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.

Within the niche category of meditation memoir, I’ve always appreciated narratives by dyspeptic Type As, the kind of meditators who start off by sitting in silent judgment.

From The Wall Street Journal • Jun. 23, 2026

I’ll start off by saying it’s not you, it’s me.

From Los Angeles Times • Jun. 6, 2026

"They all start off with similar stories," she said.

From BBC • Jun. 6, 2026

"The person who had the bag wasn't too cooperative with us to start off with," he said, which made "things a little bit difficult".

From BBC • May 21, 2026

We start off with this whole debate about whether or not the minibus that takes the mathletes to the big tournament in Denver has Wi-Fi or not.

From "Linked" by Gordon Korman

start off

Example Sentences

Related Words