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.

Alphabet’s custom tensor processing units also gave the company an AI advantage in 2025, as the company began a strategic shift of deploying its custom silicon for customer use.

From MarketWatch

In response, Ubisoft shut down its R6 servers and began to work on a "roll back" - essentially rewinding the clock so any purchases made prior to Saturday could be undone.

From BBC

They added that the fire began on the ground floor of the property and that there were not believed to be any suspicious circumstances surrounding the cause.

From BBC

She also said the discovery of another had the potential to increase understanding about how the first coinage was produced and how it began to be used in Scotland.

From BBC

Many had been here since 2011, when civil war began devouring their country.

From BBC