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.

Recall that the 2022 bear market began the next month.

From MarketWatch • May 26, 2026

This embezzlement case has been hanging over the SNP like a toxic cloud since the police investigation began five years ago.

From BBC • May 25, 2026

At one point, the tank began to bulge, prompting fears among emergency workers of a potential BLEVE.

From Los Angeles Times • May 25, 2026

The crisis began late last week when authorities detected a leak in the tank, and subsequently a crack, though they did not say if the two were related.

From Barron's • May 25, 2026

Once she had finished drinking, she began sloshing her trunk about, and splashing me with icy water, which I did not appreciate at all.

From "An Elephant in the Garden" by Michael Morpurgo