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.

Passengers began disembarking the ship Sunday in the Canary Islands.

From Los Angeles Times • May 10, 2026

West Ham celebrated, Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta turned away with his head in his hands fearing a vital win had slipped through their fingers with only seconds left - then the protests began.

From BBC • May 10, 2026

On the day Chance turned 18, Rupert began “hounding” him to apply to the pipe fitter’s union.

From The Wall Street Journal • May 10, 2026

But all passengers are asymptomatic and underwent a final medical assessment before their disembarkation, Garcia told reporters on Tenerife shortly before the operation began.

From Barron's • May 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