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Synonym Chooser

How is the word begin different from other verbs like it?

Some common synonyms of begin are commence, inaugurate, initiate, start, and usher in. While all these words mean "to take the first step in a course, process, or operation," begin, start, and commence are often interchangeable, with begin, opposed to end, being the most general.

begin a trip
began dancing

How is commence related to other words for begin?

Commence can be more formal or bookish than begin or start.

commence firing
commenced a conversation

When could inaugurate be used to replace begin?

The words inaugurate and begin are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, inaugurate suggests a beginning of some formality or notion of significance.

the discovery of penicillin inaugurated a new era in medicine

When would initiate be a good substitute for begin?

While the synonyms initiate and begin are close in meaning, initiate implies taking a first step in a process or series that is to continue.

initiated diplomatic contacts

Where would start be a reasonable alternative to begin?

The synonyms start and begin are sometimes interchangeable, but start, opposed to stop, applies especially to first actions, steps, or stages.

the work started slowly

How are the words usher in and inaugurate related as synonyms of begin?

Usher in is somewhat less weighty than inaugurate.

ushered in a period of economic decline

Example Sentences

Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Recent Examples of begin The rounds have already been codified under NATO standards, signaling Ukraine’s intent to begin large-scale production. Vikram Mittal, Forbes.com, 13 July 2025 When the second half begins the Red Sox (53-45) will sit just one game back of the Yankees for the top spot in the AL Wild Card standings. Mac Cerullo, Boston Herald, 13 July 2025 Observe and report to armed security Scott Keller, who in December took on the role of the Plaza’s general manager, said the new ownership group began working to improve security soon after the Plaza was purchased. Kansas City Star, 13 July 2025 Tim Hortons began as a single location in Canada in 1964. Andy Humbles, The Tennessean, 13 July 2025 See All Example Sentences for begin
Recent Examples of Synonyms for begin
Verb
  • Search efforts continued through about 1 a.m. Thursday and commenced at first light.
    Greg Wehner, FOXNews.com, 11 July 2025
  • While Merck has built a solid pipeline and commenced new product launches, the timeline remains tight and the revenue gap significant.
    Trefis Team, Forbes.com, 11 July 2025
Verb
  • He’s set to start the All-Star Game in right field on Tuesday night.
    Ryan Gaydos, FOXNews.com, 15 July 2025
  • Morejón took over for Pivetta with a runner on first base and struck out Kyle Schwarber to end the seventh inning and got Trea Turner on a line drive to center field to start the eighth.
    Kevin Acee, San Diego Union-Tribune, 14 July 2025
Verb
  • The main character of an upcoming DC Universe movie, Kara is the extraterrestrial cousin to Superman, rightful owner of the wily super-dog Krypto — and, as the Man of Steel and his robot friend Four (voiced by Alan Tudyk) establish, a party animal.
    Jack Smart, People.com, 11 July 2025
  • His presence has allowed the KC bullpen to have established roles.
    Kansas City Star, Kansas City Star, 11 July 2025
Verb
  • Also in San José’s city center is the Mercado Central, a market that originally opened in 1880 and today stretches more than the length of a full city block.
    AFAR Media, AFAR Media, 8 July 2025
  • Since then, other doors have opened for Blankenship, as well.
    Pam Windsor, Forbes.com, 8 July 2025
Verb
  • Indeed, part of the name Pontianak may originate in the pohon tinggi, or tall trees, that serve as her lair.
    H.M.A. Leow, JSTOR Daily, 5 July 2025
  • Fallon Tallent killed two Wilson County police officers during a police pursuit that originated in Knoxville, but how to prove intent was at the heart of the 2004 trial.
    Andy Humbles, The Tennessean, 4 July 2025
Verb
  • Autonomous Decision Making Agents can initiate nudges, recommend remediation or enroll users into adaptive coaching paths without needing admin intervention—saving time and scaling response. 4.
    Uzair Ahmed, Forbes.com, 10 July 2025
  • During the 19th century, the U.S. initiated three wars against the Seminoles in Florida.
    Daniel S. Murphree, The Orlando Sentinel, 10 July 2025
Verb
  • When tech issues arise, fingers, by default, point at the IT team.
    Noah Barsky, Forbes.com, 14 July 2025
  • Often problems arise from short-term pollution, which can happen during heavy rainfall that washes waste from sewage plants into the water.
    Katie Nadworny, Travel + Leisure, 14 July 2025
Verb
  • And even Silicon Valley founded companies believe that Europe has a big role to play.
    Sandy Carter, Forbes.com, 14 July 2025
  • The American Colonization Society (ACS), founded in 1819, reached its zenith of support by the 1850s.
    Time, Time, 14 July 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Begin.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/begin. Accessed 18 Jul. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on begin

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