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 civil case began when the U.S. federal government alleged Live Nation used its clout to engage in a variety of anti-competitive practices, including preventing venues from using multiple ticket sellers.

From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 15, 2026

Morton began working in the 1970s in London and Scotland and he built a long and varied career on stage and screen.

From BBC • Apr. 15, 2026

The nation’s biggest banks this week painted a reassuring picture of the U.S. economy, saying consumers are still spending despite surging gas prices since the Iran war began.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 15, 2026

Even as the war in Iran has seemed to de-escalate since a ceasefire began last week, we’ve recently witnessed just how out of hand things could possibly still get.

From Slate • Apr. 15, 2026

To these strains us mourners began to troop down for a final farewell to Miss Myrt, starting from the rear.

From "The Teacher’s Funeral" by Richard Peck