start 1 of 4

1
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
Earlier this year, Zhang started seeing reports on Chinese social media of students whose visas were cancelled and whose legal status had been terminated. Michael Luo, New Yorker, 8 June 2025 After two days, the new machine started going bonkers – as if it was possessed. Scott Kramer, Forbes.com, 8 June 2025
Noun
But conservatives from the House Freedom Caucus negotiated for a quicker start date, in December 2026, to start the spending reductions sooner. Arkansas Online, 8 June 2025 Hawkins will begin the transition into the new position in June with a July 1 official start date. Post-Tribune, Chicago Tribune, 8 June 2025
Verb
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 start
Recent Examples of Synonyms for start
Noun
  • Only Part of It Hails From Ingolstadt At the beginning of the 1990s, both Audi and Porsche needed help.
    Bryan Hood, Robb Report, 10 June 2025
  • Setting realistic expectations from the very beginning will create more meaningful relationships with clients that are built on trust.
    Expert Panel®, Forbes.com, 9 June 2025
Adjective
  • For Russia, this began soon after its initial invasion failed to seize control of Kyiv and Ukraine’s government.
    Scott Montgomery, Forbes.com, 10 June 2025
  • Woldenberg’s initial reaction to the initial ruling from Judge Contreras was one of delight.
    John Cassidy, New Yorker, 9 June 2025
Noun
  • As commencement ceremonies celebrate the promise of a new generation of graduates, one question looms: will AI make their education pointless?
    Erik Otárola-Castillo, Time, 7 June 2025
  • In a commencement ceremony in the Mustang Field, families and friends cheered as the graduates walked across the stage, marking the end of their high school careers and the beginning of their bright futures.
    Heather McRea, Oc Register, 6 June 2025
Noun
  • Since its inception, 189 designers have received mentoring and a total of more than $7.7 million in support.
    Lisa Lockwood, Footwear News, 3 June 2025
  • Mulaney, a longtime fan who had listened to the podcast since its inception, repeatedly congratulated Maron on making the choice to go out on his own terms.
    Fran Hoepfner, Vulture, 2 June 2025
Adjective
  • Sign up for Entertainment Weekly's free daily newsletter to get breaking TV news, exclusive first looks, recaps, reviews, interviews with your favorite stars, and more.
    Ryan Coleman, EW.com, 6 June 2025
  • President Donald Trump flipped Miami-Dade red for the first time since George H.W. Bush won the presidency in 1988, riding new support throughout the majority-Hispanic county.
    Jacqueline Charles, Miami Herald, 6 June 2025
Noun
  • Making moves after learning is just as critical as learning from the onset.
    FNU Anupama, Forbes.com, 10 June 2025
  • Alex’s attorney, Jim Griffin, revealed that the grieving husband and father was considered a person of interest from the onset of the authorities’ investigation into the murders.
    Lynsey Eidell, People.com, 7 June 2025
Noun
  • SpaceX's record for reusing a Falcon 9 first stage stands at 28 launches.
    Robert Z. Pearlman, Space.com, 13 June 2025
  • Ghani noted how over 70,000 members have been with Prime since its initial launch in 2005.
    Natalie Berg, Forbes.com, 12 June 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Start.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/start. Accessed 18 Jun. 2025.

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