upstart
3 synonyms and 0 antonyms for upstart, grouped by meaning and by how common each one is.
Noun — Someone who has suddenly risen to wealth, power, or status and hasn't yet earned proper social acceptance, or who acts arrogant about it.
Synonyms
Rare, literary or technical
Precise, but they will stand out — check the sense before using one.
How to use upstart
The word patterns that sound natural to a native speaker.
Etymology
From Middle English upstarten, "to spring up" — built from up + start, since an upstart seems to appear suddenly from nowhere.
Full origin of upstart →Frequently asked questions
What does “upstart” mean?
The word “upstart” means someone who has suddenly risen to wealth, power, or status and hasn't yet earned proper social acceptance, or who acts arrogant about it. In plain terms, someone (or something) that has risen fast and hasn't earned respect for it yet — often used with a dismissive edge.
How do you pronounce “upstart”?
“Upstart” is pronounced UHP-staht (/ˈʌp.stɑɹt/ in IPA).
How do you use “upstart” in a sentence?
Here is “upstart” used in a sentence: “The old partners resented the young upstart who took over the firm.”
What is another word for “upstart”?
Words with a similar meaning to “upstart” include arriviste, nouveau riche and parvenu.
What part of speech is “upstart”?
Depending on how it is used, “upstart” can be a noun and an adjective.
Where does the word “upstart” come from?
The word “upstart” comes from Middle English. From Middle English upstarten, "to spring up" — built from up + start, since an upstart seems to appear suddenly from nowhere.
How many meanings does “upstart” have?
“Upstart” has 2 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: someone who has suddenly risen to wealth, power, or status and hasn't yet earned proper social acceptance, or who acts arrogant about it.