Definitions

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.

By rapidly distributing footage of troops entering the fortress, the military echoed a famous 1982 image showing then-defence minister Ariel Sharon and prime minister Menahem Begin at the same spot.

From Barron's • Jun. 2, 2026

Begin with Magic Johnson and Billie Jean King, part of the group that owns the Dodgers and Sparks.

From Los Angeles Times • May 27, 2026

Begin with Kewpie mayonnaise — richer, silkier, faintly sweet, and unapologetically egg-forward.

From Salon • Apr. 14, 2026

Appeared in the April 10, 2026, print edition as 'Israel To Begin Direct Talks With Lebanon'.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 10, 2026

Begin by learning the song and performing it in unison.

From "Music and the Child" by Natalie Sarrazin

begin

Example Sentences

Related Words