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Definition of startnext
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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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adjective

starting

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verb (2)

present participle 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
Columbatto said the village hopes to start construction on the towers at the end of 2027, and begin to welcome residents there at the end of 2029 and in early 2030. Nathan Pilling, Kansas City Star, 13 Feb. 2026 Setting aside the gawking nature of certain style choices (the warped, swiveling, 360-degree shots used when someone starts talking about particularly demented ideas are nauseating on multiple levels), the series too closely mirrors its subjects’ insularity. Ben Travers, IndieWire, 13 Feb. 2026
Noun
As a result, he was limited to 14 starts across two minor-league levels. Jaylon Thompson, Kansas City Star, 14 Feb. 2026 The researchers expect the tool to be used in everyday architectural practice as a decision-support system for zero-energy buildings, helping designers make smarter choices that balance comfort with energy efficiency from the very start. Bojan Stojkovski, Interesting Engineering, 14 Feb. 2026
Adjective
Things changed when then-coach Brian Daboll thrust Dart into the starting lineup in Week 4. Dan Duggan, New York Times, 7 Feb. 2026 Edwards returned to the starting lineup Thursday and scored 15 points, matching junior point guard Travis Brown to share game-high scoring honors for the visiting Blackhawks in a 59-48 Upstate Eight West win at Ernie Kivisto Gymnasium. Rick Armstrong, Chicago Tribune, 6 Feb. 2026
Verb
Think oceanfront suites, infinity pools, and top-tier dining—all at an unbeatable price, starting at only $71 per night. Jessica Chapel, Condé Nast Traveler, 5 Feb. 2026 Since the season-ending injury to center Malick Diallo in the opener, TCU has leaned on the same starting five of Punch, Edmonds, junior Brock Harding, senior Jayden Pierre and junior Liutauras Lelevicius. Steven Johnson, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 5 Feb. 2026 See All Example Sentences for start
Recent Examples of Synonyms for start
Noun
  • Intertextuality is described by Scarlett Barton in perhaps the opposite way, as linked to Roland Barthes’ observation that the author is dead, and that the text is the dissolution of every kind of voice, every beginning and core.
    Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 13 Feb. 2026
  • This approach may appeal to taxpayers who want more personalized guidance at the beginning of the tax relief process before deciding how to proceed.
    Roxanne Downer, USA Today, 13 Feb. 2026
Adjective
  • The initial indictment filed in November accused Clase of rigging pitches in specific games between May 2023 and June 2025.
    Ryan Gaydos, FOXNews.com, 6 Feb. 2026
  • The model presented was the Changan Nevo A06, also known as the Qiyuan A06, which serves as the initial platform for the new battery technology.
    Jijo Malayil, Interesting Engineering, 6 Feb. 2026
Noun
  • These are the tentative dates, as the actual commencement date of Ramadan 2026 depends on the sighting of the moon.
    Lianna Norman, Florida Times-Union, 13 Feb. 2026
  • Known for his couture collections and dressing icons such as Cicely Tyson and Beyoncé Knowles-Carter, Michael previously served as a guest lecturer, critic and commencement speaker at the school.
    Lisa Lockwood, Footwear News, 6 Feb. 2026
Adjective
  • Here's what to know about the grand re-opening.
    Arizona Republic, AZCentral.com, 5 Feb. 2026
  • The brand designed by Lorenzo Serafini will stage a presentation on the opening day of Milan Fashion Week at its headquarters.
    Sandra Salibian, Footwear News, 5 Feb. 2026
Noun
  • The convention had outgrown multiple venues from its inception, with attendance and vendors expanding each year.
    Anna Ortiz, Chicago Tribune, 10 Feb. 2026
  • So far, Miller and her team have spent $192,000 since the program’s inception, which averages $3,900 per person.
    Devyani Chhetri, Dallas Morning News, 10 Feb. 2026
Adjective
  • In August 2025, a 1,063-square-foot home on the first block of South Claremont Avenue in San Jose sold for $915,000, a price per square foot of $861.
    Unitedrobotsrealestate, Mercury News, 11 Feb. 2026
  • Food preferences begin in the first years of life, so the findings of the study are alarming, said Jane Houlihan, research director for Healthy Babies, Bright Futures, an alliance of nonprofits, scientists and donors with a mission of reducing babies’ exposures to neurotoxic chemicals.
    Sandee LaMotte, CNN Money, 11 Feb. 2026
Noun
  • In Alzheimer’s disease, for example, people with more cognitive reserve often delay the onset of symptoms despite the presence of the amyloid and tau, two proteins that are the hallmark signs of the neurological disorder.
    Sandee LaMotte, CNN Money, 10 Feb. 2026
  • According to reports, O'Hara, 71, died within hours of the onset of symptoms, the document reads.
    Sara Moniuszko, USA Today, 9 Feb. 2026
Noun
  • Vaneast Pictures has acquired international sales rights for Youngblood, a remake of the 1986 MGM classic starring Rob Lowe and Patrick Swayze, for an EFM launch.
    Melanie Goodfellow, Deadline, 13 Feb. 2026
  • The company recently removed the crew access arm on the tower at LC-39A and is continuing construction at the pad to support its new Starship rocket, which recently cleared an environmental review for future launches from the Space Coast.
    Josh Dinner, Space.com, 13 Feb. 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Start.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/start. Accessed 15 Feb. 2026.

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