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.

Disney began selling simple souvenir popcorn pails in the 1990s and in 2010 introduced a 3D container modeled after Micky Mouse.

From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 6, 2026

Beginning in June, Reid joined clergy from several Episcopal churches on Chicago’s North Side who began gathering weekly at Federal Plaza downtown to pray.

From Salon • Apr. 6, 2026

But her father wasn’t in the picture, and her mother, Linda Gandy, told the Fort Worth Star-Telegram that Cynthia’s life began a “downward spiral” after the family moved to a different neighborhood.

From Slate • Apr. 6, 2026

Iraq meanwhile began telling customers to start sending their oil-loading plans after it said it received Iranian permission to use the strait, according to Reuters and Bloomberg reports.

From MarketWatch • Apr. 6, 2026

“When I was a girl—” Tante Jans began.

From "The Hiding Place" by Corrie ten Boom