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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
At the height of the sectarian war, parts of Baghdad were so riddled with impromptu militia checkpoints that many Iraqis started carrying two official-looking IDs — one genuine and the other a forgery with a last name and birthplace associated with the other sect. Jack Dolan, Los Angeles Times, 7 Mar. 2026 Ticket prices vary by day, starting at $24 for ages 13 and up and $16 for ages 3-12, with discounts available for family or group purchases. Travis Pinson, Dallas Morning News, 6 Mar. 2026
Noun
The event, catered to fans who hope to see and cheer on their favorite mushers, takes place a day before the competitive start. ABC News, 7 Mar. 2026 After Murray suffered a foot injury, Brissett, 33, was more than serviceable in his 12 starts for the Cardinals. Antwan Staley, New York Daily News, 7 Mar. 2026 See All Example Sentences for start
Recent Examples of Synonyms for start
Verb
  • With two and a half weeks remaining before the Twins begin their season in Baltimore, there are still plenty of roster questions to be sorted out, particularly in the outfield.
    Betsy Helfand, Twin Cities, 10 Mar. 2026
  • The trade will not become official until the new league year begins on Wednesday.
    SportsDay Staff, Dallas Morning News, 10 Mar. 2026
Verb
  • On March 8, most of North America and Europe, along with some Caribbean and Central American Countries, will move their clocks one hour forward and commence Daylight Saving Time (DST).
    Jeffrey Kluger, Time, 5 Mar. 2026
  • The team’s 2026 model car wasn’t in its wind tunnel until mid-April last year, when other teams had commenced such testing in January 2025.
    Madeline Coleman, New York Times, 5 Mar. 2026
Verb
  • In San Antonio, Kornet quickly established himself again as one of the funniest guys in the locker room, as well as a valuable teammate on the court.
    Louisa Thomas, New Yorker, 8 Mar. 2026
  • The six vacant buildings, which the county is leasing to establish the Los Angeles County Care Community, have been vacant since the early 2000s.
    Andrew Khouri, Los Angeles Times, 7 Mar. 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, 9 Mar. 2026
  • The crash caused severe front-end damage to the sedan and activated its airbags, video from news-gathering agency OnScene shows.
    Clara Harter, Los Angeles Times, 9 Mar. 2026
Verb
  • In California, annual sales of new light-duty zero-emission vehicles jumped 43% in 2022, according to the state’s Energy Commission.
    Blanca Begert, Los Angeles Times, 10 Mar. 2026
  • At the start of the war, many analysts had expected prices to jump this high, but most also assumed the key passageway would re-open relatively quickly, keeping the surge in prices relatively contained.
    Thao Nguyen, USA Today, 10 Mar. 2026
Verb
  • The jaguar growled, whirled and bit off the protruding head of the arrow.
    Delbert L. Chears, Outdoor Life, 5 Mar. 2026
  • And yes, the non-recessed device does indeed protrude out from the bottom of the shoe, so it's intended for use with road bike shoes and pedals only.
    Ben Coxworth March 03, New Atlas, 3 Mar. 2026
Noun
  • The Defense Department has been exploring ways to harden positions and counter drones ever since the beginning of the Russia-Ukraine conflict four years ago.
    James LaPorta March 5, CBS News, 6 Mar. 2026
  • According to the announcement, the transaction is expected to close in either the end of the first financial quarter or beginning of the second quarter.
    Mason Leib, ABC News, 6 Mar. 2026
Verb
  • Last week, Iran’s president had claimed Tehran would stop striking its neighbors unless any attacks on Iran originated from those countries.
    Jessie Yeung, CNN Money, 10 Mar. 2026
  • Mining and metals accounted for roughly 11% of global scope 1 and 2 greenhouse gas emissions in 2024, with a large majority originating from Asia, highlighting the sector’s role as both a major emitter and a linchpin of the clean energy transition.
    Natasha Bracken, semafor.com, 10 Mar. 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Start.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/start. Accessed 12 Mar. 2026.

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