Find Synonyms

start Synonyms

Another word for start

Choosing another word for start depends on context, so the 65 synonyms and similar words below are separated across 8 exact definitions and ranked by match strength.
JUMP TO:

• verb (Context 1)

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

Usage Example

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

Strongest
begin
commence
initiate
Strong
kick off
get underway
launch
embark on
open
undertake
inaugurate

• noun (Context 2)

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 beginning in the morning allowed them to reach the mountain trailhead before noon."

Strongest
beginning
commencement
onset
outset
Strong
inception
origin
opening
kickoff
dawn
birth

• 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 start up the old tractor on the frosty morning."

Strongest
start up
turn on
switch on
Strong
activate
fire up
crank
ignite
engage

• verb (Context 4)

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

Usage Example

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

Strongest
establish
found
set up
launch
create
Strong
open
institute
organize
form
originate

• verb (Context 5)

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

Usage Example

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

Strongest
set out
set off
depart
leave
head out
Strong
embark
hit the road
sally forth

• 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 head start in the construction industry."

Strongest
head start
break
Strong
opportunity
opening
advantage
edge
lead
footing
toehold

• noun (Context 7)

A sudden, involuntary movement of the body caused by surprise, alarm, or shock.

Usage Example

"She awoke with a sudden jolt when the thunder rattled the bedroom windows."

Strongest
jolt
jerk
jump
Strong
flinch
twitch
spasm
shudder
Weak
convulsion

• verb (Context 8)

To jerk or jump suddenly from surprise, alarm, or sudden pain.

Usage Example

"The deer started at the snap of a dry twig and bounded into the dense forest."

Strongest
flinch
jump
jerk
jolt
Strong
recoil
wince
blench
shudder
shy
Weak
quail

Opposites of start

The opposite of start shifts depending on context. Common opposites include:

end
finish
stop
turn off
close
shut down
arrive
shut off
See all opposites of start

Cite this Entry


Wordmom. (2026). Synonyms for Start. In Wordmom Thesaurus. Retrieved Nov 5, 2026, from https://wordmom.com/synonyms/start
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