1
as in to begin
to come into existence
the fight started when one child tripped the other
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in to commence
to take the first step in (a process or course of action)
we'll be ready to start the concert in a moment
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
3
as in to establish
to be responsible for the creation and early operation or use of
started the impressionist movement in art
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
4
as in to activate
to cause to function
trying to start the car on a frigid morning
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
5
6
as in to protrude
to extend outward beyond a usual point
frightened horses with starting eyes
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
as in beginning
the point at which something begins
knew from the start of the game that he would win easily
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of start
Marlene Lenthang,
NBC news,
27 June 2026
Jed Hoyer can’t recall seeing his team’s starting pitching depth be decimated as significantly as the Chicago Cubs currently are experiencing.
—
Sean Hammond,
Chicago Tribune,
27 June 2026
Ryan Kartje,
Los Angeles Times,
29 June 2026
Several members of the cast and writer’s room, including Dippold and co-star Jeff Hiller, got their start with the Upright Citizens Brigade, an improvisational sketch-comedy group founded by comedy bigwigs like Amy Poehler and Adam McKay.
—
Josef Adalian,
Vulture,
29 June 2026
See All Example Sentences for start
Verb
It's been a bit of a messy first half, which started with two rapid yellow cards.
—
Marlene Lenthang,
NBC news,
27 June 2026
Jed Hoyer can’t recall seeing his team’s starting pitching depth be decimated as significantly as the Chicago Cubs currently are experiencing.
—
Sean Hammond,
Chicago Tribune,
27 June 2026
Noun
Collins and Arenas are five-star talents, and while Collins’ stock is higher at the moment, Arenas easily could return to draft darling status with a strong start to the season.
—
Ryan Kartje,
Los Angeles Times,
29 June 2026
Several members of the cast and writer’s room, including Dippold and co-star Jeff Hiller, got their start with the Upright Citizens Brigade, an improvisational sketch-comedy group founded by comedy bigwigs like Amy Poehler and Adam McKay.
—
Josef Adalian,
Vulture,
29 June 2026
See All Example Sentences for start
Recent Examples of Synonyms for start
Verb
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King’s attorney, Bill Mason, began his presentation by referencing Bosworth’s mentioning a defendant can’t be judged for not testifying in their own defense.
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Preliminary construction work is expected to begin soon, and officials estimate the overall project could take at least six years to complete.
Verb
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Coben, 64, thought that production couldn't commence until the crowds were cleared out, which seemed impossible to him.
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The weekend celebrated Italian summer and yachting, commencing with the opening of a new Riva Lounge and a welcome from CEO Stassi Anastassov.
Verb
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Organizations considering a pilot should establish measurable outcomes upfront and track productivity, engagement, turnover, customer satisfaction, operational performance, and financial impact over time.
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The state has not yet begun reporting its results, but protocols were established in 2021.
Verb
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Ensure your vehicle is visible to others by using low-beam headlights, which also activate your taillights.
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Scent activates pathways that trigger emotional and memory responses.
Verb
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Bond puts increase in value when bond prices fall and interest rates rise, allowing investors to offset losses elsewhere in their portfolios if borrowing costs jump unexpectedly.
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Indiana forward Myisha Hines-Allen jumped into the scrum.
Verb
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The skinny braids wrapped the bottom of the bun, while the thicker braids dressed the top, forming a cylinder shape that protruded from the crown of her head.
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The apartment's one window, protruding from the zinc roof, faces west, putting it in direct sun from midday to dusk.
Noun
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Prior to the trial beginning, the judge agreed that questions about Brown’s felony conviction for his 2009 assault on then-girlfriend Rihanna would be barred from testimony.
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June was a frenetic month for the metro Atlanta restaurant scene, driven in part by a flurry of downtown openings timed to the beginning of the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
Verb
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The sideways walk of true crabs originated with a single ancestor.
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Adobe projects that consumer clicks originating from generative AI tools to retail sites will skyrocket by 103 percent compared to last June.
Cite this Entry
“Start.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/start. Accessed 1 Jul. 2026.
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