as in start
the point at which something begins
the actual beginning of the universe is still under debate, with some scientists continuing to uphold the big bang theory
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
1
as in preparatory
coming before the main part or item usually to introduce or prepare for what follows
the beginning part of the book is a portrait of Europe on the eve of the World War I
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in introductory
of or relating to the simplest facts or theories of a subject
a course in beginning geology for nonscience majors
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
1
as in commencing
to take the first step in (a process or course of action)
she began walking to work for exercise
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in starting
to come into existence
the storm began late in the day and lasted all night
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
3
as in founding
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
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to
show current usage.
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Recent Examples of beginning
Susannah Bryan, Sun Sentinel, 13 Feb. 2026
All of the stocks have traded lower since the beginning of this year.
—Liz Napolitano, CNBC, 13 Feb. 2026
Joan MacDonald, Forbes.com, 16 Sep. 2025
Now, with the injury to Sanders, Sauls to the Dolphins makes perfect sense for the beginning weeks of the season.
—Andrew Wright, MSNBC Newsweek, 25 Aug. 2025
Jeff Spry, Space.com, 14 Feb. 2026
Moore was one of Payton’s key receivers in New Orleans from 2006 to 2013, there to witness the full journey of Payton truly clicking with his scheme and with quarterback Drew Brees beginning in 2009.
—Luca Evans, Denver Post, 7 Feb. 2026
See All Example Sentences for beginning
Noun
When asked why the shade structure was not included from the beginning, Trantalis said everyone thought an open-air plaza would work.
—Susannah Bryan, Sun Sentinel, 13 Feb. 2026
All of the stocks have traded lower since the beginning of this year.
—Liz Napolitano, CNBC, 13 Feb. 2026
Adjective
A lot of the dialogue existed and the crew had the beginning demos of the songs to work with.
—Joan MacDonald, Forbes.com, 16 Sep. 2025
Now, with the injury to Sanders, Sauls to the Dolphins makes perfect sense for the beginning weeks of the season.
—Andrew Wright, MSNBC Newsweek, 25 Aug. 2025
Verb
It's got all the classic Superman mythology beginning with the Last Son of Krypton arriving to work at the Daily Planet as mild-mannered Clark Kent plus a deliciously sinister John Shea as Lex Luthor in the premiere season.
—Jeff Spry, Space.com, 14 Feb. 2026
Moore was one of Payton’s key receivers in New Orleans from 2006 to 2013, there to witness the full journey of Payton truly clicking with his scheme and with quarterback Drew Brees beginning in 2009.
—Luca Evans, Denver Post, 7 Feb. 2026
See All Example Sentences for beginning
Recent Examples of Synonyms for beginning
Noun
-
Meanwhile, Little Miss Curlin lost for the first time in five starts, coming north after cleaning out the competition in her native Louisiana.—
Bob Wisener,
Arkansas Online,
15 Feb. 2026
-
And 2026 is already off to a bloody start, with 46 killed so far, according to the group.—
Zeena Saifi,
CNN Money,
15 Feb. 2026
Adjective
-
After studying his own practice, Licklider determined that as much as 85% of his intellectual work — such as searching for data, running calculations, testing conclusions, and synthesizing information — was fundamentally preparatory for deeper, more creative efforts.—
Big Think,
Big Think,
9 Feb. 2026
-
But those who supported the proposal saw it as an opportunity to plan ahead for that possibility, signal the county's values and show solidarity with area residents who are fearful and asking for preparatory action.—
Claudia Levens,
jsonline.com,
6 Feb. 2026
Adjective
-
Register now and use coupon code EARLYBIRD for an introductory discount of 20% off.—
Sarah Jackson,
CNBC,
17 Feb. 2026
-
But until Brady finally — mercifully — took time during his introductory news conference to praise McDermott, the organization seemed to go out of its way to snub the coach who set its win percentage record.—
Tim Graham,
New York Times,
13 Feb. 2026
Verb
-
Don Lemon was arrested for covering anti-ICE protests inside a Minnesota church and is now commencing the best press tour of his life.—
Jason P. Frank,
Vulture,
3 Feb. 2026
-
In his late 20s at the time, Murdoch was commencing a staggering hot streak that would last roughly a decade.—
Elizabeth Nelson,
Pitchfork,
22 Jan. 2026
Verb
-
The players could feel the former United and Wales winger starting to move up the gears.—
Andy Mitten,
New York Times,
20 Feb. 2026
-
The 6-foot-8 power forward played just five minutes in the first game against Houston before the break, scoring on two field goal attempts and one of two free throws, but he will be counted on to back up starting center Brook Lopez.—
Janis Carr,
Oc Register,
19 Feb. 2026
Verb
-
In addition to Chervinsky, the organization’s founding team is composed of policy counsel Brad Bourque, formerly an associate at Sullivan & Cromwell, and policy director Salah Ghazzal, previously policy lead at Variant.—
Jeff John Roberts,
Fortune,
18 Feb. 2026
-
Despite being one of the league’s founding clubs, FCD is still searching for its first MLS Cup, a contrast to reigning champion Inter Miami, which lifted the trophy in just its eighth year of existence.—
Abraham Nudelstejer,
Dallas Morning News,
18 Feb. 2026
Noun
-
According to Powerball, the jackpot has been hit almost 200 times since the lottery's inception in 1992.—
Fernando Cervantes Jr,
USA Today,
17 Feb. 2026
-
From its inception, fascism has functioned less as a system of thought than as a system of action.—
Literary Hub,
Literary Hub,
17 Feb. 2026
Adjective
-
The data are preliminary and may change over time as more reports are received.—
Koko Nakajima,
CNN Money,
20 Feb. 2026
-
In January, after a six-day preliminary hearing, a Superior Court judge found there was sufficient evidence for the case against Price to go to trial.—
City News Service,
Daily News,
19 Feb. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Beginning.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/beginning. Accessed 20 Feb. 2026.
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