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
Satellite television brought a plethora of choice into the living room, Western brands began to appear in shops and, for a burgeoning middle class, the definition of success was suddenly rewritten.
—
Rhea Mogul, CNN Money, 9 Nov. 2025
Rayo began 2023-24 well under Iraola’s successor Francisco Rodriguez but then started to falter.
—Dermot Corrigan, New York Times, 9 Nov. 2025
Earlier this year, Goodwin began to feel pain shooting down from her shoulder, most likely a consequence of repetitive computer work.
—Rachel Monroe, New Yorker, 8 Nov. 2025
After the Herald began reporting on the A3 Foundation, Levine Cava called for an audit of the charity, and Miami-Dade commissioners voted to divert a yearly A3 Foundation allocation in a county contract to Miami-Dade’s Parks Foundation instead.
—Douglas Hanks, Miami Herald, 8 Nov. 2025
Many Federal Aviation Administration facilities are so critically short on controllers that just a few absences can cause disruptions, and Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy has said that more air traffic controllers have been calling in sick since the shutdown began.
—Preston Fore, Fortune, 25 Oct. 2025
What began as a simple tile project has evolved into a full-time career as a DIY enthusiast.
—Kathy Barnes, Better Homes & Gardens, 25 Oct. 2025
Bloom reveals the pair hit it off straight away, and that he was especially charmed by how Barrymore, who began acting at only 11 months old, made an effort to connect with all of the kids on set, too.
—EW.com, 28 Jan. 2025
Despite being a commoner, Harald broke his father’s rule and began dating Sonja, but Olav ordered Harald to cut off contact with her once he was made aware of their relationship.
—Rachel Burchfield, People.com, 28 Jan. 2025
Rhea Mogul, CNN Money, 9 Nov. 2025
Rayo began 2023-24 well under Iraola’s successor Francisco Rodriguez but then started to falter.
—Dermot Corrigan, New York Times, 9 Nov. 2025
Earlier this year, Goodwin began to feel pain shooting down from her shoulder, most likely a consequence of repetitive computer work.
—Rachel Monroe, New Yorker, 8 Nov. 2025
After the Herald began reporting on the A3 Foundation, Levine Cava called for an audit of the charity, and Miami-Dade commissioners voted to divert a yearly A3 Foundation allocation in a county contract to Miami-Dade’s Parks Foundation instead.
—Douglas Hanks, Miami Herald, 8 Nov. 2025
Many Federal Aviation Administration facilities are so critically short on controllers that just a few absences can cause disruptions, and Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy has said that more air traffic controllers have been calling in sick since the shutdown began.
—Preston Fore, Fortune, 25 Oct. 2025
What began as a simple tile project has evolved into a full-time career as a DIY enthusiast.
—Kathy Barnes, Better Homes & Gardens, 25 Oct. 2025
Bloom reveals the pair hit it off straight away, and that he was especially charmed by how Barrymore, who began acting at only 11 months old, made an effort to connect with all of the kids on set, too.
—EW.com, 28 Jan. 2025
Despite being a commoner, Harald broke his father’s rule and began dating Sonja, but Olav ordered Harald to cut off contact with her once he was made aware of their relationship.
—Rachel Burchfield, People.com, 28 Jan. 2025
Recent Examples of Synonyms for began
Verb
-
And so, shortly after his startling, spirit-lifting victory in the primary last spring, the gentle flood of inquiries commenced.—
Literary Hub,
Literary Hub,
7 Nov. 2025
-
Though their time on DWTS commenced nearly two decades ago, Julianne, who joined a season before Derek, remembered their playful competitiveness stirring up even further back.—
Ryan Coleman,
Entertainment Weekly,
5 Nov. 2025
Verb
-
The initial symptoms began in early 2024, when Farrington, 45, started to experience dreadful night sweats.—
Alyce Collins,
MSNBC Newsweek,
6 Nov. 2025
-
Pandemic deals gave way to record rents, and evictions started up again.—
Clio Chang,
Curbed,
5 Nov. 2025
Verb
-
About 1,000 people attended an event Monday night by Turning Point USA, the group Kirk founded, at the university’s Zellerbach Hall, UC Berkeley spokesman Dan Mogulof said.—
Sharon Bernstein,
Sacbee.com,
12 Nov. 2025
-
He’s collaborated with the company since it was founded in 2022.—
Todd Spangler,
Variety,
11 Nov. 2025
Verb
-
In an email on May 7, 2025, Covington expressed interest in a battalion chief position that had just opened, according to the lawsuit.—
Caroline Zimmerman,
Kansas City Star,
12 Nov. 2025
-
In Carmichael, employees at Hammerhead Games have opened a free in-store food closet that’s drawn steady traffic since launching a week ago.—
Cathie Anderson,
Sacbee.com,
12 Nov. 2025
Verb
-
The fire is thought to have originated from natural causes.—
CA WILDFIRE BOT,
Sacbee.com,
8 Nov. 2025
-
The data doesn’t make clear exactly where the money in Korf and Laber’s accounts originated.—
Miami Herald,
Miami Herald,
7 Nov. 2025
Verb
-
Several federal and state agencies offer wildland fire training, with standards established by the multi-agency National Wildfire Coordinating Group.—
Gidget Fuentes,
USA Today,
10 Nov. 2025
-
The Sherry Lansing Leadership Award recognizes trailblazers and philanthropists in entertainment and media and was established in honor of Sherry Lansing, the first woman to head a Hollywood studio (Lansing is the former CEO of Paramount Pictures).—
THR Staff,
HollywoodReporter,
10 Nov. 2025
Verb
-
The country star, who has partnerships with Wrangler and The Jewelry Group, launched her own boot brand this year with industry veteran Michael Petry on board as creative director.—
Jaden Thompson,
Footwear News,
11 Nov. 2025
-
The Commerce Department launched its investigation in August 2024 after two American pasta companies asked for a review of Italian exporters, alleging unfair pricing.—
Reia Li,
AZCentral.com,
11 Nov. 2025
Verb
-
Typically coming out in the fall, the publication arose in a time when sophisticated weather forecasting — and even automobiles — didn't exist.—
Keith Matheny,
Freep.com,
7 Nov. 2025
-
Related Stories The announcement of a farewell tour brings at least some clarity to the future of the group, after confusion arose amid statements ade on social media in early October by Neal Schon.—
Chris Willman,
Variety,
6 Nov. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Began.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/began. Accessed 1 Dec. 2025.
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