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
Photographed by Ace Amir When Melancon started masking some 30 years ago, the accepted story of the Mardi Gras Indians started with the slave revolt. Harriet Shepherd, Vogue, 5 Mar. 2025 According to the Safety Action Plan website, the plan started to be developed in summer 2024 and will be completed this spring. Maya Wilkins, Chicago Tribune, 5 Mar. 2025
Noun
After nine starts, five sacks and 22 tackles last season, Bosa commanded more than $36 million of the Chargers’ salary cap in 2025, the largest cap hit for any edge rusher in the league, according to Overthecap.com. Thuc Nhi Nguyen, Los Angeles Times, 6 Mar. 2025 Mittelstadt had a strong postseason for Colorado and got off to a good start this season, but his game has since taken a downturn. Peter Baugh, The Athletic, 6 Mar. 2025 See All Example Sentences for start
Recent Examples of Synonyms for start
Verb
  • The number of Americans applying for jobless benefits last week jumped to 242,000, the highest in three months.
    Steven Lemongello, Orlando Sentinel, 2 Mar. 2025
  • By the end of March, however, the microalgae’s carbon uptake had jumped, along with the number of cells and the concentration of chlorophyll—proxies for growth and photosynthesis.
    Asher Elbein, WIRED, 2 Mar. 2025
Verb
  • The initiative also pays homage to Hunt Hill Farm’s heritage, especially its role as the home of the local Plow-to-Plate program established in the 1980s by Ruth Henderson, founder of the New York Pops orchestra with her husband Skitch, decades ago.
    Pamela Brown, Hartford Courant, 1 Mar. 2025
  • One of the city’s key goals outlined in its 2022 plan to reduce homelessness was to establish a permanent low-barrier shelter.
    Noelle Alviz-Gransee, Kansas City Star, 1 Mar. 2025
Verb
  • The Leo full moon activates themes of intimacy and transformation, encouraging you to dive deeper into your emotional connections.
    Meghan Rose, Glamour, 1 Mar. 2025
  • The following year, on Oct. 21, the fledgling military branch activated Space Operations Command at Peterson Air Force Base (now Peterson Space Force Base) in Colorado.
    Julian Dossett, Space.com, 28 Feb. 2025
Verb
  • European leaders began work on Sunday on their own framework for peace.
    Alexandra Hutzler, ABC News, 3 Mar. 2025
  • This initiative began as a small-scale experiment before evolving into a significant technological transformation.
    Peter High, Forbes, 3 Mar. 2025
Verb
  • Its most significant physical feature is a segmented tread protruding from its back, and extending to the front of its face.
    Jeff Spry, Space.com, 27 Feb. 2025
  • In September 2024, suspect Ryan Routh, 59, was detained after Secret Service agents spotted a rifle protruding from a bush while Trump was playing on the golf course.
    David Faris, Newsweek, 27 Feb. 2025
Verb
  • Loading your audio article LOS ALTOS HILLS — As the final seconds ticked off the clock in No. 2 Pinewood’s Central Coast Section Open Division semifinal win over No. 3 Priory, the chants commenced.
    Christian Babcock, The Mercury News, 27 Feb. 2025
  • The company posted an extensive FAQ on its website with details about the going-out-of-business sales, which are set to commence immediately.
    Rob Wile, NBC News, 24 Feb. 2025
Noun
  • For example, in the experiment, oaths were more effective when they were placed at the end, just before participants reported their income, rather than at the very beginning of the game.
    IESE Business School, Forbes, 7 Mar. 2025
  • The Dow Jones Industrial Average is now down 2.1% since the beginning of President Donald Trump ’s second term.
    Jason Gewirtz, CNBC, 7 Mar. 2025
Verb
  • In contrast, Musk's DOGE, established under President Donald Trump's administration, has initiated mass layoffs targeting approximately 200,000 federal employees so far in the month since Trump began his second presidency, and that number is likely to grow.
    Dan Perry, Newsweek, 28 Feb. 2025
  • Companies across the country had pledged sweeping support for diversity efforts after the murder of George Floyd by Minneapolis police in 2020 initiated a national social justice movement.
    Angela Yang, NBC News, 28 Feb. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Start.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/start. Accessed 12 Mar. 2025.

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