OUTSET Synonyms: 68 Similar and Opposite Words

outset

noun

ˈau̇t-ˌset

Definition of outset

as in beginning

the point at which something begins I wish you'd mentioned this problem at the outset

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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 outset On the reflecting pool, Pirro pursued the investigation despite what defense lawyers say was abundant evidence from the outset that the damage at the pool was the result of preexisting problems that had nothing to do with Hearn. — Josh Boak, Chicago Tribune, 5 Aug. 2026 The Tigers were favorites to win the American League Central at the outset of the season. — Hannah Keyser, CNN Money, 5 Aug. 2026 Under such an approach, negotiations would focus first on halting the production and advancement of nuclear weapons, rather than demanding the dismantlement of North Korea's existing arsenal at the outset. — Se Eun Gong, NPR, 3 Aug. 2026 From the outset, however, there are warnings in the other direction. — Owen Gleiberman, Variety, 1 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for outset

Recent Examples of Synonyms for outset

Noun

Unlike 12 years ago, predation isn’t centred on a minority; 11 different Premier League clubs have lost players to the ‘Big Six’ since the beginning of last summer.

— Chris Weatherspoon, New York Times, 12 Aug. 2026
At the beginning of the year, some volunteers within Coppell ISD went door-to-door to recruit and keep students in public education.

— Lacey Beasley, CBS News, 11 Aug. 2026

Definition of beginning

Noun

Georgia’s current 911 infrastructure has remained largely unchanged since its inception in 1968, according to the Georgia Emergency Communications Agency.

— Sophia Eppley, AJC.com, 10 Aug. 2026
Since the inception of the Archdiocese's buyback events in 2023, nearly 1,500 firearms have been collected by the Baltimore Police Department, in an effort to create a culture of peace and nonviolence.

— Andrew Adeolu, CBS News, 9 Aug. 2026

Definition of inception

Noun

If, for example, a commencement speaker praising the value of artificial intelligence is met with jeers from graduates – as former Google CEO Eric Schmidt was in May 2026 – the speaker’s message is immediately rendered inert.

— Evan Clarkson, The Conversation, 6 Aug. 2026
In July, the City Council approved a fourth request for more modifications to the redevelopment agreement — which pushed back the project’s commencement from July 31, 2026, to July 31, 2027, according to city documents.

— Taylor O'Connor August 6, Kansas City Star, 6 Aug. 2026

Definition of commencement

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outset

outsets

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“Outset.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/outset. Accessed 14 Aug. 2026.

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Synonyms of outset

noun

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