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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

starting

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verb (2)

present participle of start
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starting

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adjective

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 starting
Noun
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
Verb
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
Adjective
Perhaps Finch is leaning on a couple of recent games against high-caliber competition for optimism about his starting five. Jon Krawczynski, The Athletic, 5 Jan. 2025 Pickett is active but not starting, meaning Tanner McKee gets an opportunity to make his first NFL start. Adam Gretz, The Athletic, 5 Jan. 2025 See All Example Sentences for starting
Recent Examples of Synonyms for starting
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
Adjective
  • The initial swell of interest was specific to the case.
    Lisa R. Cohen, New York Daily News, 28 July 2025
  • After the initial training period, managers must be trained to become competent mentors and coaches.
    Expert Panel®, Forbes.com, 28 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
Adjective
  • The project is the first to enlist youth to do this monitoring.
    Madeline Heim, jsonline.com, 24 July 2025
  • With the first two episodes already having so much drama, the rest of the summer is sure to be eventful.
    Dina Kaur, AZCentral.com, 24 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
  • More than $10 million in cryptocurrency belonging to the Sinaloa cartel has been seized in Florida as part of nationwide drug raids since the onset of President Donald Trump’s second term, the Justice Department announced this week.
    Greg Norman, FOXNews.com, 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

Cite this Entry

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

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