Showing Results for "began"

began

[bih-gan] / bɪˈgæn /

VERB

start

Synonyms

STRONGEST

commence create do establish found go ahead go into inaugurate initiate introduce launch lead make open prepare produce set up undertake

STRONG

activate actualize cause drive effect eventuate generate impel induce instigate institute motivate mount occasion originate trigger

WEAK

break ground break the ice bring about bring to pass embark on enter on enter upon get going give birth to give impulse lay foundation for make active plunge into set about set in motion

Antonyms

STRONGEST

cease close conclude destroy end fail finish halt ignore lose neglect ruin stop

STRONG

check discourage dissuade prevent repress

WEAK

complete consummate die

VERB

come into being; become functional

Synonyms

STRONGEST

appear come out commence emerge enter happen occur rise set start take off

STRONG

arise bud dawn emanate germinate originate sail spring sprout

WEAK

be born come forth come into existence crop up derive from get going get show on road get under way grow out of issue forth kick off make tick proceed from result from send off stem from

Antonyms

STRONGEST

complete disappear end finish hide leave stop

STRONG

die shrink

WEAK

conclude consummate

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

Appeared in the January 22, 2026, print edition as 'In Ominous Sign for Regime, Iran’s Protests Began in Conservative Stronghold'.

From The Wall Street Journal • Jan. 22, 2026

A gifted student, Kilmer co-wrote and made his stage debut in How It All Began, a play based on the life of a German radical, at the Public Theatre.

From BBC • Apr. 2, 2025

"Began to outline Michael and the Talamasca. I fear that the male character is saving me," Rice writes.

From Salon • Jan. 9, 2023

Began in 1974, when players with two or more seasons of major league service were eligible.

From Seattle Times • Dec. 3, 2021

Began to roll and complain like a peevish world on a grumble.

From "Their Eyes Were Watching God" by Zora Neale Hurston