1
as in to commence
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 to start
to come into existence
the storm began late in the day and lasted all night
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
3
as in to establish
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
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
Since this World Cup began, how many people have learned about Cape Verde, the small nation off the west coast of Africa?
—
Tim Rohan,
NBC news,
4 July 2026
School board member Kelly Gonez persuaded her colleagues to begin exploring it in 2019.
—
Melissa Gomez,
Los Angeles Times,
4 July 2026
But the quartet made the bet on their team well before the World Cup began.
—
Pete Grathoff,
Kansas City Star,
4 July 2026
Their love story began in July 2023 when Kelce attended Swift's Eras Tour at the Chiefs' Arrowhead Stadium.
—
Yamillah Hurtado,
PEOPLE,
4 July 2026
See All Example Sentences for begin
Tim Rohan,
NBC news,
4 July 2026
School board member Kelly Gonez persuaded her colleagues to begin exploring it in 2019.
—
Melissa Gomez,
Los Angeles Times,
4 July 2026
But the quartet made the bet on their team well before the World Cup began.
—
Pete Grathoff,
Kansas City Star,
4 July 2026
Their love story began in July 2023 when Kelce attended Swift's Eras Tour at the Chiefs' Arrowhead Stadium.
—
Yamillah Hurtado,
PEOPLE,
4 July 2026
See All Example Sentences for begin
Recent Examples of Synonyms for begin
Verb
-
Carlson, whose rights Anaheim traded to Carolina four days before the free agent signing period commenced, joins a defense corps that includes Victor Hedman, who is one year younger and has played five more career regular season games.
-
Early-stage discussions of regulation have also commenced in Brazil, Canada, China, Ecuador, Ghana, India, Peru, Norway, the United Kingdom and the remainder of the European Union.
Verb
-
Available cruises on Legend currently start at $773 per person based on double occupancy, including taxes and fees, according to Royal Caribbean’s website.
-
El Niño is expected to prolong an existing unrelated marine heat wave that would otherwise typically start fading between October and December, scientists say.
Verb
-
Lawyers on both sides have urged the high court to establish a clear right to a verbatim record in civil hearings.
-
Last December, the city of Miami approved an ordinance sponsored by Commissioner Damian Pardo establishing an overnight anchoring limitation area within portions of Biscayne Bay.
Verb
-
The mosque opened to the public on Saturday for a farewell ceremony.
-
The Braves, fresh off three consecutive series losses, opened this four-game set with a 5-3 win on Friday at Truist Park.
Verb
-
The species, which originated in Africa and continues to spread throughout Sacramento and Yolo counties, can carry dengue, Zika, yellow fever and chikungunya, diseases that can be life-threatening to humans.
-
Many common surnames, such as Carpenter or Baker, originated from occupations passed down through generations, reflecting how closely people’s identities were tied to their work.
Verb
-
Investigators preliminarily determined many of the animals died from gunshot wounds, and the shelter has initiated legal action to recover remaining dogs.
-
Moreover, goalkeepers are evolving into playmakers, initiating attacks from the back rather than just clearing, effectively acting as an additional outfield player.
Verb
-
Many issues will arise, and an HITL is a critical and necessary step in the AI coding process.
-
While saying goodbye to its original Idaho store may have been difficult, married owners Ashley Ferguson and David Aboud previously told the Idaho Statesman that the move came after issues arose with the property owner.
Verb
-
America, whose Constitution was formulated by white men, struggled to live up to its founding ideals in the days of slavery and displacement of Native Americans.
-
Dioz was co-founded by Johnny, 44, and his brother Tony in 2006.
Cite this Entry
“Begin.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/begin. Accessed 7 Jul. 2026.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
