start 1 of 2

1
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
2
3
4
5
6

start

2 of 2

noun

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
The landmark free concert, set to take place on May 3, will be broadcast live on Multishow and TV Globo, starting at 9 p.m. BRT. Michaela Zee, Variety, 21 Feb. 2025 Ditch your eyesore of a carpet and make your whole space feel new with one of Wayfair’s deals on Joanna Gaines x Loloi rugs, with prices starting at just $22. Alyssa Grabinski, People.com, 21 Feb. 2025
Noun
Clevinger, 34, has a 60-42 career record with a 3.51 ERA in 156 outings (142 starts) during eight major-league seasons with Cleveland (2016-20), San Diego (2020, 2022) and the Sox (2023-24). Lamond Pope, Chicago Tribune, 21 Feb. 2025 At the plate: Center fielder Brenton Doyle, who’ll be the Rockies’ leadoff hitter this season, got off to a nice start, hitting a first-pitch fastball from right-hander Gerardo Gutierrez for a grand slam in the fourth inning. Patrick Saunders, The Denver Post, 21 Feb. 2025 See All Example Sentences for start
Recent Examples of Synonyms for start
Verb
  • The number of Americans applying for jobless benefits last week jumped to 242,000, the highest in three months.
    Steven Lemongello, Orlando Sentinel, 2 Mar. 2025
  • By the end of March, however, the microalgae’s carbon uptake had jumped, along with the number of cells and the concentration of chlorophyll—proxies for growth and photosynthesis.
    Asher Elbein, WIRED, 2 Mar. 2025
Verb
  • One of the city’s key goals outlined in its 2022 plan to reduce homelessness was to establish a permanent low-barrier shelter.
    Noelle Alviz-Gransee, Kansas City Star, 1 Mar. 2025
  • The initiative also pays homage to Hunt Hill Farm’s heritage, especially its role as the home of the local Plow-to-Plate program established in the 1980s by Ruth Henderson, founder of the New York Pops orchestra with her husband Skitch, decades ago.
    Pamela Brown, Hartford Courant, 1 Mar. 2025
Verb
  • The Leo full moon activates themes of intimacy and transformation, encouraging you to dive deeper into your emotional connections.
    Meghan Rose, Glamour, 1 Mar. 2025
  • The following year, on Oct. 21, the fledgling military branch activated Space Operations Command at Peterson Air Force Base (now Peterson Space Force Base) in Colorado.
    Julian Dossett, Space.com, 28 Feb. 2025
Verb
  • European leaders began work on Sunday on their own framework for peace.
    Alexandra Hutzler, ABC News, 3 Mar. 2025
  • This initiative began as a small-scale experiment before evolving into a significant technological transformation.
    Peter High, Forbes, 3 Mar. 2025
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
Verb
  • Loading your audio article LOS ALTOS HILLS — As the final seconds ticked off the clock in No. 2 Pinewood’s Central Coast Section Open Division semifinal win over No. 3 Priory, the chants commenced.
    Christian Babcock, The Mercury News, 27 Feb. 2025
  • The company posted an extensive FAQ on its website with details about the going-out-of-business sales, which are set to commence immediately.
    Rob Wile, NBC News, 24 Feb. 2025
Noun
  • At the beginning of the Olympics, for the U.S., there were no stakes.
    Ken Dryden, The Atlantic, 23 Feb. 2025
  • What led people to that conclusion was a shot of a laptop showing a gambling site at the beginning of the video; also visible was the shadow of another person seen in the window reflections, which many alleged was the drone pilot himself.
    Dimitar 'Mix' Mihov, Forbes, 23 Feb. 2025
Verb
  • Companies across the country had pledged sweeping support for diversity efforts after the murder of George Floyd by Minneapolis police in 2020 initiated a national social justice movement.
    Angela Yang, NBC News, 28 Feb. 2025
  • The taste and odor of Raleigh's tap water might change over the next few weeks as the city initiates its yearly water disinfection process.
    Zachery Eanes, Axios, 28 Feb. 2025

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Start.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/start. Accessed 6 Mar. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on start

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!