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.

Its product road map requires it to “build a base on the moon,” “harness the sun to power a truth-seeking artificial intelligence” and “reach beyond Earth’s cradle and begin to inhabit other worlds.”

From The Wall Street Journal • May 24, 2026

Scientists have long believed that this kind of pain may begin when mitochondria, the tiny structures that produce energy inside cells, stop working properly in damaged nerves.

From Science Daily • May 24, 2026

Sunday's race will begin at 21:00 BST, with possible rain forecast.

From BBC • May 23, 2026

“The oil shock’s effect on prices may dissipate soon, in which case raising rates may only begin to bite after inflation has started coming back down,” Waller noted.

From MarketWatch • May 23, 2026

It was clear Specimen considered Jeremy's banishment from the contest fair punishment for getting the class in trouble to begin with.

From "Jeremy Thatcher, Dragon Hatcher" by Bruce Coville

begin

Example Sentences

Related Words