began

[bih-gan] / bɪˈgæn /

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start v.
come into being; become functional v.

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.

See Examples For:

began

Grospiron's tenure, which began in February 2025, has been plagued by internal turmoil and logistical challenges.

From BBC ● Sep. 10, 2026

Hart began to suspect Haddish was experiencing homelessness when he noticed that her car was filled with personal belongings.

From MarketWatch ● Sep. 10, 2026

A few weeks later in a town park, a woman began pelting my family with paper.

From The Wall Street Journal ● Sep. 10, 2026

The industry leader in feel-good TV began his current winning streak with this show, and revived it based on, I don’t know, a vibe.

From Salon ● Sep. 10, 2026

“Miss ten Boom,” the officer began in excellent Dutch, “I have a few questions I believe you can help me with.”

From "The Hiding Place" by Corrie ten Boom