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.

The final hearing has been scheduled to begin Feb. 8, after the end of the college football season.

From Los Angeles Times • Jun. 10, 2026

OpenAI on Monday confidentially filed paperwork for its IPO and is reportedly targeting to raise more than $60 billion, but the company said it had not determined when it would begin listing on public markets.

From MarketWatch • Jun. 10, 2026

The stadium workers’ new contract, if signed, is set to expire in April 2028, teeing up another potential fight before the Summer Olympics begin in Los Angeles.

From The Wall Street Journal • Jun. 9, 2026

The Security Council deliberations are expected to begin in late July, before a General Assembly vote in the following months.

From Barron's • Jun. 9, 2026

As he did, he noticed Mr. Kravitz's hand begin to twitch.

From "Jeremy Thatcher, Dragon Hatcher" by Bruce Coville

begin

Example Sentences

Related Words