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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.

For example, a target-date fund pegged to the year 2065 would start with more aggressive investments and gradually shift to lower-risk options over time as the investor nears retirement.

From MarketWatch • Apr. 22, 2026

A trial that was set to start in late March has been put on hold with no new trial date set.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 22, 2026

Quarter four would mean the start of October.

From BBC • Apr. 22, 2026

They say a series doesn’t start until the home team loses a game, but, believe it, this series is already over.

From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 22, 2026

That wasn’t a lot, but it would have been a good start.

From "Legendary Frybread Drive-In" by Cynthia Leitich Smith

Vocabulary lists containing start

"The Tragedy of Hamlet," Vocabulary from Act 3

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