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.

Researchers reviewed up to three years of health records after participants began taking either a GLP-1 receptor agonist, most commonly semaglutide, liraglutide, or dulaglutide, or an SGLT2 inhibitor, another type of diabetes medication.

From Science Daily • Jun. 3, 2026

The tariff decision comes after the US began an investigation in March into the 60 trading partners, which comprise 99.4% of US imports, over the forced labour concerns.

From BBC • Jun. 3, 2026

Plumes of black smoke blanketed swaths of the city center as international guests began arriving for the first day of the St. Petersburg Economic Forum, where Putin is expected to deliver a speech on Friday.

From The Wall Street Journal • Jun. 3, 2026

The current base began forming after a bearish dark cloud cover candle on April 21 and developed shortly after a breakout from a short cup-base pattern.

From Barron's • Jun. 2, 2026

It was hours before the train gave a sudden lurch and began to move.

From "The Hiding Place" by Corrie ten Boom