start 1 of 2

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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

2 of 2

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
Then, about 30 minutes after launch, Ship started to tumble, which was the result of a leak in Ship's fuel-tank systems, according to Huot. Mike Wall, Space.com, 28 May 2025 Born with Sickle Cell Disease, Woolford started a non-profit, Sickle Cell Reproductive Education Directive, that advocates for patients like herself. Katia Riddle, NPR, 28 May 2025
Noun
Timberwolves coach Chris Finch cited the importance of a strong start prior to the game. Jace Frederick, Twin Cities, 29 May 2025 Meanwhile, Bellinger, who won an MVP Award with the Dodgers in 2019, has found his footing after a rocky start, hitting .318 with five homers and 16 RBI this month. Gary Phillips, New York Daily News, 29 May 2025 See All Example Sentences for start
Recent Examples of Synonyms for start
Verb
  • The Knicks’ starters were outscored by 29 points over the first two games, and Indiana jumped out to a first-quarter lead both nights.
    Peter Sblendorio, New York Daily News, 26 May 2025
  • The library system more than doubled its digital spending in the five years after, jumping to $1.67 million in 2024.
    Lauren Penington, Denver Post, 25 May 2025
Verb
  • In spite of his ability to carry the ball forward — a point of difference from his fellow midfielders — Willock has never quite established himself as integral, at least in part because of his struggles with injury.
    Chris Waugh, New York Times, 6 June 2025
  • The science transparency rule in the first Trump administration was intended to limit the EPA’s ability to consider epidemiologic studies like those that established the health harms from exposure to secondhand smoke and to PM2.5, fine particles often from pollution.
    H. Christopher Frey, The Conversation, 5 June 2025
Verb
  • Rocker had been dominant in two rehab outings prior to being activated on Wednesday.
    Compiled From Wire Reports, The Orlando Sentinel, 5 June 2025
  • None of them had their body cameras activated, a violation of department policy.
    Shira Moolten, Sun Sentinel, 5 June 2025
Verb
  • As the family begins bickering, Alice/Nicola excuses herself from the table.
    Matt Cabral, EW.com, 26 May 2025
  • Keeping him healthy remains a priority, but as multiple players begin to show the benefits of consistent playing time, Herrera stands out as a prime example.
    Katie Woo, New York Times, 26 May 2025
Verb
  • Alleging an intrusive shed, a protruding carport and sprinkler damage, a Meridian church has taken legal action against a longtime neighbor.
    Rachel Roberts, Idaho Statesman, 30 May 2025
  • Using a chemical glove box, a polycarbonate glass box with protruding gloves that shields substances from oxygen and moisture, scientists combined the berkelium metal with an organic molecule containing only carbon and hydrogen to create a chemical reaction.
    Chase Hunter, Mercury News, 26 Mar. 2025
Verb
  • What Happens Next The talks will commence in London on Monday, according to Trump's Truth Social post.
    Hannah Parry Peter Aitken, MSNBC Newsweek, 6 June 2025
  • The Pitt actress Shabana Azeez, who played Dr. Javadi, recently posted a picture confirming that filming had commenced as planned in June, just a short while after The Pitt season 1 ended.
    Paul Tassi, Forbes.com, 5 June 2025
Noun
  • The spindly youngster is at the beginning of a journey that will successively turn him into one of the most promising, one of the most unfortunate, one of the most maddening and ultimately one of the most celebrated football players in the world.
    Tom Williams, New York Times, 30 May 2025
  • At the beginning of the 2022—2023 school year, Luis Hinojosa was appointed as the principal of Pitcher Elementary School, according to court documents.
    Caroline Zimmerman, Kansas City Star, 30 May 2025
Verb
  • Anthony Devlin/Press Association via AP What To Know The recall was initiated by Publix on May 9 and was classified by the FDA on June 3.
    Jasmine Laws, MSNBC Newsweek, 4 June 2025
  • Key operational processes must at least be initiated during this stage.
    Davide Sartini, Forbes.com, 3 June 2025

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Cite this Entry

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

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