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.

The MV Hondius's voyage began on April 1 in Ushuaia, Argentina, taking in some remote islands in the South Atlantic Ocean before steaming north to Cape Verde.

From Barron's • May 18, 2026

In return, state officials stepped up workforce-development grants and began funneling millions of dollars to SAU Tech.

From The Wall Street Journal • May 17, 2026

Around 12:30 p.m., people began gathering at Bixby Park, where the city had planned its own free event called “Canceled? Never Heard of Her!”

From Los Angeles Times • May 17, 2026

Hearts began the day one point in front and took the lead through a Lawrence Shankland header.

From BBC • May 17, 2026

When the Gestapo came to the barn where the woman was hidden, not the baby but the mother began to shriek with hysteria.

From "The Hiding Place" by Corrie ten Boom