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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

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
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 See All Example Sentences for start
Recent Examples of Synonyms for start
Verb
  • Because, immediately, journeyman Jones threw five passes on the first five plays to began attacking the NFL’s weakest starting cornerbacks — a situation too obvious for the club to have gone the entire offseason not doing enough to remedy.
    Miami Herald, Miami Herald, 8 Sep. 2025
  • To counter the explosive projectiles, Russian tank crews began mounting homemade cages above their turrets to cushion the tanks from blasts.
    Marco Hernandez, New York Times, 8 Sep. 2025
Verb
  • Subsequently, Liddell highlights the importance of entrepreneurs commencing their journey with clear goals in place.
    Nia Bowers, USA Today, 3 Sep. 2025
  • Walt Disney Imagineering did not share when these updates would commence.
    Megan duBois, Forbes.com, 1 Sep. 2025
Verb
  • The roots of my family tree are firmly established in the soil of Great Britain.
    Elizabeth Bass Parman, PEOPLE, 7 Sep. 2025
  • Period-appropriate musical elements will help establish the nostalgic atmosphere.
    Naman Ramachandran, Variety, 6 Sep. 2025
Verb
  • By that point though, United had activated on signing Senne Lammens.
    James McNicholas, New York Times, 8 Sep. 2025
  • Follow the link above to activate the best FanDuel promo code offer.
    Tyler Everett, MSNBC Newsweek, 7 Sep. 2025
Verb
  • Huawei's market share in China jumped to 18% in the second quarter versus 15% in the same period last year, and the company is now the biggest smartphone vendor in China, Counterpoint Research data showed.
    Arjun Kharpal, CNBC, 4 Sep. 2025
  • Whenever the boy went in for a meal, the girls would jump and attack.
    Sophie Hartley, IndyStar, 3 Sep. 2025
Verb
  • Sharks are often imagined cruising just beneath the waves, dorsal fin protruding from the dark, ocean waters to alert people of their incoming doom.
    Melissa Cristina Márquez, Forbes.com, 1 Sep. 2025
  • Hammer four nails about an inch apart into a cross shape at the center of your board so that the heads protrude at least an inch.
    Peter Barrett, Outside, 30 Aug. 2025
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
Verb
  • There’s a lot of beauty and thought that actually originated here.
    Vogue Runway, Vogue, 4 Sep. 2025
  • The fire is thought to have originated from natural causes.
    CA WILDFIRE BOT, Sacbee.com, 4 Sep. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Start.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/start. Accessed 9 Sep. 2025.

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