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.

Female wasps began aggressively competing for dominance, and the colony's normal social structure quickly unraveled.

From Science Daily • May 26, 2026

The Italian, 24, began his bid for the career Grand Slam with a 6-1 6-3 6-4 victory against world number 171 Tabur.

From BBC • May 26, 2026

Colbert began his late-night talk series in 2015, succeeding David Letterman.

From Los Angeles Times • May 26, 2026

While energy stocks have benefited from higher oil and natural-gas prices since the Iran war began, pipelines tend to be somewhat insulated from price swings because they often operate on long-term contracts with producers,

From Barron's • May 26, 2026

Others around the sides took up the idea and in a while blessed whiffs of outside air began to circle about us.

From "The Hiding Place" by Corrie ten Boom