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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
Zack Gelof started the comeback with an RBI single in the sixth, and the A’s got two-run homers from Jacob Wilson in the seventh, Max Muncy in the eighth and Heim in the ninth to tie it 11-11. Los Angeles Times, 20 June 2026 Nightmarish start for Scotland. Andrew Greif, NBC news, 20 June 2026
Noun
Buenik’s good start helped — Mount Carmel’s first two batters struck out looking — and the Wildcats then scored two runs in the bottom of the first inning. Steve Reaven, Chicago Tribune, 13 June 2026 New moons usually occur once a month and are always tied to fresh starts, new cycles and unique journeys, astrologer Kyle Thomas tells PEOPLE. Tabitha Parent, PEOPLE, 13 June 2026
Adjective
An undrafted player out of Texas State, Brewer worked his way into the starting lineup after signing with the Tennessee Titans in 2020. Miami Herald, 10 June 2026 The rest of the starting lineup — Karl-Anthony Towns, Mikal Bridges and Josh Hart — shot 11-of-25 throughout the night as Brunson went 11-of-25 from the field in the 115-111 Game 3 loss. Fiifi Frimpong, New York Daily News, 9 June 2026
Verb
For people inside the industry, the path forward is starting to feel inevitable. Hanna Wickes, Kansas City Star, 18 June 2026 Alchemist Kitchen spins food business gold Several of the businesses identified are graduates of the Alchemist Microenterprise Academy (AMA), a 12-week business training course that teaches the basics of starting a food business. Sean Timberlake, Sacbee.com, 12 June 2026 See All Example Sentences for start
Recent Examples of Synonyms for start
Verb
  • Work is continuing to try to stabilize the Pacifica Municipal Pier, which began cracking at its base on June 4 and is now in danger of breaking off and falling into the water.
    John Ramos, CBS News, 16 June 2026
  • On-site Hawaiian cultural programming helps visitors connect with the islands' history and culture, and the complimentary Hawaiian Outrigger Canoe Experience that begins with a traditional sunrise chant is not to be missed.
    Beth Luberecki, USA Today, 16 June 2026
Verb
  • In preparation for the aircraft’s arrival next year, Qantas pilots have commenced training on Australia’s first A350 simulator in Sydney and with British Airways in the UK.
    Michael Goldstein, Forbes.com, 18 June 2026
  • Season 2 of The Audacity is set to commence production this month in Vancouver, BC, and will debut in 2027.
    Rosy Cordero, Deadline, 16 June 2026
Verb
  • Those would be high benchmarks for Texas Tech to establish, so long as the conference follows its own bylaws.
    Michael McCann, Sportico.com, 13 June 2026
  • State initiatives aimed at supporting fusion research and commercialization have encouraged investment and collaboration, helping establish an ecosystem designed to accelerate technological breakthroughs.
    Prabhat Ranjan Mishra, Interesting Engineering, 13 June 2026
Verb
  • At the intersection of North Green Hills Drive, the statement said, the driver activated a turn signal, then canceled it and kept going straight ahead.
    Judy L. Thomas, Kansas City Star, 15 June 2026
  • In response to the advisory, the Miami-Dade County Homeless Trust has activated an emergency outreach plan.
    Miami Herald Staff Report, Miami Herald, 15 June 2026
Verb
  • In other social media videos, Fischer can be seen base jumping enthusiastically from sheer cliffs with only a parachute to break his fall.
    Matthew Kelly Updated June 15, Kansas City Star, 16 June 2026
  • His challenge will be to jump Samuel on the depth chart to become the first corner off the bench if Porter or Dean are injured.
    Mike DeFabo, New York Times, 16 June 2026
Verb
  • And while certainly shaken up, the driver and passenger (also test dummies in this case) likely could have walked away without being struck by shattered glass or a protruding antler.
    Mack DeGeurin, Popular Science, 18 June 2026
  • The problem was that many of them protruded from the front of vehicles like miniature medieval weapons.
    Peter Lyon, Forbes.com, 18 June 2026
Noun
  • Most have occurred since the beginning of May, in addition to a surge in strikes on other targets such as port facilities and ships.
    Gianluca Mezzofiore, CNN Money, 20 June 2026
  • Just a single oil tanker, from Russia, has docked in Cuba since the beginning of the year.
    CBS News, CBS News, 19 June 2026
Verb
  • Jackson, who originated the role in both the Off Broadway and Broadway productions of the musical, earning a Tony Award nomination for the latter, will return to the role on Tuesday, September 8, playing through Sunday, January 3, 2027, at Broadway’s Richard Rodgers Theatre.
    Greg Evans, Deadline, 16 June 2026
  • Delta Flight 1966 originated in San Juan, Puerto Rico.
    Jesse Zanger, CBS News, 16 June 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Start.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/start. Accessed 20 Jun. 2026.

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