begins

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.

"Our new study begins to provide a mechanistic explanation for a phenomenon widely seen during aging, which is increased aggregation and dysfunction in the processes that make proteins."

From Science Daily • May 29, 2026

When the story begins, Daphne has a chance encounter with a man she hadn’t seen since she was 9.

From The Wall Street Journal • May 29, 2026

Running all day on Saturday and Sunday, the festival begins on Friday night with two films focusing on the Black experience, starting at 7:30 p.m. with the Ossie Davis-directed “Black Girl” with screenwriter J.E.

From Los Angeles Times • May 28, 2026

Sinner suggested he will not play again before he begins his Wimbledon title defence on 28 June as he "recovers completely and mentally".

From BBC • May 28, 2026

And as soon as she begins talking, I wish I’d never asked.

From "The Wrong Way Home" by Kate O’Shaughnessy