start 1 of 2

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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

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start

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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
Photographed by Ace Amir When Melancon started masking some 30 years ago, the accepted story of the Mardi Gras Indians started with the slave revolt. Harriet Shepherd, Vogue, 5 Mar. 2025 According to the Safety Action Plan website, the plan started to be developed in summer 2024 and will be completed this spring. Maya Wilkins, Chicago Tribune, 5 Mar. 2025
Noun
After nine starts, five sacks and 22 tackles last season, Bosa commanded more than $36 million of the Chargers’ salary cap in 2025, the largest cap hit for any edge rusher in the league, according to Overthecap.com. Thuc Nhi Nguyen, Los Angeles Times, 6 Mar. 2025 Mittelstadt had a strong postseason for Colorado and got off to a good start this season, but his game has since taken a downturn. Peter Baugh, The Athletic, 6 Mar. 2025 See All Example Sentences for start
Recent Examples of Synonyms for start
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
Verb
  • After establishing himself as a writer, Feinstein became a recognizable TV and radio personality, sharing his sports analysis over many decades on ESPN, NPR, Golf Channel and SiriusXM.
    Dade Hayes, Deadline, 13 Mar. 2025
  • However, scaling too quickly or expanding into the wrong areas can risk alienating the niche market that helped establish your business in the first place.
    Rolling Stone Culture Council, Rolling Stone, 13 Mar. 2025
Verb
  • Carsley said during his spell as interim coach that White still had his ‘do not disturb’ status activated after Southgate’s departure last summer.
    Oliver Kay, The Athletic, 13 Mar. 2025
  • 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
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
Verb
  • 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
  • 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
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
Noun
  • For example, in the experiment, oaths were more effective when they were placed at the end, just before participants reported their income, rather than at the very beginning of the game.
    IESE Business School, Forbes, 7 Mar. 2025
  • Like Thomas [Bangalter] did help us at the very beginning on a couple of things, doing pre-mastering.
    Seth Abramovitch, The Hollywood Reporter, 7 Mar. 2025
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

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Cite this Entry

“Start.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/start. Accessed 19 Mar. 2025.

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