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

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
  • Consumers are expected to feel most of the burden of the new import taxes on automobiles as prices of cars could jump by thousands of dollars.
    Alexandra Banner, CNN, 19 Feb. 2025
  • The prices paid index jumped to the highest level in about two years as prices increased.
    Medora Lee, USA TODAY, 19 Feb. 2025
Verb
  • McNamara said his experience in the Marine Corps is helpful in establishing division of labor and using a chain of command and coordinating different functions for a common goal along with developing organizational strategies and goals.
    Linda Mcintosh, San Diego Union-Tribune, 17 Feb. 2025
  • But instead of leaving the area, Mr. Jafri became involved in politics to fight for India’s secular traditions, and helped established the Gulberg Society, a Muslim housing complex in the majority Hindu area.
    Hari Kumar, New York Times, 17 Feb. 2025
Verb
  • The referral agent is also voice activated and calls patients to connect them with the right specialists.
    Ashley Capoot, CNBC, 17 Feb. 2025
  • Charged visions seek to be explored when the moon activates Mars retrograde.
    USA TODAY, USA TODAY, 16 Feb. 2025
Verb
  • The Girl Scout Cookie season began on Jan. 7 and typically runs through April, which means Thin Mints and other classics are still available for purchase.
    Amaris Encinas, USA TODAY, 20 Feb. 2025
  • Then-Mayor Lori Lightfoot began shifting the obligation back onto CPS starting in 2020, a move Johnson opposed but began fighting to preserve last year as the city faced heavy budget deficits.
    Gregory Royal Pratt, Chicago Tribune, 19 Feb. 2025
Verb
  • Last month, Daniel White lifted up his red jail uniform to show a small node of medication the size of a walnut that protruded from his belly.
    Ethan Varian, The Mercury News, 6 Feb. 2025
  • With a large, sail-like dorsal fin protruding from their backs and shimmery scales, these fish have a distinctive appearance.
    Sarah Kuta, Smithsonian Magazine, 6 Feb. 2025
Verb
  • There are plenty of reasons for optimism with the Patriots including new coach Mike Vrabel and the roster rebuild that could soon commence as a result of the Pats having more cap space than any other team.
    Chad Graff, The Athletic, 18 Feb. 2025
  • The deal commences with Lionsgate’s 2026 theatrical releases and also includes the studio’s 2025 slate and a commitment for licensing library movies and TV.
    Anthony D'Alessandro, Deadline, 16 Feb. 2025
Noun
  • The pipeline that fed Austria through Ukraine and Slovakia stopped flowing at the beginning of this year.
    Stanley Reed, New York Times, 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
  • Learn the logistics of initiating withdrawals, rollovers and managing tax withholding.
    Bruce Helmer and Peg Webb, Twin Cities, 15 Feb. 2025
  • No injuries were reported and the recall was voluntarily initiated as a precautionary measure.
    Amber Brenza, Health, 14 Feb. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Start.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/start. Accessed 28 Feb. 2025.

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