outset

noun

out·​set ˈau̇t-ˌset 

: beginning, start

Synonyms

• alpha
• baseline
• beginning
• birth
• commencement
• dawn
• day one
• genesis
• get-go
• git-go
• inception
• incipience
• incipiency
• kickoff
• launch
• morning
• nascence
• nascency
• onset
• start
• threshold

Examples of outset in a Sentence

There have been problems with the project from the outset.

From its very outset, the company has produced the highest quality products.

He made it clear at the outset that he is not going to quit his job.

She set high goals for herself at the outset of her career.

Recent Examples on the Web

Internet and tech companies began leasing data center capacity from the outset, focusing on value creation up the stack. —Tom Traugott, Forbes.com, 12 June 2025

In live action, such a story would necessarily have been darker from the outset. —Kevin Giraud, Variety, 10 June 2025

At the outset of the COVID-19 pandemic, with lockdowns rampant and social distancing the order of the day, some community leaders began to worry about summer heat. —Thomas E. Weber, Time, 6 June 2025

After an exhaustive search for a new coach, the Bruins landed on the guy many thought would be their choice from nearly the outset. —Steve Conroy, Boston Herald, 5 June 2025

Word History

First Known Use

1759, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for outset

• abet
• asset
• baguette
• banquette
• barbette
• beget
• beset
• brevet
• briquette
• brunet
• brunette
• burette

Kids Definition

outset

noun

out·​set ˈau̇t-ˌset 

: beginning sense 1, start