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
Alfred Collins spent his first four years at Texas in the shadows, starting all of 12 games as the Longhorns kept rotating in older studs on their defensive line. Vic Tafur, New York Times, 16 May 2025 All of those accomplishments, however, paled in personal significance to what the Dodgers’ starting catcher did. Houston Mitchell, Los Angeles Times, 16 May 2025
Noun
Kuhns allowed 5 runs (4 earned), 3 hits and 3 walks, and struck out 3 during his 2-inning start for the Vols. Matt Jones, Arkansas Online, 17 May 2025 While the official start of hurricane season is June 1st, storms can occasionally develop in May. Doyle Rice, USA Today, 16 May 2025 See All Example Sentences for start
Recent Examples of Synonyms for start
Verb
  • The Fame returns to the top 40 on the Official Albums chart, jumping from No. 48 to No. 37.
    Hugh McIntyre, Forbes.com, 14 May 2025
  • Burberry’s stock jumped more than 9% Wednesday morning following the results.
    Anna Cooban, CNN Money, 14 May 2025
Verb
  • Urban Exploration Hartford, the state capital, boasts a growing LGBTQ+ scene centered around Chez Est, a restaurant and cabaret established in 1983 and believed to be the first entertainment venue of its kind in the state’s history.
    Joshua Alston, USA Today, 24 May 2025
  • On the ground floor there is also a window display dedicated to its signature web motif in green/red/green and in blue/red/blue established in the mid-1950s.
    Luisa Zargani, Footwear News, 24 May 2025
Verb
  • Both labor-intensive and time-consuming, the tool required food professionals and at-home cooks to literally rotate its handle to activate the accompanying beater(s).
    Joey Skladany, Southern Living, 24 May 2025
  • Breathing in and sighing out slowly for longer than your in breath with an open mouth can activate the vagus nerve, a crucial component of the parasympathetic nervous system.
    Paul McClure May 24, New Atlas, 24 May 2025
Verb
  • Jennifer Donahue, a spokesperson for Massachusetts state courts, confirmed day 15 of the trial is set to begin at 9 a.m.
    Christopher Cann, USA Today, 15 May 2025
  • After an ear-splitting sound, the wind began to calm.
    Gwen Rockwood, Arkansas Online, 15 May 2025
Verb
  • Using metal detectors and magnetometers, the team was able to locate large bits of steel and iron protruding from the seafloor that turned out to be parts of the frame and windlass, the machine used to reel in the anchor.
    Kameryn Griesser, CNN Money, 16 May 2025
  • One of the biggest surprises of the 2025 Met Gala is Rihanna’s protruding belly.
    Karu F. Daniels, New York Daily News, 6 May 2025
Verb
  • The finding suggested that commencing metformin after a diagnosis of type 2 diabetes was associated with a better chance of living longer, compared to commencing sulfonylurea.
    New Atlas, New Atlas, 24 May 2025
  • Soon Chiefs running back Isiah Pacheco arrived at his one-day event, and the cone drills and photos commenced.
    Blair Kerkhoff, Kansas City Star, 24 May 2025
Noun
  • The inaugural Mass marked the official beginning of Leo’s pontificate.
    Molly Bohannon, Forbes.com, 18 May 2025
  • Coming back as a judge 20 years later is such a special full-circle moment for me and it’s meant a lot to share that journey with the people that have been there from the beginning, as well as a whole new generation of Idol fans.
    Michelle Lee, People.com, 18 May 2025
Verb
  • Three months into a boycott initiated in response to Target’s decision to roll back its diversity, equity, and inclusion efforts, the retailer has reported a decline in sales and profits.
    Timeka Tounsel, Forbes.com, 23 May 2025
  • Casas said that any such accusations would still require further investigation, but that such information could potentially initiate probable cause.
    Garrett Shanley, Miami Herald, 23 May 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Start.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/start. Accessed 28 May. 2025.

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