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.

See Examples For:

begins

It is only a matter of time before the ICC begins making good on these threats.

From The Wall Street Journal ● Jul. 13, 2026

Their findings suggest that decision making begins much earlier in the brain than traditional theories propose, offering fresh ideas for designing future AI systems that are more capable and far more energy efficient.

From Science Daily ● Jul. 13, 2026

The story of Knight's era begins and ends at Lord's, both against India.

From BBC ● Jul. 12, 2026

Corporate earnings season begins again in earnest this week, starting with the big banks and followed up later by major tech companies.

From MarketWatch ● Jul. 12, 2026

“I didn’t—” Theo begins, but it’s clear my father doesn’t mean to allow him to get a word in edgewise.

From "The Brightwood Code" by Monica Hesse