outset

noun

out·​set ˈau̇t-ˌset How to pronounce outset (audio)
Synonyms of outsetnext
: beginning, start

Synonyms of outset

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Examples of outset in a Sentence

There have been problems with the project from the outset. From its very outset, the company has produced the highest quality products. He made it clear at the outset that he is not going to quit his job. She set high goals for herself at the outset of her career.
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Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
At the outset, the Israeli government was not directly involved in the transfers. — Eric Cortellessa, Time, 18 Oct. 2026 Harper takes over second half For the Spurs, everything clicked from the outset except for one component. — Jeff McDonald, San Antonio Express-News, 16 Oct. 2026 Congress swiftly approved legislation at the outset of the Russian invasion of Ukraine in spring of 2022 to ban the import of Russian energy products, which are widely viewed as providing the financial fuel for Putin's military assault on Ukraine. — Arkansas Online, 12 Oct. 2026 The firms declined a skills test at the outset, so the researchers inferred skill gains from random assignment instead of measuring before and after. — Nick Lichtenberg, Fortune, 10 Oct. 2026 See All Example Sentences for outset

Word History

First Known Use

1759, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of outset was in 1759

Rhymes for outset

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Browse Nearby Words

outsert
outset
outsetting
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Cite this Entry

“Outset.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/outset. Accessed 20 Oct. 2026.

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