restart

verb

re·​start (ˌ)rē-ˈstärt How to pronounce restart (audio)
restarted; restarting; restarts
Synonyms of restartnext

transitive verb

1
: to start anew
2
: to resume (something, such as an activity) after interruption

intransitive verb

: to resume operation
restart
ˈrē-ˌstärt How to pronounce restart (audio) (ˌ)re-ˈstärt How to pronounce restart (audio)
noun
restartable
(ˌ)re-ˈstär-tə-bəl How to pronounce restart (audio)
adjective

Synonyms of restart

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Examples of restart in a Sentence

They plan to restart negotiations next week. The tournament will restart tomorrow.
Recent Examples on the Web
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.
Others are considering or in the process of restarting reactors. — Jennifer McDermott, Los Angeles Times, 16 Oct. 2026 The World Nuclear Association said restarting nuclear reactors should be celebrated, but preventing them from closing prematurely would be the best option. — ABC News, 16 Oct. 2026 In the face of this imbalance, Zelenskyy vowed to restart Ukrainian attacks, come what may. — Gerard Toal, The Conversation, 16 Oct. 2026 While the scheme was restarted in December, the former government also put a cap on the value of productions for the first half of 2026, adding to the uncertainty as producers tend to plan budgets a year ahead or more. — Lucy Handley, CNBC, 15 Oct. 2026 See All Example Sentences for restart

Word History

First Known Use

1749, in the meaning defined at transitive sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of restart was in 1749

Rhymes for restart

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Browse Nearby Words

rest area
restart
restarter
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Cite this Entry

“Restart.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/restart. Accessed 19 Oct. 2026.

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Kids Definition

restart

verb
re·​start rē-ˈstärt How to pronounce restart (audio)
1
: to start anew
restarted the car
2
a
: to resume (as an activity) after an interruption
will restart the game
b
: to resume operation
the rides will restart after one hour
restart
ˈrē-ˌstärt
noun
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