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Definitions

start

[stahrt] / stɑrt /
NOUN
a beginning or place from which to begin
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
NOUN
a lead or advance
Synonyms
STRONGEST
advantage break chance lead opening opportunity
STRONG
allowance backing handicap odds sponsorship vantage
WEAK
head start helping hand
Antonyms
STRONGEST
bad luck misfortune
STRONG
disadvantage
NOUN
sudden involuntary movement of the body
Synonyms
STRONGEST
flinch
STRONG
convulsion jerk jolt jump spasm turn twitch wince
VERB
begin; come into existence
Synonyms
STRONGEST
appear begin commence create establish found inaugurate initiate introduce issue launch leave open set up
STRONG
activate arise arouse depart embark engender incite instigate institute light originate pioneer rise rouse spring
WEAK
come into being enter upon get going get under way go ahead hit the road lay foundation make a beginning sally forth see light set in motion set out take first step take the plunge turn on
Antonyms
STRONGEST
cease close conclude destroy end finish hold back keep ruin stop
STRONG
halt prevent stay
WEAK
complete die
VERB
give a sudden involuntary jerk or jump
Synonyms
STRONG
blench blink bolt bounce bound buck dart flinch jerk jump leap quail recoil shrink shy spring squinch startle twitch wince
WEAK
draw back
Antonyms
WEAK
ignore

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.

The March jobs report due Friday morning will help resolve an anxious question hanging over the economy: Was February’s big drop in jobs a temporary setback, or the start of a more serious downturn?

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 3, 2026

But if Harrison's strategy was scoping out the competition on the start line, Katie's was a lot more practical.

From BBC • Apr. 3, 2026

The Amazon/USPS situation shows that after a brutal three-year freight recession, it’s time for prices to start rising.

From Barron's • Apr. 2, 2026

Chesney reiterated at the start of the next chapter — spring football workouts — that he wants his players to keep pushing to be great people.

From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 2, 2026

Me and Lloyd gave Tansy a head start to school.

From "The Teacher’s Funeral" by Richard Peck

From Roget's 21st Century Thesaurus, Third Edition Copyright © 2013 by the Philip Lief Group.