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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

starting

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adjective

starting

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verb (2)

present participle of start
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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
It's been a bit of a messy first half, which started with two rapid yellow cards. Marlene Lenthang, NBC news, 27 June 2026 Jed Hoyer can’t recall seeing his team’s starting pitching depth be decimated as significantly as the Chicago Cubs currently are experiencing. Sean Hammond, Chicago Tribune, 27 June 2026
Noun
Mitchell contributed to Indiana's strong start with 16 points in the first half, helping the Fever to a 59-56 lead at halftime. ABC News, 20 June 2026 Up next The teams finish the series Sunday in what was originally scheduled to be Justin Verlander's first start as a Tigers player in Detroit since 2017. CBS News, 20 June 2026
Adjective
Manager Mauricio Pochettino announced the news on FOX Sports' pregame show, saying Ricardo Pepi will be in the starting lineup instead. Ryan Morik, FOXNews.com, 19 June 2026 That played a part in Chisholm being out of the starting lineup Sunday in Toronto. Gary Phillips, New York Daily News, 19 June 2026
Verb
Kansas City got a taste of Holland’s fan culture starting with an Orange Fan Walk on Thursday morning. Dominick Williams, Kansas City Star, 26 June 2026 The injury is obviously a brutal blow to Canada's starting 11. Andrew Greif, NBC news, 19 June 2026 See All Example Sentences for start
Recent Examples of Synonyms for start
Verb
  • King’s attorney, Bill Mason, began his presentation by referencing Bosworth’s mentioning a defendant can’t be judged for not testifying in their own defense.
    Harrison Mantas, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 23 June 2026
  • Preliminary construction work is expected to begin soon, and officials estimate the overall project could take at least six years to complete.
    Joan Murray, CBS News, 23 June 2026
Verb
  • Coben, 64, thought that production couldn't commence until the crowds were cleared out, which seemed impossible to him.
    Ralphie Aversa, USA Today, 25 June 2026
  • The weekend celebrated Italian summer and yachting, commencing with the opening of a new Riva Lounge and a welcome from CEO Stassi Anastassov.
    Bill Springer, Forbes.com, 25 June 2026
Verb
  • However, command issues and inconsistency prevented him from establishing a permanent role.
    Peter Chawaga, Forbes.com, 21 June 2026
  • These types of commissions, which have facilitated significant improvements in other states’ public defender systems, are usually established by the governor.
    Anat Rubin, Los Angeles Times, 21 June 2026
Verb
  • Beliefs bump against reality as the emotional Moon activates your 9th House of Learning, quincunx combative Mars in your 4th House of Home.
    Tarot.com, Hartford Courant, 23 June 2026
  • The previous phases decompress, mobilize and activate individual areas; this one integrates all of those aspects into coordinated, whole-body functional movement.
    Dana Santas, CNN Money, 22 June 2026
Verb
  • Bond puts increase in value when bond prices fall and interest rates rise, allowing investors to offset losses elsewhere in their portfolios if borrowing costs jump unexpectedly.
    Lee Ying Shan, CNBC, 23 June 2026
  • Indiana forward Myisha Hines-Allen jumped into the scrum.
    Alejandro Avila OutKick, FOXNews.com, 23 June 2026
Verb
  • The apartment's one window, protruding from the zinc roof, faces west, putting it in direct sun from midday to dusk.
    ABC News, ABC News, 25 June 2026
  • All door handles in the ward are metal levers flush with the door, rather than protruding, to prevent patients from using them as ligature points.
    Ashley Andreou, STAT, 22 June 2026
Noun
  • The United Nations estimates that gang violence has killed over 2,300 people in Haiti since the beginning of this year.
    Syra Ortiz Blanes, Miami Herald, 26 June 2026
  • In the beginning, use a nitrogen-rich fertilizer for the seedlings before switching to one with phosphorus and potassium after the plants have started to sprout.
    Ashlyn Needham, Southern Living, 26 June 2026
Verb
  • The sideways walk of true crabs originated with a single ancestor.
    Ann Manov, Harpers Magazine, 23 June 2026
  • Adobe projects that consumer clicks originating from generative AI tools to retail sites will skyrocket by 103 percent compared to last June.
    Arthur Zaczkiewicz, Footwear News, 23 June 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Start.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/start. Accessed 27 Jun. 2026.

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