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
Across forty-five years, my course began that way.
—
John McPhee, New Yorker, 20 Apr. 2026
No tankers have crossed the Strait of Hormuz today, according to tracking data, making Sunday one of the quietest days in the waterway since the conflict began.
—Ivana Kottasová, CNN Money, 19 Apr. 2026
After graduating from Yale, Sophie began focusing on developing a career in nutrition and wellness.
—Katie Mannion, PEOPLE, 19 Apr. 2026
The tribute began with a pre-recorded video of 99-year-old Brooks detailing the history of comedy greats in film, including Charlie Chaplin, Harold Lloyd, Buster Keaton — all the way from silents to now — to introduce Murphy as a newer member in that esteemed club.
—Pete Hammond, Deadline, 19 Apr. 2026
The 55-hour shutdown, which began on Friday night, is scheduled to last until Monday morning in time for the commute.
—Da Lin, CBS News, 19 Apr. 2026
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
Carter’s appointment follows a search that began last August.
—Ryan MacAsero, The Mercury News, 28 Jan. 2025
John McPhee, New Yorker, 20 Apr. 2026
No tankers have crossed the Strait of Hormuz today, according to tracking data, making Sunday one of the quietest days in the waterway since the conflict began.
—Ivana Kottasová, CNN Money, 19 Apr. 2026
After graduating from Yale, Sophie began focusing on developing a career in nutrition and wellness.
—Katie Mannion, PEOPLE, 19 Apr. 2026
The tribute began with a pre-recorded video of 99-year-old Brooks detailing the history of comedy greats in film, including Charlie Chaplin, Harold Lloyd, Buster Keaton — all the way from silents to now — to introduce Murphy as a newer member in that esteemed club.
—Pete Hammond, Deadline, 19 Apr. 2026
The 55-hour shutdown, which began on Friday night, is scheduled to last until Monday morning in time for the commute.
—Da Lin, CBS News, 19 Apr. 2026
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
Carter’s appointment follows a search that began last August.
—Ryan MacAsero, The Mercury News, 28 Jan. 2025
Recent Examples of Synonyms for began
Verb
-
Netflix also shared other casting info as the shoot commenced.—
Stewart Clarke,
Deadline,
16 Apr. 2026
-
Additionally, a barely visible scar on her forehead was left from falling asleep in the well as drilling commenced.—
Jordana Comiter,
PEOPLE,
14 Apr. 2026
Verb
-
Power-play push The Lightning started the game 0 for 3 on the power play, running their woeful man-advantage run to 1 for 35 over the past 12 games.—
Eduardo Encina,
The Orlando Sentinel,
20 Apr. 2026
-
Clinton has only started two WSL games and missed this camp through injury.—
Megan Feringa,
New York Times,
20 Apr. 2026
Verb
-
Satirical news outlet The Onion has inked another deal for InfoWars, the website founded by right-wing conspiracist Alex Jones who was sued into bankruptcy several years ago by families of the victims of the Sandy Hook massacre.—
Jill Goldsmith,
Deadline,
20 Apr. 2026
-
Fermi was co-founded by former Energy Secretary Rick Perry to supply power to AI data center projects.—
Christina Cheddar Berk,Davis Giangiulio,
CNBC,
20 Apr. 2026
Verb
-
Crochet opened the fifth at 60 pitches and got two quick strikeouts before leadoff man Jahmai Jones’ solo homer gave Detroit a 2-1 lead.—
Jen McCaffrey,
New York Times,
20 Apr. 2026
-
This is not the first time Denver Book Society owner Rich Garvin has been involved in a disagreement over the new store’s name – a book swap organization started in 2022 called the Denver Book Swap Society also shared concerns about the similar names before Garvin’s store opened in February.—
Katie Langford,
Denver Post,
19 Apr. 2026
Verb
-
Meat raffles originated during World War II as a response to wartime rationing in the United Kingdom.—
ABC News,
ABC News,
15 Apr. 2026
-
The advertisement posited Levi’s as a throughline of American culture, a common uniform originated by western working men but shared by modern blue-collar workers, musicians and adventurers, the picture of American authenticity.—
Jack Armstrong,
USA Today,
15 Apr. 2026
Verb
-
First established in Mexico back in the 1920s, Dia del Nino is normally celebrated with festivities, gifts and activities.—
David Sharos,
Chicago Tribune,
20 Apr. 2026
-
What began with an arms embargo during the Cuban Revolution in 1958 was broadened into a full trade and travel embargo after Fidel Castro established his communist government.—
The Week US,
TheWeek,
20 Apr. 2026
Verb
-
With the Sun's fusion reactions slowing down, the Icarus II is launched to deliver a bomb with a mass equivalent to Manhattan Island, in the hope of reigniting the star before the Earth turns into a giant ice cube.—
Richard Edwards,
Space.com,
19 Apr. 2026
-
This batch of Starlinks included the 3000th launched in 2025.—
Richard Tribou,
The Orlando Sentinel,
19 Apr. 2026
Verb
-
More opposition arose from Protect Point Loma, a grassroots organization that formed last year, primarily in opposition to the Rosecrans development.—
Regina Elling,
San Diego Union-Tribune,
10 Apr. 2026
-
During the alleged incident, police said Hooker's children had been visiting him and a dispute arose over the children being taught creationism while being homeschooled, according to a police report.—
Chris Spargo,
PEOPLE,
10 Apr. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Began.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/began. Accessed 22 Apr. 2026.
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