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
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
4
as in to activate
to cause to function
trying to start the car on a frigid morning
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
5
6
as in to protrude
to extend outward beyond a usual point
frightened horses with starting eyes
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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
Nathan Pilling, Kansas City Star, 13 Feb. 2026
Setting aside the gawking nature of certain style choices (the warped, swiveling, 360-degree shots used when someone starts talking about particularly demented ideas are nauseating on multiple levels), the series too closely mirrors its subjects’ insularity.
—Ben Travers, IndieWire, 13 Feb. 2026
Jaylon Thompson, Kansas City Star, 14 Feb. 2026
The researchers expect the tool to be used in everyday architectural practice as a decision-support system for zero-energy buildings, helping designers make smarter choices that balance comfort with energy efficiency from the very start.
—Bojan Stojkovski, Interesting Engineering, 14 Feb. 2026
See All Example Sentences for start
Verb
Columbatto said the village hopes to start construction on the towers at the end of 2027, and begin to welcome residents there at the end of 2029 and in early 2030.
—Nathan Pilling, Kansas City Star, 13 Feb. 2026
Setting aside the gawking nature of certain style choices (the warped, swiveling, 360-degree shots used when someone starts talking about particularly demented ideas are nauseating on multiple levels), the series too closely mirrors its subjects’ insularity.
—Ben Travers, IndieWire, 13 Feb. 2026
Noun
As a result, he was limited to 14 starts across two minor-league levels.
—Jaylon Thompson, Kansas City Star, 14 Feb. 2026
The researchers expect the tool to be used in everyday architectural practice as a decision-support system for zero-energy buildings, helping designers make smarter choices that balance comfort with energy efficiency from the very start.
—Bojan Stojkovski, Interesting Engineering, 14 Feb. 2026
See All Example Sentences for start
Recent Examples of Synonyms for start
Verb
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Paxton began his run for the GOP nomination with a relatively low profile and less spending than Cornyn, but has kicked his campaign into high gear as the primary approaches.—
Timothy Nerozzi,
The Washington Examiner,
17 Feb. 2026
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Kaley sued Snap and TikTok as well; the two companies settled before the trial began but remain defendants in hundreds of other cases.—
Clare Duffy,
CNN Money,
17 Feb. 2026
Verb
-
Principal photography will commence June 2026.—
Alex Ritman,
Variety,
5 Feb. 2026
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While some Winter Olympic qualifying rounds begin on Wednesday, February 4, the Milano Cortina Games officially commence with the opening ceremony on February 6 and run until Sunday, February 22.—
Emily Tannenbaum,
Glamour,
4 Feb. 2026
Verb
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Palestinian citizens of Israel are descendants of those who were not expelled or forced to flee their homes when Israel was established in 1948.—
Zeena Saifi,
CNN Money,
15 Feb. 2026
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Phytoplankton establishes on the branches, which attracts zooplankton and insects.—
Bryan Hendricks,
Arkansas Online,
15 Feb. 2026
Verb
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The garage sprinkler system had activated, helping control the fire prior to the department’s arrival, according to officials.—
Aurora Beacon-News,
Chicago Tribune,
16 Feb. 2026
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Ensure your vehicle is visible to others by using low-beam headlights, which also activate your taillights.—
NC Weather Bot,
Charlotte Observer,
16 Feb. 2026
Verb
-
Reduce your high-rate debts Consumer debt has been rising year after year, and credit card balances alone have jumped dramatically in this economic climate.—
Aly J Yale,
CBS News,
16 Feb. 2026
-
Can the dunkers rediscover the creativity that compelled Blake Griffin to jump over a car, Gerald Green to blow out a cupcake candle on the rim, Dwight Howard to put on a cape and Vince Carter to stick his whole arm in the hoop?—
Greg Beacham,
Chicago Tribune,
16 Feb. 2026
Verb
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Avoid areas of ice with protruding debris like logs or brush.—
Sarah Moore,
Freep.com,
4 Feb. 2026
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City officials in Reedley first raised concerns in December 2022 after a code enforcement officer noticed a green garden hose protruding from the warehouse.—
Sarah Rumpf-Whitten,
FOXNews.com,
3 Feb. 2026
Noun
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Intertextuality is described by Scarlett Barton in perhaps the opposite way, as linked to Roland Barthes’ observation that the author is dead, and that the text is the dissolution of every kind of voice, every beginning and core.—
Literary Hub,
Literary Hub,
13 Feb. 2026
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This approach may appeal to taxpayers who want more personalized guidance at the beginning of the tax relief process before deciding how to proceed.—
Roxanne Downer,
USA Today,
13 Feb. 2026
Verb
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This story originated as part of Deadline’s new Comedy Means Business newsletter.—
Matt Grobar,
Deadline,
17 Feb. 2026
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The company originates from a small tea shop in Taiwan opened in 1996 by a man named Zhen-hua Wu.—
Ernestine Siu,
CNBC,
16 Feb. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Start.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/start. Accessed 18 Feb. 2026.
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