Synonyms of upstart

upstart

noun

ˈəp-ˌstärt 

as in arriviste

one who has recently acquired wealth and social position

having made their money in oil decades ago, they consider these billionaire dot-commers mere upstarts

Synonyms & Similar Words

• arriviste
• parvenu
• adventurer
• nouveau riche
• comer
• snob
• moneybags
• nabob
• social climber
• arrivé
• fat cat

Example Sentences

Recent Examples of upstart

Perry Farrell began the Lollapalooza Tour that summer, proving there was a hungry young audience of alternateen kids fiending for upstarts like Nine Inch Nails, Rage Against the Machine, and Perry’s band Jane’s Addiction. — Rob Sheffield, Rolling Stone, 24 Sep. 2026

Earlier this year, the upstart raised more than $100 million from Kilmer Sports Ventures, Larry Tanenbaum’s private investment firm, and Ilitch Companies, the parent organization of the NHL’s Detroit Red Wings and MLB’s Tigers. — Justin Birnbaum, Sportico.com, 23 Sep. 2026

Many of these upstarts have historically been quick to parlay a buzzy name and big bankroll into an initial slate of projects, generally centered around its athlete founder. — Justin Birnbaum, HollywoodReporter, 9 Sep. 2026

Good Good was preparing to lend its name to a PGA Tour tournament this fall, a major coup for a digital upstart that had grown into one of the dominant forces in YouTube golf, with more than 2 million subscribers. — Rick Maese, Washington Post, 28 Aug. 2026