outset

noun

ˈau̇t-ˌset How to pronounce outset (audio)
Definition of outsetnext
as in beginning
the point at which something begins I wish you'd mentioned this problem at the outset

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

Example Sentences

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.
Recent Examples of outset Troubles from the start The groundbreaking attraction, which Six Flags has sunk millions of dollars into, was plagued with problems from the outset. — Blake Ellis, CNN Money, 27 Aug. 2026 Alex’s internationally renowned Sustainable Change Program addresses this by drawing on the expertise of a full multidisciplinary team of health professionals from the outset. — Nia Bowers, USA Today, 25 Aug. 2026 From the outset, the group has been asking for donations to its meme coin on the Solana blockchain, prompting some critics to dub the whole operation a scam. — Michael Kan, PC Magazine, 24 Aug. 2026 Starting the election calendar in South Carolina is intended in part to give Black voters a greater voice at the outset of the nominating process. — ABC News, 23 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for outset
Recent Examples of Synonyms for outset
  1. beginning
  2. start
  3. inception
  4. onset
  5. commencement
Noun
  • The question that matters most A famous name should be the beginning of the conversation, not the end of it.
    — Jason St. Angelo, USA Today, 1 Sep. 2026
  • The new findings indicate that last year’s increases were a momentary surge, rather than the beginning of a positive trend.
    — Carly Thomas, HollywoodReporter, 1 Sep. 2026
Definition of beginning
Noun
  • To stay in the chase, the Twins desperately need collective performances such as Sunday’s when Zebby Matthews provided a dominant start and the lineup pieced together enough offense to avoid a sweep at the hands of Chicago.
    — Dan Hayes, New York Times, 31 Aug. 2026
  • In 2024, when Malik Nabers’ first-round selection changed the depth chart, Slayton memorably caught only 10 total passes for 122 yards in the Giants’ first four games during a 1-3 start.
    — Pat Leonard, New York Daily News, 31 Aug. 2026
Definition of start
Noun
  • After each meeting, a colleague would ask if there had been any progress citing the days, months and finally years since the committee’s inception.
    — Barry M. Bloom, Forbes.com, 30 Aug. 2026
  • The Milford Public Library serves both village and township residents and maintains special collections on autism, genealogy and the Civil War, as well as microfilmed editions of the Milford Times dating to the newspaper’s inception.
    — Brendel Clark, Freep.com, 29 Aug. 2026
Definition of inception
Noun
  • At the onset of summer season the airport similarly saw a decline in its passenger forecast amid rising energy prices.
    — DJ Simmons, Charlotte Observer, 2 Sep. 2026
  • At its onset, the school president had asked people to embrace those within their proximity.
    — Sam McDowell, Kansas City Star, 30 Aug. 2026
Definition of onset
Noun
  • With the acclaim came the awards, the invitations to give commencement speeches, the honorary degrees, the chance to perform before thousands of fans at big-time sports events.
    — Corky Siemaszko, NBC news, 25 Aug. 2026
  • In a 1991 commencement speech at Georgia Tech, Brian Dyson told students to imagine life as a game of juggling five balls — work, family, health, friends and spirit.
    — Amy Wenk, AJC.com, 24 Aug. 2026
Definition of commencement

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Cite this Entry

“Outset.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/outset. Accessed 4 Sep. 2026.

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