Definition of beginnext
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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 firestorm began with allegations made by Lindsey Hill. Alejandro Avila Outkick, FOXNews.com, 23 June 2026 Hydroplaning occurs when a vehicle begins to slide uncontrollably on wet roads. Nc Weather Bot, Charlotte Observer, 23 June 2026 Since the war with Iran began, a series of truces have failed to maintain peace in Lebanon. Rhea Mogul, CNN Money, 23 June 2026 Most of that quarter pre-dated the Iran war, which began on Feb. 28. Manal Albarakati, semafor.com, 10 June 2026 See All Example Sentences for begin
Recent Examples of Synonyms for begin
Verb
  • Coben, 64, thought that production couldn't commence until the crowds were cleared out, which seemed impossible to him.
    Ralphie Aversa, USA Today, 25 June 2026
  • The weekend celebrated Italian summer and yachting, commencing with the opening of a new Riva Lounge and a welcome from CEO Stassi Anastassov.
    Bill Springer, Forbes.com, 25 June 2026
Verb
  • In order to keep the necessities, like Bear Valley Community Hospital, online, BVES shut power off to businesses and homes starting Friday morning for several hours.
    Dean Fioresi, CBS News, 27 June 2026
  • The first baseman started the scoring in the first frame, lining an RBI single before adding a 418-foot solo homer in the third inning.
    Gary Phillips, New York Daily News, 27 June 2026
Verb
  • Trump earlier in June signed an executive order on AI oversight that established a framework for the federal government to vet the national security risks of the most advanced AI systems for up to 30 days before their public release.
    Arkansas Online, Arkansas Online, 27 June 2026
  • Local cherries are more likely to be suited to your specific climate and growing conditions, which increases the chances of successfully establishing a healthy tree.
    SJ McShane, Martha Stewart, 27 June 2026
Verb
  • But a goal from Kaan Ayhan, scored with the last kick of the game, handed the US its first defeat after two dominant victories to open the tournament.
    Kyle Feldscher, CNN Money, 26 June 2026
  • Boaters must open hatches, inspect anchors and use high-temperature water to destroy any aquatic invasive species, officials said.
    Darrell Smith, Sacbee.com, 26 June 2026
Verb
  • The sideways walk of true crabs originated with a single ancestor.
    Ann Manov, Harpers Magazine, 23 June 2026
  • Adobe projects that consumer clicks originating from generative AI tools to retail sites will skyrocket by 103 percent compared to last June.
    Arthur Zaczkiewicz, Footwear News, 23 June 2026
Verb
  • Traffic is expected to be impacted in Midtown Manhattan as the city initiates shuttle bus corridors and closed streets around Penn Station for fans going to MetLife Stadium, which FIFA calls New York New Jersey Stadium.
    Mark Prussin, CBS News, 25 June 2026
  • The case was initiated in August by an asylum-seeker from Guatemala who was arrested after leaving a routine immigration hearing in San Francisco and then held without access to adequate hygiene, sanitation, medical care and legal advice, according to the complaint.
    Clara Harter, Los Angeles Times, 24 June 2026
Verb
  • Be patient with kids and romantic partners, because squabbles might arise.
    Georgia Nicols, Denver Post, 26 June 2026
  • Lucena said it has not been invited to participate in a mission to Venezuela yet but will be ready if the opportunity arises.
    Will Clark, NBC news, 26 June 2026
Verb
  • Amazon‘s Wondery is aiming to amplify the game of Boardroom, the media company founded by NBA champion Kevin Durant and his business partner Rich Kleiman, under a wide-ranging deal.
    Todd Spangler, Variety, 22 June 2026
  • Things to do Menorca’s art scene dates from the 1960s when the Grupo Menorca founded the island’s first contemporary art gallery.
    Adrienne Wyper, TheWeek, 22 June 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Begin.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/begin. Accessed 29 Jun. 2026.

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