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 crisis began when the Orange County Fire Authority responded to reports of a hazardous materials incident at GKN Aerospace on Western Avenue in Garden Grove.

From Los Angeles Times • May 24, 2026

McLaren's race began to unravel even before the action got under way.

From BBC • May 24, 2026

Lebanese authorities recently began landmark direct talks with Israel under US auspices, and are preparing for a fourth round in early June, preceded by a meeting between military delegations at the Pentagon on May 29.

From Barron's • May 24, 2026

While the speech began in standard ceremonial form, it repeatedly shifted into unscripted commentary about the cadets themselves, including their physical appearance and fitness.

From Salon • May 24, 2026

And once they began singing they did not seem to want to stop.

From "An Elephant in the Garden" by Michael Morpurgo