1
as in commenced
to take the first step in (a process or course of action)
she began walking to work for exercise
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in started
to come into existence
the storm began late in the day and lasted all night
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
3
as in founded
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
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Recent Examples of began
Many began seeking alternatives outside the traditional system, and policymakers—particularly in Republican-leaning states—intensified efforts to expand school choice programs.
—
Preston Fore, Fortune, 28 Sep. 2025
Then, just as her career began to crest, the Oscar-winning actress took a step back from acting at the age of 26 and married Prince Rainier III of Monaco in 1956.
—Mark Gray, PEOPLE, 27 Sep. 2025
The ruling ends litigation that began six years ago when two NHL players, Kyle Palmieri and Scott Wilson; one former MLB player, Jeff Francoeur; and the NHLPA, NFLPA and MLBPA sued Pittsburgh.
—Robert Raiola, Sportico.com, 27 Sep. 2025
From the start of the Cuban exile, the station also offered the earliest Spanish-language programs, and welcomed broadcaster Manolo Reyes (1924–2008), who began hosting a 15-minute newscast, News En Español, in 1960.
—Sarah Moreno, Miami Herald, 27 Sep. 2025
Jim and Stephanie Tilton’s journey to creating their dream home began with a rock and a view.
—David Caraccio, Sacbee.com, 27 Sep. 2025
And so, in this sense of self-scrutiny and recrimination, began another week in the world of Manchester United.
—Mark Critchley, New York Times, 21 Sep. 2025
Gabriel has been Cleveland's QB2 since before the year began and has taken the only snaps Flacco hasn't taken through two games, which came in garbage time in a blowout loss to the Baltimore Ravens last Sunday.
—Max Dible, MSNBC Newsweek, 21 Sep. 2025
After just 32 to 45 days in space, HSPCs began showing signs of premature aging.
—Pranjal Malewar, New Atlas, 20 Sep. 2025
Preston Fore, Fortune, 28 Sep. 2025
Then, just as her career began to crest, the Oscar-winning actress took a step back from acting at the age of 26 and married Prince Rainier III of Monaco in 1956.
—Mark Gray, PEOPLE, 27 Sep. 2025
The ruling ends litigation that began six years ago when two NHL players, Kyle Palmieri and Scott Wilson; one former MLB player, Jeff Francoeur; and the NHLPA, NFLPA and MLBPA sued Pittsburgh.
—Robert Raiola, Sportico.com, 27 Sep. 2025
From the start of the Cuban exile, the station also offered the earliest Spanish-language programs, and welcomed broadcaster Manolo Reyes (1924–2008), who began hosting a 15-minute newscast, News En Español, in 1960.
—Sarah Moreno, Miami Herald, 27 Sep. 2025
Jim and Stephanie Tilton’s journey to creating their dream home began with a rock and a view.
—David Caraccio, Sacbee.com, 27 Sep. 2025
And so, in this sense of self-scrutiny and recrimination, began another week in the world of Manchester United.
—Mark Critchley, New York Times, 21 Sep. 2025
Gabriel has been Cleveland's QB2 since before the year began and has taken the only snaps Flacco hasn't taken through two games, which came in garbage time in a blowout loss to the Baltimore Ravens last Sunday.
—Max Dible, MSNBC Newsweek, 21 Sep. 2025
After just 32 to 45 days in space, HSPCs began showing signs of premature aging.
—Pranjal Malewar, New Atlas, 20 Sep. 2025
Recent Examples of Synonyms for began
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
-
After the close call, the Nouvelair flight commenced a go-around and landed safely 16 minutes later, per FlightRadar24.—
Colson Thayer,
PEOPLE,
23 Sep. 2025
Verb
-
Tell us about when this album first started taking shape.—
Christian Allaire,
Vogue,
25 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
-
Electric Era, which was founded by SpaceX engineers, is ready to release its next product, one that is designed to address energy storage management and charging power demand concerns.—
Eileen Falkenberg-Hull,
MSNBC Newsweek,
1 Oct. 2025
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Now, Stern, who co-founded Apple Fitness+ and previously oversaw Ford's subscription services, aims to upgrade Peloton's products in an effort to match its wide range of class types with its hardware.—
Gabrielle Fonrouge,
CNBC,
1 Oct. 2025
Verb
-
On a patch of public land north of Ramona earlier this month, Angela Hernandez-Cusick watched with a group of wildlife experts as the door to each cub’s carrier was opened.—
Karen Kucher,
San Diego Union-Tribune,
30 Sep. 2025
-
The Justice Department opened a civil rights investigation into Des Moines Public Schools (DMPS) over its employment practices, the agency said in a news release Tuesday.—
Michelle Watson,
CNN Money,
30 Sep. 2025
Verb
-
Beyond the Gates on Thursday killed off Doug McBride, the character originated by Jason Graham.—
Lynette Rice,
Deadline,
26 Sep. 2025
-
Arabic numerals originated in India, Chinese checkers are German, white chocolate isn’t chocolate at all.—
Richard Brody,
New Yorker,
26 Sep. 2025
Verb
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The majority, 69%, live in the West, predominantly in Utah, near where the church's global headquarters was established in Salt Lake City in the mid-19th century.—
Andrea May Sahouri,
Freep.com,
29 Sep. 2025
-
Since windows are already installed when seat configurations are established, they can’t be adjusted, and misalignments happen.—
Iona Brannon,
Travel + Leisure,
29 Sep. 2025
Verb
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The initiative was launched following the death of Katie Abraham, a 20-year-old Illinois College student killed in a hit-and-run.—
Billal Rahman,
MSNBC Newsweek,
1 Oct. 2025
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Earlier this year, the firm appointed former CIA Director Petraeus, who joined KKR in 2013, as chair of its Middle East operations and launched a dedicated investment team led by Julian Barratt-Due.—
Emma Graham,
CNBC,
1 Oct. 2025
Verb
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The concept of the BLA arose because of the political, social, and economic oppression of black people in this country.—
DeMicia Inman,
VIBE.com,
26 Sep. 2025
-
The opportunity arose when he was asked to create a key photo and logo for the film’s promotion.—
Mark Gray,
PEOPLE,
26 Sep. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Began.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/began. Accessed 1 Oct. 2025.
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