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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.

The school may, for example, begin allowing tenured professors to take longer leaves to work on companies.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 4, 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

US President Donald Trump asked Congress on Friday for $152 million to begin rebuilding the notorious Alcatraz prison, pressing ahead with his vision to return the former island lockup to active use.

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

She didn’t say anything, but she rocked him back and forth in the way he liked, and after a moment Bat felt the sting of his tears begin to fade.

From "A Boy Called Bat" by Elana K. Arnold

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