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.

During the forced closure, however, the team began to rethink its future.

From Los Angeles Times • May 20, 2026

The players' campaign, which began in late 2025, is being spearheaded by former WTA chairman and chief executive Larry Scott.

From BBC • May 20, 2026

These prices have almost always been in steady decline since the government began keeping track in the late 1990s.

From MarketWatch • May 20, 2026

Since the war with Iran began nearly three months ago, Pakistan has hosted U.S.-Iran peace talks and emerged as the conflict’s most important mediator.

From The Wall Street Journal • May 20, 2026

Here and there in the parks and along the canals trees began to disappear as people cut them down to heat cookstoves and fireplaces.

From "The Hiding Place" by Corrie ten Boom