Definitions

break ground

VERB

begin

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 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

break the ice

Synonyms

WEAK

be friendly and talkative cut the first turf get one's feet wet lay the first stone lead off lead the way make a start oil the works open the way pave the way set at ease smooth the path socialize start start the ball rolling take the plunge

VERB

plow

Synonyms

STRONGEST

bulldoze cultivate rake reap shove smash

STRONG

break farm furrow harrow harvest list push ridge rush till trench turn

WEAK

turn over

Antonyms

STRONG

hide plant

WEAK

fill

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 company plans to break ground on a sprawling $1-billion campus near the Long Beach Airport by midyear.

From Los Angeles Times • Mar. 12, 2026

This year, Prologis expects to break ground on between $4 billion and $5 billion in new developments, with data centers accounting for approximately 40% of the projected value.

From The Wall Street Journal • Feb. 4, 2026

Family members loaned Thang four glittering one-luong bars -- a standard Vietnamese unit equivalent to 1.2 troy ounces -- to break ground on his house in 2022.

From Barron's • Jan. 30, 2026

Lawmakers know that most of these sites break ground long before the public even hears about them.

From Salon • Dec. 28, 2025

Foremole and his team knew all there was to know about the diggings: depth, approximate dimensions, the placement of shoring, even where the first rat’s head was likely to break ground.

From "Redwall" by Brian Jacques

break ground

Example Sentences

Related Words