What does "outset" mean?

An onset; the beginning or initial stage of something.

What is a synonym for "outset"?

Common synonyms include: beginning, start, a, alpha, alphabet, be off.

/ˈaʊtsɛt/ noun, verb

noun, verb ·Moderate ·College level

Noun

1
An onset; the beginning or initial stage of something.
"He agreed and understood from the outset, so don't bother explaining again."
2
the time at which something is supposed to begin wordnet

Verb

1
To cause (a design element) to extend around the outside of something else, the opposite of being inset. Internet, transitive

"The meeting was held as intended at the outset."

Etymology 1

From out- + set, replacing earlier outsetting.

Etymology 2

From out- + set.