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 unrest began in December 2018, when Bashir introduced austerity measures to address a deepening economic crisis.

From BBC • Apr. 18, 2026

Other trimmed holdings in the quarter were Constellation Brands and Pool—a sign that they could have been Combs holdings that Berkshire began to sell after he left an investment role for JP Morgan.

From Barron's • Apr. 18, 2026

The melting occurred during the Holocene, the relatively stable climate period that began 11,000 years ago and continues today.

From Science Daily • 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

The terrible silence undid me, and I began to babble in the night.

From "The Teacher’s Funeral" by Richard Peck