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.

“I’ve cried so many times with Panahi,” admits Dayani, who spoke to The Envelope about 12 hours before the United States began its attacks on Iran.

From Los Angeles Times • May 11, 2026

The hantavirus outbreak captivating the public began on the MV Hondius, an expedition-style cruise ship operated by Oceanwide Expeditions, a privately held Dutch company.

From MarketWatch • May 11, 2026

It comes after the company began testing ad-free monthly subscriptions in some global markets in 2023.

From BBC • May 11, 2026

Starting on May 7, the mission website began displaying the first unprocessed, or "raw," images showing a starfield with Mars appearing as a tiny point of light.

From Science Daily • May 11, 2026

But I was wide awake, so I noticed a random moonbeam strike the doorknob as it began to turn.

From "The Teacher’s Funeral" by Richard Peck