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.

On phone calls, and in person, the families of the dead girls began to meet to share their grief and swap notes.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 18, 2026

The discord began at a time when bitterness about Spain’s colonial legacy had largely receded, and many Mexicans celebrate their mixed European and Indigenous heritage.

From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 18, 2026

Born into a bohemian family of artists in Normandy in 1948, she began her career as a dancer before turning to acting.

From BBC • Apr. 18, 2026

When he returned to the U.S. in the early 1880s, Woods settled in Cincinnati, an industrial metropolis, and began inventing in earnest.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 18, 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