1
2
3

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 Wilson's Aces continue their romp through the WNBA playoffs with a semifinal matchup that begins Sunday against the Indiana Fever. Russell Lewis, NPR, 21 Sep. 2025 Uncomfortable decisions may need to begin surrounding the future of Hall as the feature back in New York. Andrew Wright, MSNBC Newsweek, 21 Sep. 2025 Cook, stirring constantly, until thickened and begins to bubble. Karla Walsh, Better Homes & Gardens, 21 Sep. 2025 The black-tie gala, which began three years ago, has become a popular event in the city, like the Detroit Auto Show’s annual charity preview. Leah Olajide, Freep.com, 21 Sep. 2025 See All Example Sentences for begin
Recent Examples of Synonyms for begin
Verb
  • In December 2023, San Diego commenced its analysis of what’s known as the Midway Rising Specific Plan as a supplement to the environmental work completed in 2018 for the Midway-Pacific Highway Community Plan.
    Jennifer Van Grove, San Diego Union-Tribune, 23 Sep. 2025
  • This year's bracket, which consists of 11 bears, was revealed on Monday, with voting set to commence on Tuesday at noon ET, according to the competition's website.
    Megan Forrester, ABC News, 23 Sep. 2025
Verb
  • Mortgage rates barely budged to start this week, according to a separate survey from Mortgage News Daily, as there were no major economic reports to influence the bond market.
    Diana Olick, CNBC, 24 Sep. 2025
  • When the monologue started, Kimmel walked out to a standing ovation from his live audience.
    Christopher Tremoglie, The Washington Examiner, 24 Sep. 2025
Verb
  • Baby Boomers experienced more traditional career models, while Gen Z is still in the early stage of establishing financial security and could feel limited in taking such breaks.
    Aliss Higham, MSNBC Newsweek, 20 Sep. 2025
  • With the goal of being a resource for both emerging and established creative talent, the 2,000 square-foot space will soon introduce educational initiatives and mentorship opportunities led by filmmakers hoping to inspire the next generation of storytellers.
    Natalie Oganesyan, Deadline, 20 Sep. 2025
Verb
  • One point is needed to open each door between rooms, and some rooms have multi-point penalties just for entering.
    Kayti Burt, Time, 26 Sep. 2025
  • This is a woman who can’t open the refrigerator without having a panic attack.
    Brian Moylan, Vulture, 26 Sep. 2025
Verb
  • Though the majority of cases are linked to a large outbreak that originated in West Texas, other outbreaks and cases have arisen from community transmission or during travel in other states.
    Thao Nguyen, USA Today, 25 Sep. 2025
  • Core emotions originate in the subcortical part of the brain, not in areas under our conscious control.
    CNN Money, CNN Money, 25 Sep. 2025
Verb
  • On the other hand, human pioneers utilizing AI can initiate the process of relocating mining and industry off the planet, and, working together, enable us to expand the domain of life.
    Rick Tumlinson, Space.com, 25 Sep. 2025
  • Patients must initiate the process within 120 days of receiving the bill, and the bill may not be sent to a collection agency while under review.
    Katheryn Houghton, Miami Herald, 25 Sep. 2025
Verb
  • Though the majority of cases are linked to a large outbreak that originated in West Texas, other outbreaks and cases have arisen from community transmission or during travel in other states.
    Thao Nguyen, USA Today, 25 Sep. 2025
  • However, signs of trouble for the stock market near term are arising under the surface .
    Fred Imbert, CNBC, 24 Sep. 2025
Verb
  • Denver has already landed its first founding partner, CommonSpirit Health, which also secured naming rights for the club’s performance center.
    Asli Pelit, New York Times, 24 Sep. 2025
  • This year the honor roll student founded The Curious Kid Collective, a community initiative that promotes literacy and creative exploration for children through storytelling and art, and was a recipient of the Fashion Scholarship Fund’s Virgil Abloh Post-Modern scholarship.
    Anna Moeslein, Glamour, 23 Sep. 2025

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Begin.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/begin. Accessed 27 Sep. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on begin

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!