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
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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
-
Officials then searched the children’s home and commenced an air and ground search.—
Sam Gillette,
PEOPLE,
7 Jan. 2026
-
In 2012, whiskey production commenced at the distillery, with bottles hitting the market a few years later.—
Jonah Flicker,
Robb Report,
4 Jan. 2026
Verb
-
The year started with a four-day streak of 70-degree highs; however, Oklahoma will soon see temperatures dip a bit into the mid-50s and 60s at the start of next week, with some parts of the state expecting snow.—
Josh Kelly,
Oklahoman,
9 Jan. 2026
-
Sean Kuraly had a goal and an assist, Tanner Jeannot had two assists, and the Boston Bruins started a five-game homestand with a 4-1 win over the Calgary Flames on Thursday night.—
CBS News,
CBS News,
9 Jan. 2026
Verb
-
However, former Federal Air Marshal Peter Johnson — who founded Archway Defense, which has trained state, local and federal law enforcement in firearms for the past decade — told WCCO the street is not the place to challenge a federal agent's orders.—
WCCO Staff,
CBS News,
8 Jan. 2026
-
Brooklyn is also one of several franchises that have centralized video storage, search and distribution workflows through ScorePlay, a startup founded in France, headquartered in New York and growing in the NBA.—
Jacob Feldman,
Sportico.com,
7 Jan. 2026
Verb
-
Pruneyard Cinemas opened to a lot of fanfare in 2018, but its owners have been running uphill — and losing ground — since the COVID-19 pandemic shutdowns.—
Sal Pizarro,
Mercury News,
8 Jan. 2026
-
The business initially opened as a supply store, then added a taproom and eventually a restaurant.—
Janice Phelan,
Kansas City Star,
8 Jan. 2026
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
-
Still, the identity of an offense that amassed more regular-season yardage (6,282) than any of the previous 105 Bears teams was established up front, with a tenacious line and the kind of aggressive running game Johnson embraces.—
Dan Wiederer,
New York Times,
7 Jan. 2026
-
Although United Van Lines examined more than 100,000 moves, its customers tend to be established homeowners with families who can afford a full-service mover.—
Aldo Svaldi,
Denver Post,
6 Jan. 2026
Verb
-
Republicans have also launched a congressional investigation into the fire response.—
Brie Stimson,
FOXNews.com,
8 Jan. 2026
-
Following the tragic incident, a family friend, Ella Mackrell, launched a GoFundMe to help bring the teen’s body home, as well as cover expenses related to travel, lodging and the funeral.—
Sam Gillette,
PEOPLE,
8 Jan. 2026
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 10 Jan. 2026.
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