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.

A senior administration official told The Times that Saturday’s mission began with a deception campaign launched by the CIA to throw off Iran’s military.

From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 5, 2026

People in Brenchley, Matfield, Pembury, Lamberhurst and surrounding villages began having issues on Thursday morning due to the fault on a key main from Bewl Water Treatment Works, in East Sussex.

From BBC • Apr. 5, 2026

In 2022, Axon Enterprise began work on Taser-equipped drone systems to address mass shootings, but the company later scrapped its plans after its ethics advisory board objected to the project.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 5, 2026

It began, as so many things do for me these days, on Letterboxd.

From Salon • Apr. 5, 2026

Betsie began to sniff and sneeze, and Father decided that she must not sit behind the cashier’s table where the shop door let in the raw winter air.

From "The Hiding Place" by Corrie ten Boom