begins

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.

But as the holiday begins to unravel, Two Weeks in August gradually weaves in Greek mythology increasing the group's tense dynamic.

From BBC • May 16, 2026

Although the findings are still early and were observed in animal models, they point to an intriguing possibility: mitochondria may not simply break down after brain disease begins.

From Science Daily • May 16, 2026

Thus begins their quest down a blood-red road into their father’s heart of darkness, which takes them from what seems to be the Deep South to the Western desert.

From Los Angeles Times • May 15, 2026

In “Deadwood,” the finest monologue, Mr. Jackman plays a tree surgeon who begins a relationship with one of his clients, Katie.

From The Wall Street Journal • May 14, 2026

I still have $250 to make before he even begins.

From "The Wrong Way Home" by Kate O’Shaughnessy