STARTER Synonyms: 44 Similar and Opposite Words

starter

noun

Definition of starter

as in appetizer

Related Words

Relevance

Dissimilar Words

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 starter Cooper Rush was the starter at quarterback, after Tua Tagovailoa was injured and was ruled out because of a back issue. — Rod Beard, AJC.com, 13 Sep. 2026 Los Angeles starter Emmet Sheehan allowed two hits over six sharp innings. — ABC News, 13 Sep. 2026 Cubs starter Clay Holmes cruised through five scoreless innings. — CBS News, 12 Sep. 2026 Atlanta starter Tua Tagovailoa has looked rough this preseason. — Los Angeles Times, 9 Sep. 2026 See All Example Sentences for starter

Recent Examples of Synonyms for starter

Noun

Our favorites became the ‘heavy’ appetizer restaurants – multiple protein street tacos, fancy sliders, etc.

— Sean Timberlake, Sacbee.com, 16 Sep. 2026
Start by planning the menu, including fall appetizers, mains, desserts, and seasonal drinks—and make sure to finalize the guest list a week out.

— Wendy Rose Gould, Martha Stewart, 16 Sep. 2026

Definition of appetizer

Noun

This antipasto meets salad is what summer dinner party dreams are made of.

— Lisa Cericola, Southern Living, 20 June 2026
The market can accommodate pretty much any Italian food craving, offering everything from antipasto to Zeppole di San Giuseppe (a seasonal specialty dessert).

— Charlotte Observer, Charlotte Observer, 7 Apr. 2026

Definition of antipasto

Noun

From sunset on—when the night comes alive amidst dazzling skyline lights—the space is complete with a seafood-forward small plates menu showing French, Spanish, and Portuguese influences, complemented by a list of natural wines and craft cocktails.

— Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 5 Sep. 2026
On Labor Day, shoppers can save 20% on the site's sauces and cocktail mixes (use promo code LABORDAY).

— Mike Snider, USA Today, 5 Sep. 2026

Definition of cocktail

Noun

The 311 app will receive messages and respond on the next business day.

— The Arkansas Democrat-Gazette, Arkansas Online, 7 Sep. 2026
On October 4, 2016, the famously quiet, reserved fighter picked up her phone, opened her Twitter (now ‘X’ ) app and clicked on the ‘search’ function.

— Sarah Shephard, New York Times, 6 Sep. 2026

Definition of app

Noun

As the airplane air-conditioning worked overtime in the desert heat, the grooms traversed the tarmac numerous times to shuttle water and supplies to the horses.

— Danielle Rossingh, New York Times, 9 Sep. 2026
Millions of people live in or near bear habitat across the Rockies, where widespread drought has reduced supplies of nuts, berries and plants that bears eat.

— ABC News, ABC News, 8 Sep. 2026

Definition of supplies

Noun

Leaving the final flowers intact allows desirable plants to form seeds and provides birds with a natural food source.

— Samantha Johnson, Martha Stewart, 15 Sep. 2026
With less natural food available at higher elevations, bears are moving into neighborhoods looking for an easy meal.

— Andrew Gutierrez, CBS News, 10 Sep. 2026

Definition of natural food

Noun

The best wine for tailgating is often a crisp, dry rosé because of its versatility, refreshing acidity and ability to pair with a wide range of football season’s favorite finger foods.

— Katie Kelly Bell, AJC.com, 20 Aug. 2026
An outdoor Fourth of July celebration calls for finger foods for all ages to enjoy.

— Hallie Milstein, Southern Living, 1 July 2026

Definition of finger food

Noun

Leading up to his fourth pro season, Commesso trained with NHL players such as Boston Bruins defenseman Charlie McAvoy and San Jose Sharks center Will Smith and honed in on his diet, gaining 6 pounds.

— Kalen Lumpkins, Chicago Tribune, 19 Sep. 2026
My parents, grandparents, and great-grandparents have all incorporated turmeric into both their diet, health, and beauty rituals because of its nutrient-rich profile.

— Nadine El Chaer, Vogue, 19 Sep. 2026

Definition of diet

Browse Nearby Words

started

starter

starters

See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

Style

“Starter.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/starter. Accessed 21 Sep. 2026.

Copy Citation

Synonyms of starter

noun

Example Sentences

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

More from Merriam-Webster

Word of the Day

elegiac

Popular in Grammar & Usage

Why do we use apostrophes to show possession?

Merriam-Webster’s Great Big List of Words You Love to Hate

The Exceptions of '-s' and '-es' Plurals

A Who’s Who Regarding ‘Who’s’ and ‘Whose’

'A' or 'an'? What about before 'h'? An Indefinite Article Guide

Popular in Wordplay

9 Words That Sound Like Insults But Aren't

Back to School Vocabulary

Words from the 'Odyssey'

14 Phobias You Probably Haven't Heard Of

The Words of the Week - Sept. 18

Popular

Why do we use apostrophes to show possession?

9 Words That Sound Like Insults But Aren't

Back to School Vocabulary

Games & Quizzes