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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

started

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verb (2)

past tense of start
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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
The union also represents Kaiser nurses who are planning to stage their own strike of unlimited duration starting Monday. Paul Sisson, San Diego Union-Tribune, 24 Jan. 2026 The Nuggets can start calling these wins Philly Specials. Bennett Durando, Denver Post, 24 Jan. 2026
Noun
For them, building a wine with aging potential starts long before harvest—knowing the vineyard and soil, controlling production, choosing the right picking moment, selecting fruit and deciding in advance whether the wine will be aged in stainless steel, oak or concrete. Devin Parr, Forbes.com, 24 Jan. 2026 Good start, good middle, good finish. Thomas Jones, Austin American Statesman, 24 Jan. 2026
Verb
Charlotte, which started the season with three victories in its first seven games, had won six of seven before dropping games Saturday and Monday in Cleveland. Steve Lyttle, Charlotte Observer, 9 Jan. 2026 Justin Scott started alongside Moten. Jordan McPherson, Miami Herald, 9 Jan. 2026 See All Example Sentences for start
Recent Examples of Synonyms for start
Noun
  • The beginning of the year is often the time for contemplation and action.
    Heather L. Locus, Forbes.com, 24 Jan. 2026
  • Near the beginning of the site’s trail, a replica village contains several ‘ewaas, which are traditional Kumeyaay homes.
    Julie Gallant, San Diego Union-Tribune, 23 Jan. 2026
Noun
  • By moving some commencements away from increasingly costly private sites, the financially ailing school district could have saved about half a million dollars a year.
    Sun Sentinel Editorial Board, Sun Sentinel, 24 Jan. 2026
  • Elyce Arons, founder and chief executive officer of Frances Valentine, will deliver the keynote address to the Class of 2026 at LIM College‘s annual commencement.
    Lisa Lockwood, Footwear News, 22 Jan. 2026
Noun
  • What Rusbridger’s account leaves out is that the BBC has reproduced the prejudices of successive British establishments since its inception in the early twentieth century, whether by propagandizing against workers during the general strike of 1926 or by condemning the antiwar protests of 2003.
    Sean Williams, Harpers Magazine, 27 Jan. 2026
  • For the first time since its inception, Gmail will now let users change their primary @gmail address.
    Zak Doffman, Forbes.com, 26 Jan. 2026
Noun
  • While Rodgers had a relatively productive first season with the Steelers, the 42-year-old quarterback is undoubtedly much closer to the sunset of his storied career than the onset.
    Chantz Martin, FOXNews.com, 28 Jan. 2026
  • This could be a sign of early-onset supplement psychosis.
    Alyssa Brandt, New Yorker, 26 Jan. 2026
Noun
  • The launch of Deer Valley East Village — the first major public alpine ski resort development in North America in more than 40 years — is adding roughly 3,700 acres of new skiable terrain, nearly tripling the resort’s footprint.
    Roger Sands, Forbes.com, 23 Jan. 2026
  • Until recently, Alphabet was seen as playing catch-up in the generative AI race — from the underwhelming initial launch of Gemini — Alphabet’s answer to ChatGPT — to Justice Department litigation alleging that Google had a monopoly on digital ads and Search.
    Paulina Likos, CNBC, 23 Jan. 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Start.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/start. Accessed 29 Jan. 2026.

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