as in arrivistes
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
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Recent Examples of upstarts
At the same time, some of the marketers who are thriving are upstarts who cultivate online crowds.
—
Brian Steinberg, Variety, 29 Sep. 2025
The experience played out like a textbook clash between art and commerce—of indie upstarts versus corporate overlords.
—Justin Chang, New Yorker, 27 Sep. 2025
But public workers, journalists, and political upstarts have been building a movement to restore democracy for the public good.
—Matt Grobar, Deadline, 24 Sep. 2025
The craft wave boomed during the 1980s when Big Rock, Boston Beer, Redhook Ale and Sierra Nevada and other upstarts initiated production to challenge the dominance of big brewers like AB InBev and Molson Coors.
—John Kell, Forbes.com, 15 Sep. 2025
Leading nominee Lady Gaga, Latin Icon Award recipient Ricky Martin and viral video breakouts Sombr and Conan Gray showcased MTV's commitment to balancing veterans and upstarts during the 2025 VMAs.
—Melissa Ruggieri, USA Today, 8 Sep. 2025
Chreece’s track record of tapping promising upstarts precedes it, with rising stars like Benny the Butcher and Jordan Ward performing in past years.
—Heather Bushman, IndyStar, 15 Aug. 2025
This will affect the upstarts the most, some of which will probably get gobbled up by larger competitors.
—Kevin Williams, CNBC, 10 Aug. 2025
Brian Steinberg, Variety, 29 Sep. 2025
The experience played out like a textbook clash between art and commerce—of indie upstarts versus corporate overlords.
—Justin Chang, New Yorker, 27 Sep. 2025
But public workers, journalists, and political upstarts have been building a movement to restore democracy for the public good.
—Matt Grobar, Deadline, 24 Sep. 2025
The craft wave boomed during the 1980s when Big Rock, Boston Beer, Redhook Ale and Sierra Nevada and other upstarts initiated production to challenge the dominance of big brewers like AB InBev and Molson Coors.
—John Kell, Forbes.com, 15 Sep. 2025
Leading nominee Lady Gaga, Latin Icon Award recipient Ricky Martin and viral video breakouts Sombr and Conan Gray showcased MTV's commitment to balancing veterans and upstarts during the 2025 VMAs.
—Melissa Ruggieri, USA Today, 8 Sep. 2025
Chreece’s track record of tapping promising upstarts precedes it, with rising stars like Benny the Butcher and Jordan Ward performing in past years.
—Heather Bushman, IndyStar, 15 Aug. 2025
This will affect the upstarts the most, some of which will probably get gobbled up by larger competitors.
—Kevin Williams, CNBC, 10 Aug. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Upstarts.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/upstarts. Accessed 8 Oct. 2025.
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