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

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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
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
Most products aren’t made and assembled from start to end in one country. Miranda Jeyaretnam, Time, 9 Apr. 2025 Walmart stock was off to a hot start Wednesday morning, climbing 4 points (5.0%) in the first hour of trading. Kevin Ryan, Quartz, 9 Apr. 2025 See All Example Sentences for start
Recent Examples of Synonyms for start
Verb
  • As Owen Michaels’ championship-game sealing empty-netter went in late in Saturday’s third period, the Western Michigan forward raced to the bench and jumped over the boards.
    Joe Smith, New York Times, 13 Apr. 2025
  • The Marlins, who seized a four-run lead Friday before losing 7-4, jumped ahead early Saturday as well.
    Steve Gorten, Miami Herald, 13 Apr. 2025
Verb
  • With the rules well established by the club surrounding ownership of Augusta National’s rye green blazers, there’s little chance a Masters green jacket will permanently leave the golf course grounds ever again.
    Larry Holder, New York Times, 13 Apr. 2025
  • Their match at Night of Champions established a recurring pattern where Flair entered as the challenger with an air of inevitability surrounding her victory.
    David Faris, MSNBC Newsweek, 12 Apr. 2025
Verb
  • In this case, we’re well served to recognize that our social capital is enriched by diversifying across those deeper, fewer connections as well as the more numerous casual relationships that often have an outsized positive impact when activated at the right time.
    Tim Maurer, Forbes.com, 6 Apr. 2025
  • Every morning, guests can watch as the Chronos opens the portals by lining them up and activating them.
    Samantha Neely, USA Today, 6 Apr. 2025
Verb
  • His television career began in 1995 as a reporter and substitute anchor for WBIR-TV in Knoxville, Tenn.
    Ryan Schwartz, TVLine, 28 Jan. 2025
  • Around the time the contract began on May 1, 2022, Shanghai-to-Los Angeles average spot rates were $8,564 per 40-foot container, according to Drewry’s World Container Index (WCI).
    Glenn Taylor, Sourcing Journal, 28 Jan. 2025
Verb
  • The two rear cameras live in a small module that protrudes less than a millimeter from the back case.
    PC Magazine, PC Magazine, 11 Apr. 2025
  • Well down the mountainside a small ledge protruded from the sharp ridge like a bulbous growth.
    Percy Brown, Outdoor Life, 26 Mar. 2025
Verb
  • Before Emmerich’s exit, the option to the game were re-upped and talks with Jason Momoa commenced.
    Anthony D'Alessandro, Deadline, 7 Apr. 2025
  • The filing indicates that the company has not commenced any operations and has not generated any revenues.
    Quartz Intelligence Newsroom, Quartz, 3 Apr. 2025
Noun
  • At the beginning of last year, Del Rey shared a snippet of the ballad without any context.
    Maya Georgi, Rolling Stone, 11 Apr. 2025
  • At the beginning of the 2005 season, then–NBA Commissioner David Stern implemented a dress code.
    D. Watkins, The Atlantic, 10 Apr. 2025
Verb
  • Russia has initiated its largest military draft in 14 years as reports indicate Russian President Vladimir Putin is preparing a spring assault on Ukraine despite ongoing peace negotiations to end the three-year war.
    Michael Dorgan, FOXNews.com, 1 Apr. 2025
  • The Business Systems Modernization program was initiated in fiscal 1999.
    Marie Sapirie, Forbes.com, 31 Mar. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Start.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/start. Accessed 20 Apr. 2025.

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