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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
Carnage for a Cause, which is put on by the Smoking Skulls motorcycle club, starts at 6 p.m. Oct. 4 at the Greene County Fairgrounds, 1108 Arkansas 49B. Admission is $10 for adults; kids 12 and under get in free. Sean Clancy, Arkansas Online, 14 Sep. 2025 Devers, who is starting at first on Saturday, has fared well at first base despite having no experience at the position prior to this season. Justice Delos Santos, Mercury News, 14 Sep. 2025
Noun
Asked if the organization has considered moving him to the right side because of his uneven start to the season, McDaniel said no. Barry Jackson, Miami Herald, 22 Sep. 2025 Everything about this start screams almost. Troy Renck, Denver Post, 22 Sep. 2025 See All Example Sentences for start
Recent Examples of Synonyms for start
Verb
  • The situation underscores how deeply injuries have bitten into the 49ers to begin the season, and also that their star players have been most affected.
    The Athletic NFL Staff, New York Times, 22 Sep. 2025
  • The night began with drag performers and opening band Japanese Breakfast, doing songs from their new Melancholy Brunettes and Sad Women.
    Rob Sheffield, Rolling Stone, 21 Sep. 2025
Verb
  • In December 2023, San Diego commenced its analysis of what’s known as the Midway Rising Specific Plan as a supplement to the environmental work completed in 2018 for the Midway-Pacific Highway Community Plan.
    Jennifer Van Grove, San Diego Union-Tribune, 23 Sep. 2025
  • This year's bracket, which consists of 11 bears, was revealed on Monday, with voting set to commence on Tuesday at noon ET, according to the competition's website.
    Megan Forrester, ABC News, 23 Sep. 2025
Verb
  • The grand prize winner’s selection as the closing film marked another break from tradition, with the competition photocall ceremonies at Busan Cinema Center attracting substantial audiences and establishing the new format as a tentpole event.
    Naman Ramachandran, Variety, 27 Sep. 2025
  • In any event, this is an opportunity to establish more structure in your life and consider what truly supports you.
    Valerie Mesa, PEOPLE, 27 Sep. 2025
Verb
  • On a typical two-lane road, drivers going in both directions are required to stop when a school bus activates its red flashing lights and extends the stop arm.
    Phaedra Trethan, USA Today, 21 Sep. 2025
  • Bet on either of these games to activate your offer from BetMGM Sportsbook.
    Tyler Everett, MSNBC Newsweek, 21 Sep. 2025
Verb
  • Micron's sales jumps 46% year on year.
    Yeo Boon Ping, CNBC, 24 Sep. 2025
  • Expansion fees jumped to $110 million in five years, and infrastructure is no longer a nice-to-have but a must.
    Asli Pelit, New York Times, 24 Sep. 2025
Verb
  • Keta’s long layers fell on the sides of her face, while the back was noticeably teased and twisted with spiky pieces protruding out.
    Kaleigh Werner, Footwear News, 26 Sep. 2025
  • His bones visibly protruded from his thin skin, according to court documents.
    Ryan Murphy, IndyStar, 23 Sep. 2025
Noun
  • However, there are no such hints for players in Season 3, who are sorted into teams at the beginning of their time in Borderland and told where to go for the next match.
    Kayti Burt, Time, 26 Sep. 2025
  • Indiana can expect dry temperatures around the state at the beginning of October.
    Jade Jackson, IndyStar, 25 Sep. 2025
Verb
  • Though the majority of cases are linked to a large outbreak that originated in West Texas, other outbreaks and cases have arisen from community transmission or during travel in other states.
    Thao Nguyen, USA Today, 25 Sep. 2025
  • Core emotions originate in the subcortical part of the brain, not in areas under our conscious control.
    CNN Money, CNN Money, 25 Sep. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Start.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/start. Accessed 29 Sep. 2025.

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