start 1 of 4

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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

starting

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adjective

starting

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verb (2)

present participle of start
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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
Augusta National Golf Club in Augusta, Georgia, lost hundreds of trees following the destruction from Hurricane Helene last fall, with players commenting on it ahead of the Masters starting this week. Fox News Staff, FOXNews.com, 10 Apr. 2025 The pause came hours after the European Union voted to approve retaliatory tariffs on $23 billion in goods, starting April 15, in response to Trump’s previously announced 25% tariffs on steel and aluminum—which remain in effect. Miranda Jeyaretnam, Time, 10 Apr. 2025
Noun
Despite the hot start, Korda remains one of the most unpretentious players in the world. Ron Estes, MSNBC Newsweek, 29 Mar. 2025 Vásquez lost both of his starts last year against the Braves, allowing five runs over 11 innings (4.09 ERA) while striking out seven against one walk. Jeff Sanders, San Diego Union-Tribune, 29 Mar. 2025
Verb
Perhaps Finch is leaning on a couple of recent games against high-caliber competition for optimism about his starting five. Jon Krawczynski, The Athletic, 5 Jan. 2025 Pickett is active but not starting, meaning Tanner McKee gets an opportunity to make his first NFL start. Adam Gretz, The Athletic, 5 Jan. 2025 See All Example Sentences for start
Recent Examples of Synonyms for start
Noun
  • At the beginning of 2025, the Decentralized Science (DeSci) movement experienced significant momentum, marked by several key developments such as the emergence of new projects, market growth and investment, technological advancements, and community and collaboration.
    Chrissa McFarlane, Forbes.com, 1 Apr. 2025
  • The hiring will take place three weeks before the beginning of the 25/26 fiscal year on May 1.
    Hank Beckman, Chicago Tribune, 31 Mar. 2025
Adjective
  • An investigation is underway and police are searching for the driver who caused the initial crash, the station reported.
    Mitchell Willetts, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 30 Mar. 2025
  • Since the first Scream movie premiered in 1996, the initial project has been deemed a cult classic, and its subsequent franchise — with five sequels and a seventh installment underway, plus a TV series that centers on its villain Ghostface — has made a major impact on the slasher genre.
    Sharareh Drury, People.com, 30 Mar. 2025
Noun
  • Jeannie Leavitt, the first female fighter pilot in the U.S. Air Force, delivered the spring commencement speech last year.
    Brayden Garcia, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 8 Apr. 2025
  • Oscar winner Jane Fonda will deliver USC’s Annenberg School for Communication and Journalism commencement speech as its 2025 keynote speaker, the school announced today.
    Tom Tapp, Deadline, 3 Apr. 2025
Noun
  • Here’s How Elton John’s AIDS Foundation Is Rising to the Occasion One of the largest organizations in the world devoted to HIV/AIDS relief faces perhaps its most critical year since inception.
    Samantha Riedel, Them., 4 Apr. 2025
  • Veteran publishing executive Robert Gottlieb, the chairman of the literary agency Trident Media Group who has been following the trend since its inception, is only slightly more measured.
    Andy Lewis, HollywoodReporter, 4 Apr. 2025
Adjective
  • Soto only has one homer and three RBIS through his first 32 at-bats but just last season, his plate appearances represent must see events.
    Larry Fleisher, Forbes.com, 7 Apr. 2025
  • The actor got choked up, nearly crying, within the first two minutes of a cast panel on Sunday night following the episode.
    Emily Longeretta, Variety, 7 Apr. 2025
Noun
  • The World Health Organization classifies it as one of the snakes of highest medical importance in sub-Saharan Africa due to the potency of its venom and the rapid onset and severity of clinical manifestations.
    Scott Travers, Forbes.com, 29 Mar. 2025
  • According to Johns Hopkins, the onset of acute appendicitis can span 24 to 72 hours.
    Graham Rayman, New York Daily News, 29 Mar. 2025
Noun
  • Electric Soul Eau de Parfum, the brand’s energetic new launch, serves as the perfect example.
    Venus Wong, Refinery29, 1 Apr. 2025
  • It's raised about $50 million in equity funding since its launch in 2022, and $150 million in grant funding.
    Alan Neuhauser, Axios, 1 Apr. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Start.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/start. Accessed 13 Apr. 2025.

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