START Synonyms: 306 Similar and Opposite Words

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

start 1 of 2

verb

ˈstärt

Definition of start next

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

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

as in to activate

to cause to function trying to start the car on a frigid morning

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

as in to begin

to come into existence the fight started when one child tripped the other

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

as in to protrude

to extend outward beyond a usual point frightened horses with starting eyes

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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

start

2 of 2

noun

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

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

In 1982, a series of women’s and girls’ bodies started to appear in the fields near Route 99 in Washington. —

Emma Alpern, Vulture, 28 Jan. 2025 Jimenez-Rico’s family had just returned home from a trip to Mexico when his dad and sister, 22-year-old Jocelyn Jimenez, started criticizing him about dirty dishes, according to records obtained by the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel. —

Mitchell Willetts, Kansas City Star, 28 Jan. 2025

Noun

As of Monday, data from the California Department of Water Resources (DWR) show that despite the abnormally dry start to winter for Southern California, most of the state's major reservoirs are performing above average for this time of year. —

Hannah Parry, Newsweek, 27 Jan. 2025 Reid got off to a fast start Saturday night for the host Bulldogs, scoring eight of his team-high 16 points in the first quarter of a cliffhanger 53-47 loss to Burlington Central. —

Rick Armstrong, Chicago Tribune, 27 Jan. 2025 See all Example Sentences for start

Recent Examples of Synonyms for start

Verb

Traveling in infected wild birds, the virus took off and jumped over to North America in late 2021.

— Gabrielle Emanuel, NPR, 7 Feb. 2025
In beating Apple Valley, Prior Lake jumped out to a 41-28 lead at the break and cruised from there.

— Tom Schardin, Twin Cities, 7 Feb. 2025