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.

Her designer, Abasswoman, told the BBC the design process began in November 2025 and was only completed two days before the ceremony.

From BBC • May 10, 2026

Some fruits and vegetables were getting cheaper when the war began; those items might see little to no price increase.

From The Wall Street Journal • May 10, 2026

Passengers began disembarking the ship Sunday in the Canary Islands.

From Los Angeles Times • May 10, 2026

But 16 year old Owen Cooper, who won best supporting actor for his role as young teen Jamie Miller, still remembers where it all began.

From BBC • May 10, 2026

After a while answers began to filter back.

From "The Hiding Place" by Corrie ten Boom