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Synonym Chooser

How is the word begin different from other verbs like it?

Some common synonyms of begin are commence, inaugurate, initiate, start, and usher in. While all these words mean "to take the first step in a course, process, or operation," begin, start, and commence are often interchangeable, with begin, opposed to end, being the most general.

begin a trip
began dancing

How is commence related to other words for begin?

Commence can be more formal or bookish than begin or start.

commence firing
commenced a conversation

When could inaugurate be used to replace begin?

The words inaugurate and begin are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, inaugurate suggests a beginning of some formality or notion of significance.

the discovery of penicillin inaugurated a new era in medicine

When would initiate be a good substitute for begin?

While the synonyms initiate and begin are close in meaning, initiate implies taking a first step in a process or series that is to continue.

initiated diplomatic contacts

Where would start be a reasonable alternative to begin?

The synonyms start and begin are sometimes interchangeable, but start, opposed to stop, applies especially to first actions, steps, or stages.

the work started slowly

How are the words usher in and inaugurate related as synonyms of begin?

Usher in is somewhat less weighty than inaugurate.

ushered in a period of economic decline

Example Sentences

Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Recent Examples of begin The previous agreement, which began in 2015 and runs until 2027, marked Juventus’ departure from Nike. Jessica Hopkins, New York Times, 19 June 2025 The storm, which is set to begin Saturday afternoon and last through Sunday morning, is expected to produce significant snowfall above 6,000 feet and as much as 4 inches in valley areas. Martha McHardy, MSNBC Newsweek, 19 June 2025 The Israeli military says more than 400 rockets and hundreds of drones have been launched at Israeli territory since the conflict began. Rebecca Rosman, NPR, 19 June 2025 Entering the homestretch, Journalism poked his head in front as Rodriguez began to fall back. John Cherwa, Los Angeles Times, 7 June 2025 See All Example Sentences for begin
Recent Examples of Synonyms for begin
Verb
  • The Carabao Cup will begin in mid-August, with Premier League teams not playing in Europe entering in the second round, which starts in the week commencing August 25, and the remaining seven clubs receiving a bye to the third round, which takes place in the weeks commencing September 15 and 22.
    Jessica Hopkins, New York Times, 18 June 2025
  • These delays at the ISA, in turn, have frustrated corporate actors, like The Metals Company (TMC), which are keen to commence commercial-scale operations in international waters.
    Time, Time, 17 June 2025
Verb
  • Iran had been in negotiations with the US for about two months, but called them off after Israel started bombing its territory.
    Sara Braun, Fortune, 22 June 2025
  • As per Sarah Langs of MLB.com, his 11 hitless innings to start his career broke the MLB record for a starting pitcher.
    Daniel R. Epstein, Forbes.com, 21 June 2025
Verb
  • In order to establish a market rate for Orlik’s work, Ford proposed an exhibition at a friend’s gallery, in London.
    Sam Knight, New Yorker, 17 June 2025
  • The nonprofit James Beard Foundation was established in 1986, shortly after chef and TV personality James Beard’s death.
    Marnie Hunter, CNN Money, 17 June 2025
Verb
  • The offshore yuan was little changed on the news and China’s equity futures were yet to open.
    Danny Bakst, Fortune, 27 June 2025
  • Ikea also plans to open 58 new stores globally during fiscal year 2025 ending in August, with its first outlet in Seoul — fifth in South Korea — up and running since April.
    Anniek Bao, CNBC, 26 June 2025
Verb
  • Ali attended Loughborough University, and originates from Ipswich.
    Ali Rampling, New York Times, 22 June 2025
  • One claims that the area’s name originates from the love story between the demigod Hercules and a nymph named Amalfi.
    Laura Itzkowitz, Travel + Leisure, 21 June 2025
Verb
  • The water initiates a chemical reaction that lasts about six hours.
    Tim Carter, Hartford Courant, 28 June 2025
  • Mamdani, a democratic socialist, shocked political observers Tuesday by leading New York Gov. Andrew Cuomo by 7 points before New York even began initiating the ranked choice calculations, drawing a concession from Cuomo and declaring victory himself.
    Tara Suter, The Hill, 26 June 2025
Verb
  • Suddenly Flips First, in diversity of citizenship cases (as here), the federal courts will apply their own procedural rules but they are also required to apply the substantive rules of the state from where the action arises.
    Jay Adkisson, Forbes.com, 21 June 2025
  • Russia has also welcomed the golden share, which again arose during a domestic privatization drive.
    Cecilia Hult, Fortune, 20 June 2025
Verb
  • Enslaved Black people were banned from reading and writing and even those who had their freedom couldn't always access formal schooling, so African Americans began founding colleges of their own.
    Deborah Barfield Berry, USA Today, 20 June 2025
  • Walmart, headquartered in Bentonville, founded the festival with inclusion in mind.
    Matthew Carey, Deadline, 20 June 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Begin.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/begin. Accessed 1 Jul. 2025.

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