1
as in to commence
to take the first step in (a process or course of action)
she began walking to work for exercise
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in to start
to come into existence
the storm began late in the day and lasted all night
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
3
as in to establish
to be responsible for the creation and early operation or use of
the religious sect was begun by a small breakaway faction
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of begin
The 3-1 deficit proved too much for the Dodgers to surmount — ending a day that had begun with so much optimism around Ohtani’s two-way talents with a dud of a performance and frustrating series loss in Queens.
—
Jack Harris, Los Angeles Times, 26 May 2025
In Afghanistan, a war that began after 9/11, 2,465 American lives were lost, and half that many allied troops in the campaign to oust Al Qaeda.
—New York Daily News Editorial Board, New York Daily News, 26 May 2025
Jennifer Donahue, a spokesperson for Massachusetts state courts, confirmed day 15 of the trial is set to begin at 9 a.m.
—Christopher Cann, USA Today, 15 May 2025
After an ear-splitting sound, the wind began to calm.
—Gwen Rockwood, Arkansas Online, 15 May 2025
See All Example Sentences for begin
Jack Harris, Los Angeles Times, 26 May 2025
In Afghanistan, a war that began after 9/11, 2,465 American lives were lost, and half that many allied troops in the campaign to oust Al Qaeda.
—New York Daily News Editorial Board, New York Daily News, 26 May 2025
Jennifer Donahue, a spokesperson for Massachusetts state courts, confirmed day 15 of the trial is set to begin at 9 a.m.
—Christopher Cann, USA Today, 15 May 2025
After an ear-splitting sound, the wind began to calm.
—Gwen Rockwood, Arkansas Online, 15 May 2025
See All Example Sentences for begin
Recent Examples of Synonyms for begin
Verb
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The finding suggested that commencing metformin after a diagnosis of type 2 diabetes was associated with a better chance of living longer, compared to commencing sulfonylurea.—
New Atlas,
New Atlas,
24 May 2025
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Soon Chiefs running back Isiah Pacheco arrived at his one-day event, and the cone drills and photos commenced.—
Blair Kerkhoff,
Kansas City Star,
24 May 2025
Verb
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Donald Trump‘s recent unhinged tirades against Bruce Springsteen have inadvertently started to shape the coolest supergroup imaginable.—
Larisha Paul,
Rolling Stone,
28 May 2025
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Then, about 30 minutes after launch, Ship started to tumble, which was the result of a leak in Ship's fuel-tank systems, according to Huot.—
Mike Wall,
Space.com,
28 May 2025
Verb
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Along with Cepeda, Jenkins established the boutique production company Resurgent Pictures in 2022.—
Steven J. Horowitz,
Variety,
24 May 2025
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On the ground floor there is also a window display dedicated to its signature web motif in green/red/green and in blue/red/blue established in the mid-1950s.—
Luisa Zargani,
Footwear News,
24 May 2025
Verb
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The bill, aimed at rectifying inequality in land ownership left over from South Africa's racial apartheid system, opens pathways for the government to seize private land for public use – sometimes without compensation.—
Bart Jansen,
USA Today,
22 May 2025
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Mikayla instructs them to close their eyes, take a bite, then open them.—
Angela Andaloro,
People.com,
21 May 2025
Verb
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The species, which originates from West Africa, typically stands about 3 feet tall and can weigh up to 600 pounds.—
Caleb Lunetta,
San Diego Union-Tribune,
29 May 2025
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While the phrase originated during Trump’s first presidential campaign in 2016, TDS has become an increasingly popular diagnosis Trump and his supporters like to give his critics.—
Miranda Jeyaretnam,
Time,
29 May 2025
Verb
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Casas said that any such accusations would still require further investigation, but that such information could potentially initiate probable cause.—
Garrett Shanley,
Miami Herald,
23 May 2025
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Three months into a boycott initiated in response to Target’s decision to roll back its diversity, equity, and inclusion efforts, the retailer has reported a decline in sales and profits.—
Timeka Tounsel,
Forbes.com,
23 May 2025
Verb
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However, with a strategic approach and dedication, opportunities will arise.—
Jay Garcia,
Forbes.com,
28 May 2025
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Over time, writing arose in multiple locations in Asia and Africa.—
Sam Kean,
The Atlantic,
26 May 2025
Verb
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To help catalyze this vision, Mani founded Jagriti Yatra in 2008.—
Robert C. Wolcott,
Forbes.com,
27 May 2025
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The 34-year-old founded Thirsty Dumpling, which sells do-it-yourself dumpling making kits.—
Ernestine Siu,
CNBC,
27 May 2025
Cite this Entry
“Begin.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/begin. Accessed 2 Jun. 2025.
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