Meaning & use
onset
The beginning or first appearance of something, especially something unwelcome, such as an illness or a difficult period.
See it in a sentence
Doctors say early treatment right after the onset of symptoms can prevent complications.
The onset of winter forced the crew to pause construction until spring.
A note on using this word
Onset most often describes the start of something negative or challenging, such as a disease, storm, or crisis, rather than a neutral beginning.
Words with a similar meaning
Choose a synonym to suit the sentence. Meanings can overlap without being identical.
Words with an opposite meaning
endconclusion
Make it your own
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