make a start

VERB

break the ice

Synonyms

WEAK

be friendly and talkative break ground cut the first turf get one's feet wet lay the first stone lead off lead the way oil the works open the way pave the way set at ease smooth the path socialize start start the ball rolling take the plunge

VERB

proceed

Synonyms

STRONGEST

advance continue get go ahead go on pass press on progress travel

STRONG

fare hie journey march repair wend

WEAK

get going get on with get under way move on move out push on set in motion

Antonyms

STRONGEST

cease decrease discontinue fail finish halt lose retreat retrogress stop yield

STRONG

stay

WEAK

return wait

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

It still suggests sales picked up and hints at a solid start to a key period for retailers, covering Black Friday sales as consumers make a start on holiday shopping.

From The Wall Street Journal • Dec. 19, 2025

Tong will make a start with the big league team after pitching 11.2 innings in Syracuse without giving up a run while striking out 17.

From Los Angeles Times • Aug. 27, 2025

Lough Neagh is a long-term challenge fraught with many difficulties, and it will take all the players working together to make a start on addressing them.

From BBC • Jul. 17, 2024

The aim was to make a start, said Ollivier, a 78-year-old Frenchman who brought opposing sides together in high-stakes negotiations in the late 1980s that helped end apartheid in South Africa.

From Washington Times • May 21, 2023

One Saturday afternoon when Timmy was in bed with 'flu, I decided to make a start on the roof all by myself.

From "The Witches" by Roald Dahl

make a start

Example Sentences

Related Words