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.

The idea that presidential papers had some public value began to emerge in the 20th century.

From Salon • Apr. 17, 2026

Morris began her podcast in March last year, speaking to experts influencers and celebrities about their experiences with endometriosis.

From BBC • Apr. 17, 2026

He recently asked OpenAI to lead a funding round for Helion after the nuclear-fusion startup fell behind on promises of a breakthrough energy source and began to run short on cash.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 17, 2026

Detectives determined that the Tesla had been parked on Bluebird Avenue since late July, around the time D4vd began a national tour promoting his debut album “Withered.”

From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 16, 2026

It was that year of 1904, when automobiles began to burn up the rural byways.

From "The Teacher’s Funeral" by Richard Peck