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

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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

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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

Trailing 9-5, Zack Gelof singled off Pete Fairbanks to start the ninth and Butler followed with a double. — Miami Herald, 6 July 2026 True, nothing so grand as a massive dragon and naval battle took place, but seeing Rhaenyra start to change into someone almost unrecognizable from her younger, more innocent self was compelling in a deeper way. — Erik Kain, Forbes.com, 6 July 2026

Noun

Belgium added to the lead early in the second half on a major error from goalie Matt Freese, who had given up just one goal in his first three starts. — Kevin Baxter, Los Angeles Times, 7 July 2026 But a move to Memphis would still represent both a fresh start for Post, and show the Warriors’ willingness to shake up the roster. — Joseph Dycus, Mercury News, 6 July 2026 See All Example Sentences for start

Recent Examples of Synonyms for start

Verb

Friends of both Swift and the Kansas City Chiefs football star tight end began arriving mid-afternoon in a steady stream of SUVs.

— Brendan Morrow, USA Today, 4 July 2026
Nunez said investigators planned to interview an employee who was working at the business when the blaze began.

— Sacbee.com, Sacbee.com, 4 July 2026

Definition of begin

Verb

Carlson, whose rights Anaheim traded to Carolina four days before the free agent signing period commenced, joins a defense corps that includes Victor Hedman, who is one year younger and has played five more career regular season games.

— Tom Layberger, Forbes.com, 2 July 2026
Early-stage discussions of regulation have also commenced in Brazil, Canada, China, Ecuador, Ghana, India, Peru, Norway, the United Kingdom and the remainder of the European Union.

— Jennifer Bringle, Footwear News, 29 June 2026

Definition of commence

Verb

Lawyers on both sides have urged the high court to establish a clear right to a verbatim record in civil hearings.

— Sonja Sharp, Los Angeles Times, 6 July 2026
Last December, the city of Miami approved an ordinance sponsored by Commissioner Damian Pardo establishing an overnight anchoring limitation area within portions of Biscayne Bay.

— Miami Herald, Miami Herald, 6 July 2026

Definition of establish

Verb

The blaze remained confined to the wrecking yard property, despite briefly jumping a fence and igniting vegetation to the west.

— Sacbee.com, Sacbee.com, 4 July 2026
His father, Brian Cohn, jumped into the pool to try to pull him out, but the suction from the drain was too strong.

— Madeline Mitchell, USA Today, 3 July 2026

Definition of jump

Verb

The abdomen may significantly protrude, pushing the diaphragm upward and making breathing more difficult.

— Jennifer Borresen, USA Today, 3 July 2026
Rugged slabs of rock speckled with glaciers and snowfields protrude through the clouds and overlook the entry to Grand Teton National Park.

— Josh Laskin, Travel + Leisure, 3 July 2026

Definition of protrude

Noun

Prior to the trial beginning, the judge agreed that questions about Brown’s felony conviction for his 2009 assault on then-girlfriend Rihanna would be barred from testimony.

— Chris Willman, Variety, 1 July 2026
June was a frenetic month for the metro Atlanta restaurant scene, driven in part by a flurry of downtown openings timed to the beginning of the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

— Olivia Wakim, AJC.com, 1 July 2026

Definition of beginning

Verb

The species, which originated in Africa and continues to spread throughout Sacramento and Yolo counties, can carry dengue, Zika, yellow fever and chikungunya, diseases that can be life-threatening to humans.

— Reeti Malhotra, Sacbee.com, 1 July 2026
Many common surnames, such as Carpenter or Baker, originated from occupations passed down through generations, reflecting how closely people’s identities were tied to their work.

— Tim Bajarin, Forbes.com, 1 July 2026

Definition of originate

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“Start.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/start. Accessed 7 Jul. 2026.

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noun

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Synonyms of start

verb

noun

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Phrases Containing start

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More from Merriam-Webster on start

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