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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
Some of fashion’s most lasting ideas start with an accident. Maggie Clancy, Footwear News, 14 Oct. 2025 The Detroit Pistons are quickly settling on their rotations before the NBA season starts. Christian Romo, Freep.com, 14 Oct. 2025
Noun
The Ravens and Harbaugh could decide both parties need a fresh start before 2026. Jordan Sigler, MSNBC Newsweek, 13 Oct. 2025 Closing the gap between race car and road car has defined automotive advancement from the very start, and motorsport’s Formula 1 series has been the ultimate feeder of trickle-down technology to top-tier production models. Viju Mathew, Robb Report, 13 Oct. 2025 See All Example Sentences for start
Recent Examples of Synonyms for start
Verb
  • Additionally, minor soundside flooding is expected to begin later today and last through at least Wednesday.
    NC Weather Bot, Charlotte Observer, 13 Oct. 2025
  • Trump’s threats of an extra 100% tariff on China is believed to have triggered a $19 billion sell-off that began Friday.
    Andrew Nusca, Fortune, 13 Oct. 2025
Verb
  • Initial trial retrievals of fuel debris from Unit 2 have already commenced.
    Aman Tripathi, Interesting Engineering, 15 Oct. 2025
  • The disarmament phase was slated to begin in the second stage of the agreement, which was set to commence after all the hostages were returned.
    Caitlin McFall, FOXNews.com, 14 Oct. 2025
Verb
  • Protect the football, establish balance early, and reduce penalties.
    Miami Herald, Miami Herald, 11 Oct. 2025
  • Democrats in Congress are withholding their votes on a government spending bill to demand that Republicans extend these subsidies, which lower the cost of insurance for people who buy their own health care coverage in marketplaces established by the Affordable Care Act.
    Elena Shao, New York Times, 11 Oct. 2025
Verb
  • It’s expected to last into Monday, authorizing the state’s emergency services personnel to be activated as necessary.
    Jason Ma, Fortune, 12 Oct. 2025
  • Aside from strengthening the body and improving posture, practicing downward dog also activates blood circulation and may improve digestion.
    Ana Morales, Vogue, 11 Oct. 2025
Verb
  • Each one has its own forms, emails and hoops to jump through, and many will re-add you months later.
    Kurt Knutsson, FOXNews.com, 15 Oct. 2025
  • After Walmart released the news on Tuesday, its share price jumped 5%.
    Serenah McKay, Arkansas Online, 15 Oct. 2025
Verb
  • Electronic doors give cars a high-tech aura and may modestly reduce wind resistance because their exterior handles typically do not protrude from the door.
    Jack Ewing, New York Times, 2 Oct. 2025
  • In aircraft design, various components can protrude from the plane’s body and disrupt this smooth airflow, introducing turbulence and increasing drag.
    Mack DeGeurin, Popular Science, 2 Oct. 2025
Noun
  • After drawing 1-1 with Manchester United at the beginning of the month, dropping points for the first time in the Women’s Super League (WSL) this season, Chelsea needed a penalty to equalise and finish with the same result away against FC Twente of the Vrouwen Eredivisie.
    Cerys Jones, New York Times, 16 Oct. 2025
  • Less than a month later, Skaggs died alone in a hotel room in Southlake, Texas, at the beginning of an Angels road trip of what was later determined to be a lethal combination of fentanyl, oxycodone and alcohol.
    Sean Emery, Oc Register, 16 Oct. 2025
Verb
  • The project took two years to develop, originating as an independent effort to spotlight Rawalpindi’s stories internationally.
    Naman Ramachandran, Variety, 16 Oct. 2025
  • The sturdy wood vessel lined with a silky white interior originated as a traditional mortuary viewing casket before a midlife career change took it to the stage.
    Elizabeth Hernandez, Denver Post, 16 Oct. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Start.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/start. Accessed 19 Oct. 2025.

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