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.

Their share prices have rocketed up, reflecting the advantage they gained after bombs began to fall in the Middle East and Iran blocked the Strait of Hormuz.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 5, 2026

The export restrictions and price drop mean that the Spanish pork industry as a whole has already lost more than €600m since the crisis began, according to Unión de Uniones, a farmers' organisation.

From BBC • Apr. 5, 2026

Yet, more than five weeks after joint U.S. and Israeli strikes began, the president has struggled to identify a clear endgame to the conflict.

From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 5, 2026

It began, as so many things do for me these days, on Letterboxd.

From Salon • Apr. 5, 2026

Clare began to pace, his cloak billowing up behind him each time he swiveled to retrace his steps.

From "The Undead Fox of Deadwood Forest" by Aubrey Hartman