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.

Under his leadership, what began as the $100 million Templeton Emerging Markets Fund blossomed into the firm’s sprawling Emerging Markets Group, which focused on the world’s developing economies.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 15, 2026

Since bargaining began in January 2024, Hansen said UC has substantially increased its offers for pay raises and added a $1,000 contract ratification bonus.

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 S&P 500 is up 1.3% since the conflict began.

From Barron's • Apr. 15, 2026

“There is no sense in pretending,” I began.

From "The Hiding Place" by Corrie ten Boom