began

[bih-gan] / bɪˈgæn /

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start v.
come into being; become functional v.

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.

See Examples For:

began

Fofana began his career at KAA Gent before joining the Ligue 1 side in 2024.

From BBC ● Sep. 1, 2026

After several IMF visits to Senegal to examine the country's financial situation, the IMF and the government began negotiations in mid-October for a new aid programme.

From Barron's ● Sep. 1, 2026

How he saved: Snyder saved money from various summer jobs over the years, and really worked on building up savings as soon as he got out of college and began working.

From MarketWatch ● Sep. 1, 2026

Like any good side quest, Jack Wagner’s journey into the history of the Integratron began with curiosity.

From Los Angeles Times ● Sep. 1, 2026

The mother began to protest, but the child pleaded, “It matches my shoes! I’ll wash it a hundred times!”

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