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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
Experts started spotting the Little Red Dots about three years ago. Andrew Paul, Popular Science, 7 Aug. 2025 He’s set to start the All-Star Game in right field on Tuesday night. Ryan Gaydos, FOXNews.com, 15 July 2025
Noun
Two batters into his Wednesday start, Chicago Cubs right-hander Cade Horton watched the Cincinnati Reds’ Spencer Steer pop up his 83 mph sweeper for what should have been an easy out. Kalen Lumpkins, Chicago Tribune, 6 Aug. 2025 Mizell recorded 17 receptions for 202 yards and 2 scores in 11 appearances, including three starts, in 2024. Edgar Thompson, The Orlando Sentinel, 5 Aug. 2025 See All Example Sentences for start
Recent Examples of Synonyms for start
Verb
  • When Alec Flynn was in college, the comedian began using standup as a form of medicine to help with depression.
    Leia Mendoza, Variety, 6 Aug. 2025
  • The Yankees’ losing streak began after a busy July 31 trade deadline that was supposed to reinvigorate the slumping ballclub.
    Gary Phillips, New York Daily News, 6 Aug. 2025
Verb
  • According to its official Facebook page, the warship commenced patrols as of July 31.
    Ryan Chan, MSNBC Newsweek, 5 Aug. 2025
  • But in the mid-1800s, pastry change commenced through a bakers’ strike, spurring a shortage of workers in Copenhagen and ushering in a new wave of Austrian bakers.
    Carinne Geil Botta, Vogue, 31 July 2025
Verb
  • However, Unai Emery's men will hope to turn the dial and establish some early dominance in the hunt for Champions League qualification with some Week 1 revenge.
    Kilty Cleary, MSNBC Newsweek, 16 Aug. 2025
  • With Van de Ven and Cristian Romero established as Spurs’ primary partnership in central defence, Vuskovic may struggle to supplant that duo for the biggest games.
    The Athletic UK Staff, New York Times, 16 Aug. 2025
Verb
  • About 800 National Guard troops are being activated, with Humvees parked along the Washington Monument and near Union Station.
    John Seewer, Chicago Tribune, 16 Aug. 2025
  • The Pro Bowl linebacker was finally activated from the physically unable to perform list last Sunday after 11 months of rehabbing and trying to get back on the practice field.
    Antwan Staley, New York Daily News, 16 Aug. 2025
Verb
  • Sunrise yoga on the cliff deck, facing the Alona beach, is a an option for those prefer mindful movement to jump start the day.
    Bianca Salonga, Forbes.com, 6 Aug. 2025
  • Vivid Seats stock jumped more than 50% in Wednesday day trading, the latest move in what’s been a volatile week for the live event ticketing business.
    Eben Novy-Williams, Sportico.com, 6 Aug. 2025
Verb
  • Tung’s front layers were slicked across the right side of her forehead and brushed behind her ear; her short ends protruded out underneath.
    Kaleigh Werner, Footwear News, 30 July 2025
  • In person the tremendous symmetry of her face was startling; her cheekbones protruded, and her eyes were far apart.
    Darcey Steinke, Vogue, 27 July 2025
Noun
  • What began as one family’s search for a life in rhythm with the land has bloomed into a thriving village where 70% of the acreage has been protected under a land trust from the beginning.
    Chrissy Tracey, Forbes.com, 8 Aug. 2025
  • Since the beginning, her writing has been intimate and personal, emblematic of a storyteller who can pinpoint a fleeting emotion and describe scenes fit for a rom-com.
    Alphonse Pierre, Pitchfork, 7 Aug. 2025
Verb
  • These routes originated at a facility on one side of an Interstate and made deliveries to larger clinics located only a couple of hundred yards away on the other side of an interstate.
    Steve Banker, Forbes.com, 7 Aug. 2025
  • Much of Evie’s new understanding, of herself and of her environment, originates from those around her, especially her new boyfriend.
    Lora Kelley, New Yorker, 7 Aug. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Start.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/start. Accessed 19 Aug. 2025.

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