began

[bih-gan] / bɪˈgæn /

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start v.
come into being; become functional v.

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.

See Examples For:

began

The program began in 2015 and Ledbetter explained it exists both to serve science and educate the public -- but also to rebuild the ecosystem "one coral at a time."

From Barron's ● Sep. 10, 2026

In 2022, Charles Stilwell began chatting with a user on Facebook Messenger who went by the name Amity Zhang and told him about a supposed crypto investment pool run by her uncle.

From The Wall Street Journal ● Sep. 10, 2026

Hart began to suspect Haddish was experiencing homelessness when he noticed that her car was filled with personal belongings.

From MarketWatch ● Sep. 10, 2026

The space doubled as a studio, and there he began his “Rain Paintings,” which would make him an overnight art sensation.

From Los Angeles Times ● Sep. 10, 2026

I turned from the window and began running along the side of the building, chest hurting me as I breathed.

From "The Hiding Place" by Corrie ten Boom