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Definitions

beginning

[bih-gin-ing] / bɪˈgɪn ɪŋ /
NOUN
start of an event or action
Synonyms
STRONGEST
birth creation dawn inauguration inception introduction onset opening outset starting point top
STRONG
alpha basis blastoff commencement dawning genesis induction infancy initiation installation kickoff opener origin origination preface prelude presentation rise root rudiment source spring takeoff threshold
WEAK
day one point of departure square one
Antonyms
STRONGEST
conclusion death end ending finish
STRONG
close completion effect epilogue finale result termination
WEAK
consummation goal outcome
NOUN
origin, cause
Synonyms
STRONGEST
birth heart
STRONG
antecedent conception egg embryo font fount fountain fountainhead generation genesis germ principle resource root seed stem well
Antonyms
STRONG
end
WEAK
completion conclusion consummation ending finish goal outcome result termination

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.

Such walkouts frequently have a beginning and end date, but Local 99’s strike would be open-ended — which means school would be indefinitely closed by the three-union solidarity walkout.

From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 13, 2026

Meanwhile, the pain is beginning to be felt in the American economy.

From Barron's • Apr. 13, 2026

I worked for Bill Buckley, beginning in the late 1980s, as National Review’s Washington bureau chief.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 13, 2026

"It marks the beginning of a significant and exciting new phase for the project and the people of Ynys Môn," he added.

From BBC • Apr. 13, 2026

I was beginning to worry when he rocketed out from under a fence ahead of us and down the lane, barking his head off.

From "The Teacher’s Funeral" by Richard Peck

Vocabulary lists containing beginning

Commonly Misspelled Words, List 3

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Common Core Grade 6, List 3

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Common Core Grade 5, List 3

Want to remember this word for good? Start your learning journey today with our library of interactive, themed word lists built by the experts at Vocabulary.com – we'll help you make the most of your study time!