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.

It’s finally awards time for high school baseball and softball as school ends and summer workouts begin.

From Los Angeles Times • Jun. 11, 2026

"Any transport delay can risk ruining the batch. If it takes longer than 24 hours, the internal sugars begin to rot and ferment unpredictably, destroying the delicate flavour profile needed for premium spirits," says Dhariwal.

From BBC • Jun. 11, 2026

It would be nice to see them begin to extricate the church from the federal leviathan.

From The Wall Street Journal • Jun. 11, 2026

The “outsized pullback in shares” from those worries make for “a more interesting setup emerging as once-lofty optical premiums begin to look more palatable to investors,” Chatterjee said in his Thursday note.

From MarketWatch • Jun. 11, 2026

When his list was complete, he should begin pointing to each number in turn.

From "American Spirits" by Barb Rosenstock

begin

Example Sentences

Related Words