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.

Rumors began swirling that Batula and Wilson were casually dating in early March, with fans reporting that they saw the pair holding hands in New York City.

From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 3, 2026

The former set the tone with unflappable correctness while his partner was more aggressive, and quick to punish bowling which began to err in line as the partnership grew.

From BBC • Apr. 3, 2026

Seated on the reviewing stand at the Place de la Concorde, Trump grew animated as the aircraft began flying overhead, clapping and leaning toward Macron and his wife to point at the sky.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 3, 2026

Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni began a surprise visit to Saudi Arabia as part of a Gulf tour to boost "national energy security", a government source said.

From Barron's • Apr. 3, 2026

As he spoke, the distant colored lights began glowing in turn.

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