Definitions

begin

[bih-gin] / bɪˈgɪn /

VERB

start

Synonyms

STRONGEST

commence create do establish found go ahead go into inaugurate initiate introduce launch lead make open prepare produce set up start 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 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.

Year 3 in charge of St. John Bosco High’s offense is about to begin for quarterback Koa Malau’ulu, who will be a junior this fall.

From Los Angeles Times • May 16, 2026

But authoritarian systems rarely begin with mass arrests.

From Salon • May 16, 2026

We’ll begin this week, though, with two entries of service journalism about a couple of suspect uses of taxpayer dollars that are in the pipeline.

From Slate • May 16, 2026

Subsidiary Atomic Alchemy secured a license to begin sales from its radiochemistry laboratory in Idaho, and noted that its first isotope customer was “pending.”

From Barron's • May 15, 2026

I’d really wanted to begin this fresh start, well, fresh.

From "Glitch" by Laura Martin

begin

Example Sentences

Related Words