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
Earlier this year, Zhang started seeing reports on Chinese social media of students whose visas were cancelled and whose legal status had been terminated. Michael Luo, New Yorker, 8 June 2025 After two days, the new machine started going bonkers – as if it was possessed. Scott Kramer, Forbes.com, 8 June 2025
Noun
But conservatives from the House Freedom Caucus negotiated for a quicker start date, in December 2026, to start the spending reductions sooner. Arkansas Online, 8 June 2025 Hawkins will begin the transition into the new position in June with a July 1 official start date. Post-Tribune, Chicago Tribune, 8 June 2025 See All Example Sentences for start
Recent Examples of Synonyms for start
Verb
  • Know the risks before diving in Not everyone should jump into a cold tub or crank up the heat.
    Novant Health, Charlotte Observer, 6 June 2025
  • That opening-apocalypse chapter is presented as Act III of a narrative triptych that’s moving backward and which now jumps to Chuck himself (Tom Hiddleston), a middle-aged and largely undistinguished accountant in town for a conference.
    Bilge Ebiri, Vulture, 6 June 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
  • Over the course of his prolific, three-decade career, the American filmmaker has established a signature aesthetic and working style that could convince any actor to beg him for a part — almost any actor.
    Ryan Coleman, EW.com, 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
  • In other words, for reasons still not fully understood, the robot’s yawn may have activated a biological response in the chimpanzees that led them to associate the gesture with sleep or rest.
    Mack DeGeurin, Popular Science, 5 June 2025
Verb
  • Entering the homestretch, Journalism poked his head in front as Rodriguez began to fall back.
    John Cherwa, Los Angeles Times, 7 June 2025
  • But what began as an ordinary evening would soon become one of the region's most haunting cold cases.
    Christina Coulter, People.com, 7 June 2025
Verb
  • The animals have small eyes that slightly protrude from their heads, which are smooth and flat, according to the study.
    Irene Wright, Miami Herald, 3 June 2025
  • Books fly off the shelves, a protruding nail vanishes and then reappears, a Ouija board spells an incomplete message, and there’s definitely something on the third floor.
    Gabino Iglesias, New York Times, 30 May 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
  • Only Part of It Hails From Ingolstadt At the beginning of the 1990s, both Audi and Porsche needed help.
    Bryan Hood, Robb Report, 10 June 2025
  • Setting realistic expectations from the very beginning will create more meaningful relationships with clients that are built on trust.
    Expert Panel®, Forbes.com, 9 June 2025
Verb
  • The beloved shortstop wanted to be in Boston for his entire career, and even initiated a team-friendly extension to further that dream.
    Gabrielle Starr, Boston Herald, 16 June 2025
  • The proceedings were initiated following a complaint filed by La Liga, which joined the case as a private prosecutor.
    Guillermo Rai, New York Times, 16 June 2025

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Cite this Entry

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

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