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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
  • In 2019, Ri sued her dad and his business partner, Moses Perkins, for starting a company called Fenty Entertainment, alleging that the men were attempting to profit off of her name and misleading investors about her involvement.
    Hannah Dailey, Billboard, 14 July 2025
Verb
  • His presence has allowed the KC bullpen to have established roles.
    Kansas City Star, Kansas City Star, 11 July 2025
  • Not long before the end, the daring writer-director introduces an idea that should have been established from the jump: As a child, Seti struggled with a speech impediment.
    Peter Debruge, Variety, 11 July 2025
Verb
  • This zipper lock ensures that no one can open your backpack, keeping your belongings safe and secure.
    Rosie Marder, Travel + Leisure, 20 July 2025
  • The state opened five new facilities to detain immigrants in 2019, during the first Trump administration, and vastly expanded the number of detainees during the Biden administration.
    Lauren Villagran, USA Today, 20 July 2025
Verb
  • Approximately 45 percent of the cargo ending at the Port of Los Angeles typically originates in China, thus causing such significant swings.
    Glenn Taylor, Sourcing Journal, 15 July 2025
  • These 1,100 meteorites originated as fragments flung from the surfaces of the moon and Mars during asteroid impacts before making their way to Earth after a journey through space.
    Jacopo Prisco, CNN Money, 14 July 2025
Verb
  • During the 19th century, the U.S. initiated three wars against the Seminoles in Florida.
    Daniel S. Murphree, The Orlando Sentinel, 10 July 2025
  • 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
Verb
  • Legal complications have arisen since his version of events became a hit TV show.
    Latoya Gayle, People.com, 14 July 2025
  • When tech issues arise, fingers, by default, point at the IT team.
    Noah Barsky, Forbes.com, 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 24 Jul. 2025.

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