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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

Examples of begin in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web Low clouds lace across the surrounding mountains, which have begun their descent into rust from the deep greens of summer. Will Carless, USA TODAY, 28 Oct. 2024 Construction began over the summer with an opening set for early 2025. Matthew Glowicki, The Courier-Journal, 28 Oct. 2024 In November, Israeli jets began dropping leaflets, warning the residents of Khan Younis to evacuate. Dorothy Wickenden, The New Yorker, 28 Oct. 2024 The flu season typically begins in the fall, typically in October, according to the Cleveland Clinic. Jenna Prestininzi, Detroit Free Press, 28 Oct. 2024 See all Example Sentences for begin 

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'begin.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Thesaurus Entries Near begin

Cite this Entry

“Begin.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/begin. Accessed 31 Oct. 2024.

More from Merriam-Webster on begin

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