1
as in to begin
to come into existence
the fight started when one child tripped the other
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
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
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
3
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
4
as in to activate
to cause to function
trying to start the car on a frigid morning
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
5
6
as in to protrude
to extend outward beyond a usual point
frightened horses with starting eyes
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
as in beginning
the point at which something begins
knew from the start of the game that he would win easily
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
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
Meghan Hall, Sourcing Journal, 30 Sep. 2025
At times, the house would break apart onstage, with the top half lifted in the air, only for YoungBoy to start aggressively rapping, standing supreme while the house crumbles around him.
—Jayson Buford, Rolling Stone, 30 Sep. 2025
Ryan Gaydos, FOXNews.com, 29 Sep. 2025
Boys may experience greater benefits from delaying their start date compared to girls, said Ioakim Boutakidis, professor of child and adolescent studies at Cal State Fullerton.
—Erick Trevino, AZCentral.com, 26 Sep. 2025
See All Example Sentences for start
Verb
The union has put forth similar gripes in other parts of the country, and has started to see unionization efforts from third-party delivery drivers in other states, like Illinois.
—Meghan Hall, Sourcing Journal, 30 Sep. 2025
At times, the house would break apart onstage, with the top half lifted in the air, only for YoungBoy to start aggressively rapping, standing supreme while the house crumbles around him.
—Jayson Buford, Rolling Stone, 30 Sep. 2025
Noun
The former Ole Miss standout became the second quarterback since 2000 to have a passing touchdown, rushing touchdown and rush for at least 50 yards in his first start since Tebow did it with the Denver Broncos in 2010, according to NFL Research.
—Ryan Gaydos, FOXNews.com, 29 Sep. 2025
Boys may experience greater benefits from delaying their start date compared to girls, said Ioakim Boutakidis, professor of child and adolescent studies at Cal State Fullerton.
—Erick Trevino, AZCentral.com, 26 Sep. 2025
See All Example Sentences for start
Recent Examples of Synonyms for start
Verb
-
Like Nabers, Beckham played college football for the LSU Tigers, and like Nabers, Beckham began his NFL career as a first-round draft pick for the Giants.—
Matt Audilet,
MSNBC Newsweek,
29 Sep. 2025
-
The show is a campy, 1980s-style whodunit that begins with the funeral of a famous singer.—
Nathan Diller,
USA Today,
29 Sep. 2025
Verb
-
In December 2023, San Diego commenced its analysis of what’s known as the Midway Rising Specific Plan as a supplement to the environmental work completed in 2018 for the Midway-Pacific Highway Community Plan.—
Jennifer Van Grove,
San Diego Union-Tribune,
23 Sep. 2025
-
This year's bracket, which consists of 11 bears, was revealed on Monday, with voting set to commence on Tuesday at noon ET, according to the competition's website.—
Megan Forrester,
ABC News,
23 Sep. 2025
Verb
-
The grand prize winner’s selection as the closing film marked another break from tradition, with the competition photocall ceremonies at Busan Cinema Center attracting substantial audiences and establishing the new format as a tentpole event.—
Naman Ramachandran,
Variety,
27 Sep. 2025
-
In any event, this is an opportunity to establish more structure in your life and consider what truly supports you.—
Valerie Mesa,
PEOPLE,
27 Sep. 2025
Verb
-
Ensure your vehicle is visible to others by using low-beam headlights, which also activate your taillights.—
NC Weather Bot,
Charlotte Observer,
28 Sep. 2025
-
Any of these games will qualify to activate your preferred reward from bet365.—
Tyler Everett,
MSNBC Newsweek,
28 Sep. 2025
Verb
-
Micron's sales jumps 46% year on year.—
Yeo Boon Ping,
CNBC,
24 Sep. 2025
-
Expansion fees jumped to $110 million in five years, and infrastructure is no longer a nice-to-have but a must.—
Asli Pelit,
New York Times,
24 Sep. 2025
Verb
-
Keta’s long layers fell on the sides of her face, while the back was noticeably teased and twisted with spiky pieces protruding out.—
Kaleigh Werner,
Footwear News,
26 Sep. 2025
-
His bones visibly protruded from his thin skin, according to court documents.—
Ryan Murphy,
IndyStar,
23 Sep. 2025
Noun
-
However, there are no such hints for players in Season 3, who are sorted into teams at the beginning of their time in Borderland and told where to go for the next match.—
Kayti Burt,
Time,
26 Sep. 2025
-
Indiana can expect dry temperatures around the state at the beginning of October.—
Jade Jackson,
IndyStar,
25 Sep. 2025
Verb
-
Though the majority of cases are linked to a large outbreak that originated in West Texas, other outbreaks and cases have arisen from community transmission or during travel in other states.—
Thao Nguyen,
USA Today,
25 Sep. 2025
-
Core emotions originate in the subcortical part of the brain, not in areas under our conscious control.—
CNN Money,
CNN Money,
25 Sep. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Start.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/start. Accessed 1 Oct. 2025.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share