start 1 of 2

verb

ˈstärt How to pronounce start (audio)
Definition of startnext
Enter your own sentence containing start , and get words to replace it.
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1
as in to jump
to move suddenly and sharply (as in surprise) I started from my chair when I heard the sudden scream

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2
as in to establish
to be responsible for the creation and early operation or use of started the impressionist movement in art

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3
as in to activate
to cause to function trying to start the car on a frigid morning

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4
as in to begin
to come into existence the fight started when one child tripped the other

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5
as in to protrude
to extend outward beyond a usual point frightened horses with starting eyes

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6
as in to commence
to take the first step in (a process or course of action) we'll be ready to start the concert in a moment

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start

2 of 2

noun

as in beginning
the point at which something begins knew from the start of the game that he would win easily

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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
Chris Van Gorder, Scripps’ chief executive officer, said in a recent interview that the project, which still needs permits from the City of San Marcos, would start with the ambulatory building. — Paul Sisson, San Diego Union-Tribune, 17 Mar. 2025 Love, playing in just his 21st game this season with the Heat, started and scored 10 points with six rebounds. — Joe Vardon, The Athletic, 6 Mar. 2025
Noun
Got his four innings, got his pitch count to a good place (in his last Cactus League start). — Kevin Acee, San Diego Union-Tribune, 17 Mar. 2025 Monday night marked Highsmith’s first start since Feb. 7 against the Brooklyn Nets. — Ira Winderman, Sun Sentinel, 17 Mar. 2025 See All Example Sentences for start
Recent Examples of Synonyms for start
  1. jump
  2. establish
  3. activate
  4. begin
  5. protrude
  6. commence
  7. beginning
  8. initiate
Verb
  • When the biggest name in the sport jumps teams, a tsunami hits.
    — Olivia Hicks, NPR, 15 Mar. 2025
  • The finale jumps ahead 13 months, exploring the aftermath of the allegations on Jamie’s family.
    — Monica Mercuri, Forbes, 14 Mar. 2025
Definition of jump
Verb
  • This synergy between a platform and its applications generated powerful network effects and established a high barrier to entry for competitors.
    — Yi Shi, Forbes, 13 Mar. 2025
  • Recognizing the need for specialized services, Wells established a bureau dedicated to assisting women in need, as well as a missing persons department for women and children.
    — Peter Zablocki, Smithsonian Magazine, 13 Mar. 2025
Definition of establish
Verb
  • Keep your headlights on and activate emergency flashers to alert other drivers of your position.
    — Southern California Weather Report, Orange County Register, 13 Mar. 2025
  • The system can only be activated under certain driving conditions, requiring specific environmental and traffic criteria to be met.
    — Kurt Knutsson, CyberGuy Report, Fox News, 13 Mar. 2025
Definition of activate
Verb
  • Catch up quick: The Houthis began launching ballistic missile and drone attacks against Israel less than two weeks after the Hamas October 7 terror attack.
    — Barak Ravid, Axios, 15 Mar. 2025
  • Ellsworth’s newest formulation began months prior to the lawsuit even began.
    — Yola Robert, Forbes, 15 Mar. 2025
Definition of begin
Verb
  • Its most significant physical feature is a segmented tread protruding from its back, and extending to the front of its face.
    — Jeff Spry, Space.com, 27 Feb. 2025
  • In September 2024, suspect Ryan Routh, 59, was detained after Secret Service agents spotted a rifle protruding from a bush while Trump was playing on the golf course.
    — David Faris, Newsweek, 27 Feb. 2025
Definition of protrude
Verb
  • Well, it isn’t slated for global release just yet, although deliveries in India will commence in the first quarter of 2026.
    — New Atlas, New Atlas, 10 Mar. 2025
  • Three things to know: The playlist was announced on Friday in honor of Commonwealth Day celebrations, which commence next week.
    — Manuela López Restrepo, NPR, 7 Mar. 2025
Definition of commence
Noun
  • The beginning really took place three or four weeks ago.
    — Hannah Parry, Newsweek, 19 Mar. 2025
  • This modest beginning took place in the midst of late Abstract Expressionism’s supremacy (Willem de Kooning was a favorite), Andy Warhol’s Factory, the countercultural music of artists like the Fugs, and the plentiful readings and parties of a vibrant downtown scene.
    — David S. Wallace, The New Yorker, 19 Mar. 2025
Definition of beginning
Verb
  • When the vaccine is initiated at ages 9 to 14, usually two doses are required.
    — Lisa Doggett, NPR, 12 Mar. 2025
  • The recall was initiated by the sauce maker, Spicin Foods Inc., after customers complained about bottles foaming upon opening, raising concerns about potential microbial contamination.
    — Faisal Kutty, Newsweek, 11 Mar. 2025
Definition of initiate

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Cite this Entry

“Start.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/start. Accessed 25 Mar. 2025.

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