begin

[bih-gin] / bɪˈgɪn /

VERB

start

Synonyms

STRONGEST

commence create do establish found go ahead go into inaugurate initiate introduce launch lead make open prepare produce set up start 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 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.

Workers at the world's top memory chipmaker had been due to begin a strike on Thursday after talks over bonuses failed, raising concerns that production of crucial semiconductor chips could be hit.

From Barron's • May 20, 2026

Any meaningful change, she added, would have to begin there.

From Los Angeles Times • May 19, 2026

Better to begin before then so Israel can wean itself off on its own terms.

From The Wall Street Journal • May 19, 2026

The new first minister is then expected to begin the process of appointing his cabinet.

From BBC • May 19, 2026

“Edda?” the voice asks for a third time as I finally begin to settle enough to process what is happening.

From "The Brightwood Code" by Monica Hesse

begin

Example Sentences

Related Words