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Definitions

start off

VERB
inspire
Synonyms
STRONGEST
affect animate arouse cause embolden excite galvanize get hearten impress influence instill motivate produce provoke spark spur stir sway touch trigger
STRONG
carry commove elate endue enkindle enliven exalt exhilarate imbue infect inflame inform infuse inspirit invigorate occasion quicken reassure strike urge
WEAK
be responsible for fire up give impetus give one an idea give rise to set up work up
Antonyms
STRONGEST
bore calm deaden depress discourage dissuade halt leave alone lull please quiet stop
STRONG
dishearten dull enervate lose
NOUN
start
Synonyms
STRONGEST
beginning dawn kickoff opening outset
STRONG
birth commencement countdown dawning derivation embarkation foundation inauguration inception initiation introduction leaving onset origin source spring takeoff
WEAK
alpha arrival coming day one first step flying start jump-off running start setting-out square one start-off
Antonyms
STRONGEST
conclusion end ending finish
STRONG
close completion consequence death effect exit outgrowth result termination
WEAK
stop

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.

"We're not going in there with a big stick to start off with, what's fair is that there's a conversation, that conversation leads to action, and the parents buy into that action," he said.

From BBC • May 7, 2026

The instructor will start off by giving attendees a prompt to spark creativity along with stress-reducing breathing exercises.

From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 29, 2026

"You're just sort of thrown into the deep end or you start off small and then it gets sort of more and more demanding."

From BBC • Mar. 31, 2026

“I could just start off by saying JPMorgan could be an endgame winner in the AI space,” said Mary Callahan Erdoes, the company’s chief executive of asset management and wealth management.

From MarketWatch • Feb. 24, 2026

“So are you actually on good terms with the Queen of Adarlan? You didn’t really...make an effort to start off that way.”

From "Throne of Glass" by Sarah J. Maas