1
as in to begin
to come into existence the fight started when one child tripped the other
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Relevance
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2
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
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3
as in to establish
to be responsible for the creation and early operation or use of started the impressionist movement in art
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4
as in to activate
to cause to function trying to start the car on a frigid morning
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5
6
as in to protrude
to extend outward beyond a usual point frightened horses with starting eyes
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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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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
Zack Cox, Boston Herald, 25 Apr. 2026 The esteemed David Rosenberg of Rosenberg Research points out that the market rallies that started April 13 and took the S&P 500 to a new high were a response to prospective new rounds of discussions to resolve the war between Iran and the United States and Israel. —Terry Savage, Chicago Tribune, 25 Apr. 2026
Mac Cerullo, Boston Herald, 25 Apr. 2026 Looking for a softer start to spring dressing? —Christina Holevas, Vogue, 25 Apr. 2026 See All Example Sentences for start
Verb
Boston got off to a much more efficient start from beyond the arc, however, making seven of its first 16 threes while Philly started 2-for-9. —Zack Cox, Boston Herald, 25 Apr. 2026 The esteemed David Rosenberg of Rosenberg Research points out that the market rallies that started April 13 and took the S&P 500 to a new high were a response to prospective new rounds of discussions to resolve the war between Iran and the United States and Israel. —Terry Savage, Chicago Tribune, 25 Apr. 2026
Noun
Given Bello’s recent struggles, will the club consider skipping his next start? —Mac Cerullo, Boston Herald, 25 Apr. 2026 Looking for a softer start to spring dressing? —Christina Holevas, Vogue, 25 Apr. 2026 See All Example Sentences for start
Recent Examples of Synonyms for start
Verb
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Schools across the Emirates were shuttered for weeks after the war began, shifting students to remote learning, prompting some parents, who CNBC has spoken with since the war began, to send children back to their home countries to complete the academic term at schools teaching in-person.— Emma Graham,Sawdah Bhaimiya, CNBC, 21 Apr. 2026
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The cost of gas has soared over the seven weeks since the war began, sending the average national price of regular gas to more than $4 per gallon.— Jared Gans, The Hill, 21 Apr. 2026
Verb
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Another round of layoffs commenced in March and affected hundreds of employees working in a variety of units, including Facebook, Reality Labs, global operations and sales.— Jonathan Vanian, CNBC, 23 Apr. 2026
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Installation activities have officially commenced for newcleo’s PRECURSOR facility at the ENEA-Brasimone Research Centre.— Aman Tripathi, Interesting Engineering, 22 Apr. 2026
Verb
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Finally, in overcoming this vexing moment, the two would establish a painterly repartee that altered the trajectory of their own work and, by extension, modern art.— Susan Tallman, The New York Review of Books, 25 Apr. 2026
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Through this exhibition program, which shed a light on a generation of LA artists, The Box quickly established itself as a venturesome gallery and one of the most important in the city.— Maximilíano Durón, ARTnews.com, 25 Apr. 2026
Verb
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In all, 10 on-duty Portage officers, two off-duty officers and a Porter County sheriff’s deputy rushed to the scene with lights and sirens activated, the department said.— Ashley Vega, PEOPLE, 20 Apr. 2026
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The department has signed a 10-year, $120 million contact with Axon that gives them options to purchase an array of high-tech gear, from drones to non-lethal Taser weapons that activate body cameras when pulled from holsters.— Edmund H. Mahony, Hartford Courant, 20 Apr. 2026
Verb
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Players and staff alike jumped up and embraced — for the fourth time — to celebrate their win.— Sandra McDonald, Los Angeles Times, 20 Apr. 2026
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At close range, Bruce would extend his neck to thrust at opponents, adding a run or jump to the motion when attacking from farther away.— ArsTechnica, ArsTechnica, 20 Apr. 2026
Verb
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Her right hand gripped the scissors with the round finger holes embedded in her palm and the pointed end protruding from her fist.— Carly Tagen-Dye, PEOPLE, 15 Apr. 2026
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Shards of glass and ceramic, rusted metal, medical and bio-waste, syringes, cracked circuit boards, and broken electronics protruded everywhere.— CNN Money, CNN Money, 15 Apr. 2026
Noun
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His campaign, however, raised just over $1 million since the beginning of the year — placing him sixth in the fundraising race among the eight leading candidates.— Grace Hase, Mercury News, 25 Apr. 2026
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Meanwhile, today is the beginning of a six-year window that will impact your private world.— Georgia Nicols, Denver Post, 25 Apr. 2026
Verb
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The premise remains intact from the series, following Alex Brightman and Sara Chase as Josh Skinner and Melissa Gimble, a modern couple (originated onscreen by Keegan-Michael Key and Cecily Strong) who stumble into a magical town where life unfolds entirely in song.— Dave Quinn, PEOPLE, 21 Apr. 2026
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Macy originated roles in such iconic Mamet plays as American Buffalo and Oleanna.— Anthony D'Alessandro, Deadline, 21 Apr. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Start.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.grautoblog.com/thesaurus/start. Accessed 26 Apr. 2026.
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