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.

“It all began with, if you want to know the truth, Greenland,” he said of his threat to leave NATO.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 14, 2026

In March this year, the US Archives began to make its records available online.

From BBC • Apr. 14, 2026

Expectations of any major breakthroughs were low, with Hezbollah's leader Naim Qassem calling for the talks to be scrapped before they even began, describing them as "futile".

From Barron's • Apr. 14, 2026

The company’s stock is down 12% since it began trading in early January, although it has risen 49% from its all-time low in early February, following a period of technical selling.

From MarketWatch • Apr. 14, 2026

To his bewilderment, they ascended farther still, at least five or six flights above the roofline, and Clare began to wonder if Hesterfowl was toying with him.

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