START Synonyms: 306 Similar and Opposite Words

Q: How is the word 'start' different from other verbs like it?

Some common synonyms of start are begin , commence , inaugurate , initiate , and usher in . While all these words mean "to take the first step in a course, process, or operation," start , opposed to stop , applies especially to first actions, steps, or stages. // the work started slowly

Q: How is 'begin' related to other words for 'start'?

Begin , start , and commence are often interchangeable, with begin , opposed to end , being the most general. // begin a trip // began dancing

Q: How does the word 'commence' relate to other synonyms for 'start'?

Commence can be more formal or bookish than begin or start . // commence firing // commenced a conversation

Q: When could 'inaugurate' be used to replace 'start'?

The meanings of inaugurate and start largely overlap; however, inaugurate suggests a beginning of some formality or notion of significance. // the discovery of penicillin inaugurated a new era in medicine

Q: In what contexts can 'initiate' take the place of 'start'?

Although the words initiate and start have much in common, initiate implies taking a first step in a process or series that is to continue. // initiated diplomatic contacts

Q: How are the words 'usher in' and 'inaugurate' related as synonyms of 'start'?

Usher in is somewhat less weighty than inaugurate . // ushered in a period of economic decline

start 1 of 2

verb

ˈstärt

Definition of start

as in to begin

to come into existence the fight started when one child tripped the other

Synonyms & Similar Words

Relevance

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

as in to commence

to take the first step in (a process or course of action) we'll be ready to start the concert in a moment

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

as in to establish

to be responsible for the creation and early operation or use of started the impressionist movement in art

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

as in to activate

to cause to function trying to start the car on a frigid morning

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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

as in to protrude

to extend outward beyond a usual point frightened horses with starting eyes

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

start

2 of 2

noun

as in beginning

the point at which something begins knew from the start of the game that he would win easily

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

Synonym Chooser

How is the word start different from other verbs like it?

Some common synonyms of start are begin, commence, inaugurate, initiate, and usher in. While all these words mean "to take the first step in a course, process, or operation," start, opposed to stop, applies especially to first actions, steps, or stages.

the work started slowly

How is begin related to other words for start?

Begin, start, and commence are often interchangeable, with begin, opposed to end, being the most general.

begin a trip

began dancing

How does the word commence relate to other synonyms for start?

Commence can be more formal or bookish than begin or start.

commence firing

commenced a conversation

When could inaugurate be used to replace start?

The meanings of inaugurate and start largely overlap; however, inaugurate suggests a beginning of some formality or notion of significance.

the discovery of penicillin inaugurated a new era in medicine

In what contexts can initiate take the place of start?

Although the words initiate and start have much in common, initiate implies taking a first step in a process or series that is to continue.

initiated diplomatic contacts

How are the words usher in and inaugurate related as synonyms of start?

Usher in is somewhat less weighty than inaugurate.

ushered in a period of economic decline

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

However, there was a bit of an eerie coincidence that fans started to notice as the day went on. — Matt Reigle Outkick, FOXNews.com, 2 Aug. 2026 One of Omar Thornton or Bryce Fitzgerald is projected to be the team’s starting nickel corner (with the other starting at safety opposite Zechariah Poyser). — Jordan McPherson, Miami Herald, 2 Aug. 2026

Noun

The states want a start of April 2027, while Paramount wants November 2026, and every quarter of the difference adds to the price of a deal already too rich. — Jeffrey Sonnenfeld, Fortune, 3 Aug. 2026 Eduardo Rodriguez is now the lone pitcher in major league history with at least 250 starts and no complete games. — ABC News, 3 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for start

Recent Examples of Synonyms for start

Verb

Attacks could draw retaliation and reignite Yemen’s war Yemen’s civil war began in 2014 when the rebels seized the capital, Sanaa, and much of northern Yemen, forcing the government into exile.

— Fatma Khaled, Chicago Tribune, 8 Aug. 2026
Insider tip Follow the paths through the lavender fields at sunset, when the bees begin to settle and the fields catch the last of the ethereal light.

— Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 8 Aug. 2026

Definition of begin

Verb

After a study to map its sprawling network of rooms commenced in 2022, a nuclear bunker in northern Italy will transform into a Cold War museum scheduled to open in part next year.

— Andy Battaglia, ARTnews.com, 7 Aug. 2026
That final ship didn’t sink, and in New York, the girls transferred to a train that returned them to their Chicagoland suburb just as the drum major raised his mace to commence a homecoming parade held in their honor.

— Claire Carusillo, Harpers Magazine, 4 Aug. 2026

Definition of commence

Verb

City Directors Kathy Webb and Capi Peck requested the proposal to establish the six-month moratorium earlier this summer.

— Joseph Flaherty, Arkansas Online, 4 Aug. 2026
In 2009, Boko Haram, based in the northeast of the country, began a campaign of guerrilla attacks and suicide bombings, in an effort to establish a caliphate in the region.

— Alexis Okeowo, New Yorker, 3 Aug. 2026

Definition of establish

Verb

However, Daniel Palencia will pitch at Triple-A Iowa on Wednesday and could be activated soon, resuming his closer role.

— Greg Jewett, New York Times, 4 Aug. 2026
For organizations seeking meaningful ways to activate teams and elevate corporate culture, five actionable strategies can bring allyship to life well beyond a single date on the calendar.

— Julie Kratz, Forbes.com, 4 Aug. 2026

Definition of activate

Verb

Prosecutors say after killing her children, Clancy cut her wrists and neck and jumped from a second-story window, leaving her partially paralyzed.

— Andi Babineau, CNN Money, 8 Aug. 2026
On the fourth rep, Nixon jumped an out route and had a chance for an interception, but dropped it.

— Rob Reischel, Forbes.com, 8 Aug. 2026

Definition of jump

Verb

At first, 17-year-old Khloe Aguiar didn’t want to climb the over 100-foot ladder protruding out of the fire truck.

— Julianna Mejia July 31, Kansas City Star, 31 July 2026
With its extended, protruding proportions and structural overlays, the colorway also features a glow-in-the-dark treatment across its TPU cage.

— Riley Jones, Footwear News, 29 July 2026

Definition of protrude

Noun

Her exit follows the resignations last week of acting Chief Financial Officer Steve Mahr and Deputy CFO Noor Shaikh in June — coming after CFO Jill Jaworski departed at the beginning of this year.

— Alice Yin, Chicago Tribune, 4 Aug. 2026
For Jed Hoyer, trading Triple-A outfielder Brett Bateman and Class-A infielder Ty Southisene in Sunday night’s deal with the Blue Jays was only the beginning of a buying spree.

— Patrick Mooney, New York Times, 4 Aug. 2026

Definition of beginning

Verb

The world has changed in terms of how receptive companies are to ideas that didn’t originate in the boardroom or from management.

— Fortune Editors, Fortune, 5 Aug. 2026
The biggest share of overdose deaths involves fentanyl, which originates mostly in China and Mexico.

— Steve Chapman, Chicago Tribune, 5 Aug. 2026

Definition of originate

Cite this Entry

Style

“Start.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/start. Accessed 8 Aug. 2026.

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Synonyms of start

verb

noun

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Phrases Containing start

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Cite this Entry

More from Merriam-Webster on start

More from Merriam-Webster

Word of the Day

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Popular in Grammar & Usage

7 Pairs of Commonly Confused Words

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Is it 'nerve-racking' or 'nerve-wracking'?

'Sneaked' or 'Snuck': Which is correct?

Why does English have so many silent letters?

Popular in Wordplay

The Longest Long Words List

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The Words of the Week - Aug. 7

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Games & Quizzes