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.
This pattern ultimately helped the organization issue alerts when eruptions were likely to occur, which was especially useful because there were no clear seismic signals immediately before fountains restarted. — John Timmer, ArsTechnica, 9 Oct. 2026 Written instructions for cleansing, sun avoidance, sunscreen use, exercise, swimming, and restarting active skin-care products. — Malana Vantyler, Miami Herald, 6 Oct. 2026 The Houthis launched one of their biggest attacks since hostilities restarted on Thursday, attacking across at least 20 locations. — Brady Knox, The Washington Examiner, 4 Oct. 2026 Efforts to restart commercial production of nuclear power elsewhere in the country have been repeatedly stalled by technical problems and cost overruns. — John Moritz, Hartford Courant, 4 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 14 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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