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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
When The Mind Wants Progress, But The Body Protests Consider the experience of starting a new job. Inga Bielińska, Forbes.com, 14 July 2025 As the Pentagon was opening up, Palmer Luckey got fired from Facebook and started Anduril. Dexter Filkins, New Yorker, 14 July 2025
Noun
Like so many comedians, Lehrer got his start by going to Harvard. Bethy Squires, Vulture, 28 July 2025 The team will promote left-hander Carson Whisenhunt from Triple-A Sacramento to make his major-league debut with a home start against the Pittsburgh Pirates. Andrew Baggarly, New York Times, 28 July 2025 See All Example Sentences for start
Recent Examples of Synonyms for start
Verb
  • And with this email begins a journey through so much of what Nashville has to offer.
    Benjamin Goad, The Tennessean, 26 July 2025
  • The Red Sox are competitive this season, but their World Series window is only just beginning to open.
    Zach Pressnell, MSNBC Newsweek, 26 July 2025
Verb
  • But candid photos captured the same day of Holmes and Jackson together shooting a mystery project on the streets of New York suggest that production may have already commenced.
    Ryan Coleman, EW.com, 21 July 2025
  • No work, no people, no complaints When major work will commence again remains unclear, even to neighbors.
    Eric Adler, Kansas City Star, 21 July 2025
Verb
  • The plan is the department's effort to establish a clear vision while seeking community input to create a roadmap for the department over the next five years.
    Jade Jackson, IndyStar, 24 July 2025
  • Of course, what’s next is establishing just how replicable these results are across a fragmented industry with wildly varying business sizes, tech maturity, and customer bases.
    Josipa Majic Predin, Forbes.com, 23 July 2025
Verb
  • Leo activates your solar 10th house, urging bold moves, leadership, and visibility.
    Alexis Simmerman, Austin American Statesman, 24 July 2025
  • This induces a meditative, parasympathetic state—activating your body’s natural healing processes and reducing cortisol (stress hormone) levels.
    Bryan Robinson, Forbes.com, 22 July 2025
Verb
  • However, following the July 17 announcement, the first week of new shows (July 21-24) for The Late Show jumped to average 1 million households.
    Toni Fitzgerald, Forbes.com, 26 July 2025
  • Other recent theme park incidents that made headlines include a backstage fire at Epcot at Walt Disney World in Florida, and riders who jumped off of a raft ride after becoming stuck on the attraction at Six Flags Over Texas in June 2024.
    EW.com, EW.com, 25 July 2025
Verb
  • In Khao Yai National Park near Kong Kaeo Waterfall, for example, researchers found a robber fly attached to the bottom of a leaf with small flower-like growths protruding from its head, thorax and abdomen, earning the new fungus the name Ophiocordyceps floriformis.
    Miami Herald, Miami Herald, 10 July 2025
  • Wilson was sporting a welt on the protruding bone on his left wrist after the game, which quickly received a wrap from the team’s medical staff.
    Chris Biderman July 8, Sacbee.com, 9 July 2025
Noun
  • The Ticket Act, which is currently being considered in the United States Senate, requires ticket sellers to clearly and prominently disclose at the beginning of the transaction.
    Beck Andrew Salgado, Austin American Statesman, 30 July 2025
  • The Gate 5 project has been under construction since the beginning of the year.
    Alysa Guffey, IndyStar, 29 July 2025
Verb
  • Thursday — Day 122 of the 140-day legislative session — was the last day for bills that originated in the House to be considered on first reading by that chamber under the rules its members agreed to in January.
    John C. Moritz, Austin American Statesman, 30 July 2025
  • But no one says it better than Patrick Renna, who originated the line as the trash-talking, quick-witted, and unapologetic character Ham Porter.
    Lauren Brown West-Rosenthal, Parents, 29 July 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Start.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/start. Accessed 2 Aug. 2025.

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