START Synonyms: 306 Similar and Opposite Words

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

start 1 of 2

verb

ˈstärt

Definition of start next

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

Relevance

as in to establish

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

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

as in to activate

to cause to function trying to start the car on a frigid morning

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as in to begin

to come into existence the fight started when one child tripped the other

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as in to protrude

to extend outward beyond a usual point frightened horses with starting eyes

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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

Synonyms & Similar Words

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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

Examples 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

At the same time, every member starts the new season with a blank canvas. —

Jay Monahan, Sportico.com, 2 Jan. 2025 One of her biggest focuses is quality, which is reflected in the pricing—vests start at $295, jackets at $375, and long coats at $495. —

Camille Freestone, Vogue, 2 Jan. 2025

Noun

All in all, a great start to the new year and the final two-month stretch to the Oscars, a period where contenders start giving awards, getting awards, and yes, still campaigning for awards. —

Pete Hammond, Deadline, 4 Jan. 2025 Wall Street is rallying Friday after a subdued start to 2025 in the prior session. —

Paulina Likos, CNBC, 3 Jan. 2025 See all Example Sentences for start

Recent Examples of Synonyms for start

Verb

Plus, Friday trips downtown, which had been sluggish post-pandemic, jumped 14% over 2023 numbers.

Alex Fitzpatrick, Axios, 14 Jan. 2025
According to the government agency, exports to the U.S. jumped 16 percent year over year in December alone.

Glenn Taylor, Sourcing Journal, 14 Jan. 2025