 Oct. 2025
  • There was no official announcement from Washington that the California National Guard was being called up and sent to Oregon, just as was the case when Illinois’ governor made a similar announcement Saturday about troops in his state being activated.
    Danny Bakst, Fortune, 5 Oct. 2025
Verb
  • Three people were hospitalized, and Arnold Goodstein reportedly broke both legs after jumping out of a backyard window.
    Michael Ruiz, FOXNews.com, 8 Oct. 2025
  • Wilder immediately jumped into the stands and apologised, before being sent off by the referee.
    Tim Spiers, New York Times, 8 Oct. 2025
Verb
  • In aircraft design, various components can protrude from the plane’s body and disrupt this smooth airflow, introducing turbulence and increasing drag.
    Mack DeGeurin, Popular Science, 2 Oct. 2025
  • Deputy Thomas Zajac, first on the scene, found Heskett kneeling in the grass near the park’s Old Mill Trail, grasping a pocketknife protruding from his abdomen.
    Andi Babineau, CNN Money, 29 Sep. 2025
Noun
  • Fields would find the end zone a third time at the beginning of the second quarter, giving the Eagles a commanding 19-0 advantage over Southwest.
    Raul Avila, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 10 Oct. 2025
  • As format developers from around the world continue to seek inspiration from The Traitors, the show that signaled the beginning of a new generation looks set to stay in the thick of conversation on the Croisette.
    Max Goldbart, Deadline, 9 Oct. 2025
Verb
  • The fruit originated in temperate regions of the world like Europe and Asia, where wild species were cultivated thousands of years ago.
    Daryl Austin, USA Today, 9 Oct. 2025
  • Crucially for The Traitors distributor All3Media International, the show, which was originated in the Netherlands and made there on a modest budget, registered significant moments on both sides of the pond.
    Max Goldbart, Deadline, 9 Oct. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Start.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/start. Accessed 10 Oct. 2025.

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