START (UP) 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

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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

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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

What starts as a reasonable desire to prevent disease can escalate into constant testing and rigid routines built around an ever-growing roster of supplements and experimental remedies. — John Vorwald, Robb Report, 16 Aug. 2026 The program started from a state grant through the Reimagine Public Safety Act, officials said. — David Sharos, Chicago Tribune, 16 Aug. 2026

Noun

Paramount filed the motion Monday with Judge Araceli Martinez-Olguin, who has scheduled a trial start date of March 2, 2027. — Todd Spangler, Variety, 17 Aug. 2026 With fast-frequency response, voltage control, and black-start capabilities, batteries can instantly counter abrupt shifts in supply and demand, reinforcing grid reliability while diversifying income for project owners. — Mrigakshi Dixit, Interesting Engineering, 17 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for start

Recent Examples of Synonyms for start

Verb

That trial is scheduled to begin next month, but could be pushed back or canceled altogether depending on what the judge decides.

— ABC News, ABC News, 15 Aug. 2026
Episodes of the Premier League Years, the Sky Sports show that boils down each season into two hours and is arguably the UK’s greatest cultural achievement, often begin with a montage of that season’s new arrivals.

— Nick Miller, New York Times, 15 Aug. 2026

Definition of begin

Verb

The project commenced with a simple analog instrument panel clock.

— Michael Harley, Forbes.com, 12 Aug. 2026
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

Definition of commence

Verb

Leaders then establish daily habits that advance one milestone at a time and measure progress weekly, adjusting as necessary.

— Rodger Dean Duncan, Forbes.com, 18 Aug. 2026
The port signed a cooperation agreement with the Federal Maritime Administration last month to help establish safety standards for the technology.

— Gio Insignares, CBS News, 18 Aug. 2026

Definition of establish

Verb

Compliant Technologies says the devices function as a normal pair of patrol gloves until officers press a switch to activate their electrical mode.

— CBS News, CBS News, 12 Aug. 2026
The attacker on the other side of the keyboard would likely be able to activate the mechanisms in the credential management app to log in to a site or download all the passwords.

— Dan Goodin, ArsTechnica, 11 Aug. 2026

Definition of activate

Verb

Tropical Hibiscus Tropical hibiscus (Hibiscus rosa-sinensis), as the name suggests, is native to tropical climates in Asia and produces dramatic, vibrant flowers that can grow up to 6 inches in diameter with protruding stamens.

— Shelby Vittek, The Spruce, 15 Aug. 2026
Akhenaten, who may have been the boy-king’s father, was depicted in artwork as having wide hips and a protruding belly, which stood out from portraits of other Egyptian royalty.

— Popular Science Team, Popular Science, 12 Aug. 2026

Definition of protrude

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

Verb

In Ecuador, local criminal gangs allied with Colombian and Mexican cartels manage the routes and ship the narcotics, 80% of which originate in Colombia and the rest in Peru.

— CNN Money, CNN Money, 13 Aug. 2026
Ecuador National Police via AP In Ecuador, local criminal gangs allied with Colombian and Mexican cartels manage the routes and ship the narcotics, 80% of which originate in Colombia and the rest in Peru.

— CBS News, CBS News, 13 Aug. 2026

Definition of originate

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Style

“Start.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/start. Accessed 19 Aug. 2026.

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Synonyms of start

verb

noun

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Cite this Entry

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