starts

NOUN

beginning

Synonyms

STRONGEST

dawn kickoff opening outset

STRONG

alpha birth bow commencement countdown dawning derivation embarkation exit foundation inauguration inception initiation leaving onset origin source spring start-off takeoff

WEAK

day one first step flying start jump-off running start setting out square one

Antonyms

STRONGEST

conclusion end ending finish

STRONG

arrival close coming completion consequence death effect outgrowth result termination

WEAK

disadvantage stop

NOUN

advantage

Synonyms

STRONGEST

break chance lead opening opportunity

STRONG

allowance backing bulge draw edge introduction odds sponsorship vantage

WEAK

head start helping hand

Antonyms

STRONGEST

bad luck misfortune

STRONG

disadvantage

WEAK

completion conclusion death end ending finish stop

NOUN

flinch

Synonyms

STRONGEST

turn

STRONG

convulsion jar jump scare shock spasm twitch

Antonyms

WEAK

completion conclusion death disadvantage end ending finish stop

VERB

begin; come into existence

Synonyms

STRONGEST

appear 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 hide hold keep ruin stop

STRONG

calm dull halt prevent stay

WEAK

complete die ignore

VERB

flinch

Synonyms

STRONG

blanch blench bolt bounce bound buck dart jerk jump leap quail recoil shrink shy spring squinch startle twitch wince

WEAK

draw back jump the gun

Antonyms

STRONG

allow face meet permit

WEAK

complete conclude die end finish ignore 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.

The protein acts as the trigger that starts each developmental stage and is also required for the checkpoint that marks its completion.

From Science Daily • Jun. 4, 2026

"But I think all of this starts with knowledge, information and disclosures."

From Barron's • Jun. 3, 2026

There are tens of thousands of residential builders in America, and the annual median number of new housing starts among members of the National Association of Homebuilders is six.

From The Wall Street Journal • Jun. 3, 2026

A big reason for that is goalkeeper Craig Gordon, who will be 43 years and 162 days old when it all starts next week, making him by far the most senior player at the tournament.

From BBC • Jun. 3, 2026

“You push it back. You can feel when it starts to overwhelm you.”

From "Rump: The (Fairly) True Story of Rumpelstilskin" by Liesl Shurtliff