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.

Scherer added that the evidence points to skulls becoming stronger before the arms began shrinking.

From Science Daily • May 20, 2026

The deadly Ebola outbreak raging in central Africa probably began several months ago, the World Health Organization said Wednesday, deeming the risk high in the region but low worldwide.

From Barron's • May 20, 2026

The following year, he began working as an instructor in the dance studio of Billy Pierce, a talent agent who found employment for black dancers.

From The Wall Street Journal • May 20, 2026

Shavies claimed she hadn’t given the retailer permission to text her and hadn’t purchased an item from the brand in the 18 months before the texts began.

From Los Angeles Times • May 20, 2026

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

From "The Teacher’s Funeral" by Richard Peck