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Definitions

begin

[bih-gin] / bɪˈgɪn /
VERB
start
Synonyms
STRONGEST
commence create do establish found go ahead go into inaugurate initiate introduce launch lead make open prepare produce set up start 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 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.

When ABC pulled the plug on the new season of “The Bachelorette,” its cast of suitors saw their 15 minutes of fame seemingly evaporate before it could begin.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 3, 2026

Welsh-born writer and executive producer Barry said: "Old Town Murders is more than a crime drama; at its heart, it's about friendship, reinvention and the courage to begin again later in life."

From BBC • Apr. 3, 2026

Against a backdrop of blooming cherry blossoms, a group of geishas elegantly shuffle onto a stage in Japan's Kyoto city to begin a centuries-old performance celebrating the arrival of spring.

From Barron's • Apr. 3, 2026

The only way that would change is if the economy sputtered and layoffs begin to surge, analysts say.

From MarketWatch • Apr. 3, 2026

“You had no right,” I begin, getting more worked up as the train rumbles away from the tracks.

From "The Brightwood Code" by Monica Hesse

From Roget's 21st Century Thesaurus, Third Edition Copyright © 2013 by the Philip Lief Group.