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.

Last year, Shein began offering other fashion brands access to its manufacturing network in China.

From Los Angeles Times • May 19, 2026

A document in the files describes how she began to co-operate with the FBI that year in its investigation.

From BBC • May 19, 2026

He began his professional career in Mango in 2005 after studying audiovisual communication in the United States and business in Spain.

From Barron's • May 19, 2026

“We found that no grooms were really being catered to whatsoever,” said Fletcher Kasell, half of the fashion label Tanner Fletcher, a New York brand that began offering more options for grooms three years ago.

From The Wall Street Journal • May 19, 2026

“When I was a girl—” Tante Jans began.

From "The Hiding Place" by Corrie ten Boom