The word “start” is simple and versatile, but English offers a rich variety of alternatives to add nuance and style to your speech or writing. Whether you’re beginning a project, launching an idea, or initiating an event, choosing the right word can make a big difference.
Looking for alternatives to “start”? Discover other ways to say “start” and enhance your vocabulary for professional, casual, or creative conversations.
Perfect for making your speech and writing more dynamic and precise!
This article explores 20 other ways to say “start”, helping you diversify your vocabulary and communicate with precision in any context. Let’s get started!
Top List of other ways to say “start”
- Begin
- Commence
- Launch
- Kick-off
- Set in motion
- Initiate
- Embark on
- Open
- Roll out
- Get going
- Trigger
- Ignite
- Unveil
- Light the fire
- Put into effect
- Get underway
- Inaugurate
- Spearhead
- Set out
- Commence operations
1. Begin
“Begin” is the classic synonym for “start,” carrying a formal yet straightforward tone. It’s perfect for professional contexts, like starting a project or a formal event.
Scenario Example:
Subject: Excited to begin our new project
Email:
Hi Darcy,
I’m thrilled to inform you that we are ready to begin work on the new marketing strategy for Q4. We’ve gathered all the data and finalized the outline, so we’re set to move forward. Let’s begin with the analysis phase next Monday as planned.
Best regards,
Elizabeth
2. Commence
“Commence” sounds more formal than “start” and is often used in official or ceremonial contexts.
Scenario Example:
Subject: Preparations to commence the annual meeting
Email:
Dear Darcy,
We are pleased to inform you that the preparations for the annual shareholders’ meeting will commence on Friday. We’ve allocated resources and set up the venue, so everything should run smoothly. I’ll send a detailed itinerary later today.
Regards,
Elizabeth
3. Launch
“Launch” implies starting something new, like a product or an initiative, with excitement or public involvement.
Scenario Example:
Subject: Launching the new website next week
Email:
Hi Darcy,
I’m excited to let you know that we’ll officially be launching the new website next week! It’s been a long time coming, but the team has worked tirelessly to ensure everything is perfect. Let’s schedule a meeting on Wednesday to discuss the promotional campaign.
Best,
Elizabeth
4. Kick-off
“Kick-off” is an informal and energetic way to say “start,” often used in team settings or to initiate events.
Scenario Example:
Subject: Time to kick-off our campaign!
Email:
Hi Darcy,
I hope you’re ready because it’s time to kick-off our summer marketing campaign! We’ve got everything in place, from the social media ads to the influencer partnerships. I’ll need you to oversee the first phase.
Let’s make this a success!
Best,
Elizabeth
5. Set in motion
This phrase suggests that something is being activated or put into action, like setting the wheels in motion.
Scenario Example:
Subject: Time to set things in motion
Email:
Hi Darcy,
After weeks of preparation, we’re finally ready to set the project in motion. All the necessary approvals are in, and we’ve got the green light to proceed. I’ll assign the first tasks to the team later today. Let’s schedule a call to review the timeline.
Best regards,
Elizabeth
6. Initiate
“Initiate” is a formal term often used in technical or business contexts to imply starting a process or action.
Scenario Example:
Subject: Preparing to initiate the new onboarding process
Email:
Dear Darcy,
I wanted to inform you that we’ll be initiating the new onboarding process for employees next week. The HR team has completed the necessary training materials, and we’re ready to roll this out company-wide. I’ll send you the final checklist later today.
Warm regards,
Elizabeth
7. Embark on
“Embark on” carries a sense of adventure and excitement, often used for long-term projects or journeys.
Scenario Example:
Subject: Ready to embark on this new journey
Email:
Hi Darcy,
I’m excited that we’re about to embark on a new chapter with the expansion into the European market. There’s a lot of work ahead, but I believe this is a huge opportunity for us. Let’s schedule a meeting to discuss the strategy in detail.
Best,
Elizabeth
8. Open
This term works well in the context of formal events or actions, like opening a session or a new chapter in a book.
Scenario Example:
Subject: We’re about to open the new store
Email:
Hi Darcy,
The grand opening is almost here! I wanted to remind you that we’ll officially open the new store next Monday at 10 a.m. I’d love for you to be there for the ribbon-cutting ceremony. Let me know if you need any additional details.
Best regards,
Elizabeth
9. Roll out
“Roll out” is often used when introducing new products or services in stages, making it great for corporate settings.
Scenario Example:
Subject: Let’s roll out the new app
Email:
Hi Darcy,
We’re ready to roll out the new app to beta testers next week. The development team has worked out the bugs, and we’re confident the initial feedback will be positive. I’ll provide you with the test links so you can take a look yourself.
Best,
Elizabeth
10. Get going
An informal phrase that implies the need to get started quickly or without delay.
Scenario Example:
Subject: Time to get going on our plans
Email:
Hi Darcy,
I just wanted to check in as it’s time to get going on the plans we discussed last month. We’ve got all the resources we need, so I’m aiming to have the first draft by the end of the week. Let’s catch up tomorrow and review our next steps.
Best regards,
Elizabeth
11. Trigger
Used in more technical or mechanical contexts, “trigger” implies the start of a specific action.
12. Ignite
This word adds a sense of excitement and energy, especially in motivational or creative contexts.
13. Unveil
“Unveil” suggests the start of something that was previously hidden, making it great for product launches or announcements.
14. Light the fire
A more metaphorical phrase, often used in motivational speeches or contexts where passion is needed.
15. Put into effect
Often used in legal, governmental, or formal contexts, this phrase means to start something that has been planned or agreed upon.
16. Get underway
An informal but professional way to imply something is starting, often used for events, meetings, or projects.
17. Inaugurate
A very formal term, used mainly in political or ceremonial contexts.
18. Spearhead
Implies leading the start of something, often used in business or leadership contexts.
19. Set out
Suggests beginning a journey or a long-term project, perfect for personal or professional life.
20. Commence operations
Very formal and usually applied to business openings or technical systems starting.
