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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

started

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verb (2)

past tense of start
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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
Verb
That’s quite a feat for a team that started playing football in 1925. Josh Kendall, The Athletic, 24 Dec. 2024 The cold of the night had returned, and the baby had started to shiver. Karen Zautyk, New York Daily News, 24 Dec. 2024 See All Example Sentences for start
Recent Examples of Synonyms for start
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
  • Cowan's organization received $150,000 in federal funds since the beginning of the year before his grant was canceled.
    Bianca Flowers, USA Today, 29 July 2025
Noun
  • According to the outlet, Brinkley was at a graduation ceremony in 2006 to give a commencement speech.
    Stephanie Nolasco, FOXNews.com, 20 July 2025
  • Sustaining the mission: President Forrest Harris, Sr., an American Baptist alumnus himself, is set to retire following the college's commencement on May 15 after 26 years leading the Nashville institution.
    Laura L. Davis, The Tennessean, 2 July 2025
Noun
  • Since its inception in 1994, New Faces has been regarded as a premier launchpad, helping to propel the careers of dozens of comedy’s biggest stars — among them, Kevin Hart, Amy Schumer, Ali Wong, Jo Koy, and Kumail Nanjiani.
    Matt Grobar, Deadline, 21 July 2025
  • Practically since its inception, the project has faced fierce opposition from local officials in the resort town, who cite concerns that beachgoers would lose a pristine ocean view if the turbines were visible from shore.
    Christine Condon, Baltimore Sun, 20 July 2025
Noun
  • At the onset of Russia's full-scale war against Ukraine, Aliyev believed Moscow would win quickly and reestablish its dominance across the post-Soviet space.
    Brendan Cole, MSNBC Newsweek, 25 July 2025
  • Researchers have shown, in mice, that targeting these molecules with a vaccine can delay or prevent the onset of cancers.
    Knowable Magazine, Smithsonian Magazine, 16 July 2025
Noun
  • Gilmour Space sounded an optimistic note after the launch as well.
    Mike Wall, Space.com, 30 July 2025
  • Some river locations have boat launches where participants are encouraged to bring their kayaks, paddle boards, canoes or motor boats (where appropriate) to access hard-to-reach coastlines.
    Joe Rassel, The Orlando Sentinel, 30 July 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Start.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/start. Accessed 4 Aug. 2025.

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