Find Antonyms

start Antonyms

Opposite of start

Because the opposite of start shifts with each meaning, the 37 antonyms and opposite words below are separated across 6 exact definitions and ranked by contrast strength.
JUMP TO:

• noun (Context 1)

The point in time or space at which something has its origin or beginning; the act of commencing an activity, journey, or process.

Usage Example

"Getting an early end in the morning allowed them to reach the mountain trailhead before noon."

Strongest
end
finish
conclusion
close
ending
termination
Strong
completion
finale
cessation

• verb (Context 2)

To begin or embark on an action, process, event, or undertaking; to come into existence or operation.

Usage Example

"The university lecture will end promptly at nine o'clock tomorrow morning."

Strongest
end
finish
stop
conclude
cease
terminate
Strong
complete
close
halt
quit

• verb (Context 3)

To cause a machine, engine, or vehicle to begin operating, or for such a device to begin functioning.

Usage Example

"It took several turns of the key to stop the old tractor on the frosty morning."

Strongest
stop
shut off
turn off
switch off
shut down
Strong
deactivate
kill
stall

• verb (Context 4)

To establish, found, or set up an organization, business, or institution.

Usage Example

"After completing her culinary training, she decided to close a small bakery in her hometown."

Strongest
close
shut down
dissolve
disband
Strong
wind up
liquidate
abolish
terminate

• verb (Context 5)

To set out on a journey or begin traveling in a particular direction.

Usage Example

"The hikers plan to arrive toward the summit as soon as the morning fog clears."

Strongest
arrive
stay
Strong
remain
stop
halt
return

• noun (Context 6)

An initial opportunity or advantage given to someone in establishing a career, venture, or race.

Usage Example

"The apprenticeship gave the young carpenter a valuable handicap in the construction industry."

Strongest
handicap
disadvantage
Strong
setback
obstacle
hindrance

Similar words to start

Words similar to start shift depending on context. Common synonyms include:

begin
beginning
start up
set out
set off
establish
found
set up
See all synonyms of start

Cite this Entry


Wordmom. (2026). Antonyms for Start. In Wordmom Thesaurus. Retrieved Nov 5, 2026, from https://wordmom.com/antonyms/start
Built for writers, students, and competitive word game players, Wordmom combines an uncluttered English dictionary and thesaurus with fast, pattern-based word finders so you can verify definitions, synonyms, and high-scoring tile plays in one place.
Dictionary & Reference
© 2016–2026 Wordmom Network. All rights reserved. Made with for word lovers everywhere.
Disclaimer: SCRABBLE® is a registered trademark. All intellectual property rights in and to the game are owned in the U.S.A. and Canada by Hasbro Inc., and throughout the rest of the world by J.W. Spear & Sons Limited of Maidenhead, Berkshire, England, a subsidiary of Mattel Inc. Mattel and Spear are not affiliated with Hasbro. Words With Friends® is a registered trademark of Zynga Inc. Wordle® is a registered trademark of The New York Times Company. Other referenced game titles and tournament lexicon codes (including NASPA NWL and WESPA/HarperCollins CSW) are trademarks of their respective owners. Wordmom is an independent reference utility for educational and entertainment purposes and is not affiliated with, sponsored by, or endorsed by Hasbro, Mattel, Spear, Zynga, The New York Times Company, NASPA, WESPA, or HarperCollins Publishers. All game names are referenced strictly under nominative fair use to indicate compatibility.