starts 1 of 2

present tense third-person singular of start
1
as in jumps
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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starts

2 of 2

noun

plural of start

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 starts
Verb
The home’s spa-like wellness wing, which includes a gym, sauna, contrast therapy, and massage room, was a major selling point for a guy whose day starts only after a cold plunge, weightlifting, and cardio. Kathryn Romeyn, Architectural Digest, 7 Nov. 2025 The magnifying glass is on every team, who starts to fold now that the stakes are higher? Jordan Mendoza, USA Today, 7 Nov. 2025 General admission for children ages 3 to 12 and seniors starts at $16. Marcus Smith, Sacbee.com, 7 Nov. 2025 While the process almost always starts these days with a 3D scan of an actor’s face and full mold, altering certain parts of a person’s face can create more dramatic changes than others. Sarah Shachat, IndieWire, 7 Nov. 2025 But Sarah remains resolute, Bert tamps down his desire to make a quick buck — for a while, at least — and the situation starts to draw national attention, thanks to the involvement of a white civil rights attorney and a Black reporter from up north. Joe Leydon, Variety, 7 Nov. 2025 The conservator, Christopher Ruszkowski, starts this job immediately with a wide range of responsibilities and powers specified by state law and Texas Education Commissioner Mike Morath. Lina Ruiz, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 7 Nov. 2025 Pricing for the Longbow Speedster starts at £84,995 (~US$111,540) with production limited to 150 units. New Atlas, 31 Oct. 2025 As water fluoridation starts to roll back in some communities, experts say that protecting the option to use prescription supplements is key. Deidre McPhillips, CNN Money, 31 Oct. 2025
Noun
The cash payments have also led to higher birth weights and longer breastfeeding periods for babies, the Bridge Project says, both of which signal healthier starts to a child's life. Jordan Smith, IndyStar, 5 Nov. 2025 The workout flurry comes while the Bears sit at one of their better starts (5-3) and navigate a crucial midseason stretch — one in which maintaining a steady run game will be important to protect QB Caleb Williams and an evolving offense. Rowan Fisher-Shotton, MSNBC Newsweek, 5 Nov. 2025 Once the buzz starts, fringe brands come knocking. Chris Cardillo, Rolling Stone, 5 Nov. 2025 Their hypothetical $100 starts to lose its value each day the money isn’t spent. Leslie Picker, CNBC, 4 Nov. 2025 Beto and Thierno Barry have scored one league goal between them and neither has made a compelling case for regular starts. Chris Weatherspoon, New York Times, 31 Oct. 2025 While Triantis and Fitz each played in five games, Triantis made four starts and accumulated 352 minutes, while Fitz made one start and played 151 total minutes. Andy Greder, Twin Cities, 29 Oct. 2025 In his absence, veteran free-agent addition Jaylon Moore has played capably, allowing only eight quarterback pressures over 119 pass-blocking snaps during his three starts, per Pro Football Focus. Pete Sweeney, Kansas City Star, 28 Oct. 2025 Yamamoto has thrown complete games in each of his last two postseason starts. Greg Rosenstein, NBC news, 28 Oct. 2025
Recent Examples of Synonyms for starts
Verb
  • There’s a close call when Dick opens the cargo door and nearly jumps out of the plane, but Leroy stops him just in time.
    Louis Peitzman, Vulture, 10 Nov. 2025
  • The story jumps back and forth through time and across continents, but Raja’s sensitive and ultimately optimistic point of view is a gripping anchor.
    The New Yorker, New Yorker, 10 Nov. 2025
Verb
  • The Moon in Virgo from November 13 to 15 activates your healing and subconscious sector, making this a powerful time to retreat, recalibrate, and listen to the whispers within.
    Dossé-Via Trenou, Refinery29, 9 Nov. 2025
  • The case magnetically attaches to the back and front of the Gen II and activates sleep/wake functions when the cover is opened and closed.
    PC Magazine, PC Magazine, 7 Nov. 2025
Verb
  • On the plane, Dick clutches the slingshot and begins sweating and muttering to himself before becoming unresponsive.
    Louis Peitzman, Vulture, 10 Nov. 2025
  • Hydroplaning is the term for when a vehicle begins sliding uncontrollably on wet roads.
    NC Weather Bot, Charlotte Observer, 10 Nov. 2025
Verb
  • Baleen is a specialized type of bone that protrudes from the jaws like teeth and is used to filter small critters from the ocean water to feed.
    Irene Wright, Miami Herald, 22 Sep. 2025
Verb
  • So commences a night of harrowing encounters and trauma both physical and mental, starting with Ron and Mike’s trip to meet Oliver at a bar after one of his shows.
    Ben Rosenstock, Vulture, 10 Nov. 2025
  • Just last week, the Facchino Family began demolishing structures at its 13-acre property at 1655 Berryessa Road before construction commences on a new mixed-income neighborhood near the BART Station.
    Devan Patel, Mercury News, 29 Oct. 2025
Noun
  • This is a year of new beginnings and adventures!
    Georgia Nicols, Denver Post, 8 Nov. 2025
  • In straightforward and compelling prose, Sammy, then 40, tells the story of his vaudeville beginnings, his growth as an entertainer, and his movement through America.
    Questlove, The Atlantic, 7 Nov. 2025
Verb
  • Another provision establishes an access ban for minors.
    Kurt Knutsson, FOXNews.com, 5 Nov. 2025
  • The endowment establishes the Kevin Feige Division of Film & Television Production and will be a source of funding for faculty, students with additional programmatic support.
    Leia Mendoza, Variety, 4 Nov. 2025
Verb
  • Key Takeaways Short-term, alcohol slows brain processing, triggers the reward system, reduces stress and pain, impairs spatial thinking, and can cause memory lapses or blackouts.
    Sarah Bence, Verywell Health, 6 Nov. 2025
  • Late changes after proto review or post–assortment lock (because of a market signal or someone just changed their mind) triggers rework.
    Raj Dhiman, Sourcing Journal, 6 Nov. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Starts.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/starts. Accessed 15 Nov. 2025.

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