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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
As the region’s megadrought continues, roaming mammals, like black bears and mountain lions, may start to occupy larger ranges, widening their territory in the search for water and other resources. John Leos, AZCentral.com, 3 Sep. 2025 That’s where partnerships stop being a points treadmill and start feeling like service design. Jeff Fromm, Forbes.com, 3 Sep. 2025
Noun
After a shaky start last year, Young excelled down the stretch after his month-long benching. Mike Kaye updated August 26, Charlotte Observer, 26 Aug. 2025 The Giants’ first round pick made his first start as an NFL quarterback in the team’s preseason finale against the New England Patriots at MetLife Stadium. Pat Leonard, New York Daily News, 22 Aug. 2025
Verb
Both have started games for the Astros this season, and McCullers, specifically, is a veteran who has pitched in the throes of a playoff race. Chandler Rome, New York Times, 4 Sep. 2025 Instead, Pribula started and starred. Maddie Hartley, Kansas City Star, 29 Aug. 2025 See All Example Sentences for start
Recent Examples of Synonyms for start
Noun
  • The bill replaces the state’s once-a-year test with three shorter exams, to be given at the beginning, middle and end of the school year.
    Silas Allen, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 4 Sep. 2025
  • From the very beginning of launching her brand, Mutayo set her sights on the world stage.
    Ugonnaora Owoh, Essence, 4 Sep. 2025
Noun
  • Graduates at the University of Toledo commencement ceremony are seen in Toledo, Ohio, on May 5, 2018.
    Hugh Cameron, MSNBC Newsweek, 4 Sep. 2025
  • Gold prices have risen by nearly a third this year, hitting new heights with the commencement of a trade war.
    Rachel Cormack, Robb Report, 2 Sep. 2025
Noun
  • To showcase the inspiration for its inception, as with many colors in the palette for Celestiq, a sculpture was made.
    Jackie Charniga, USA Today, 4 Sep. 2025
  • Since its inception, the Plastic Poetry program has expanded across South Florida, from Homestead to Boca Raton, and continues to grow.
    Jonel Juste, Miami Herald, 4 Sep. 2025
Noun
  • The figure indicated the largest number of job cuts in the month of August since 2020, which coincided with the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic.
    Max Zahn, ABC News, 4 Sep. 2025
  • Drought can delay the onset of color, while moist soil, in tandem with the right late-summer weather, produces good displays, Crick wrote.
    Marina Johnson, Louisville Courier Journal, 4 Sep. 2025
Noun
  • Create an account ahead of the launch and save your credit card and shipping information to avoid wasting time.
    Julia Gomez, USA Today, 29 Aug. 2025
  • Kyivstar -- Ukraine's leading digital operator -- will ring the Nasdaq opening bell Friday morning as the first Ukrainian company to be listed on a United States stock exchange to celebrate its historic listing and the launch of its Invest in Ukraine NOW!
    Madelynne O'Callaghan, ABC News, 29 Aug. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Start.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/start. Accessed 6 Sep. 2025.

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