as in start
the point at which something begins
the actual beginning of the universe is still under debate, with some scientists continuing to uphold the big bang theory
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
1
as in preparatory
coming before the main part or item usually to introduce or prepare for what follows
the beginning part of the book is a portrait of Europe on the eve of the World War I
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in introductory
of or relating to the simplest facts or theories of a subject
a course in beginning geology for nonscience majors
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
1
as in commencing
to take the first step in (a process or course of action)
she began walking to work for exercise
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2
as in starting
to come into existence
the storm began late in the day and lasted all night
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3
as in founding
to be responsible for the creation and early operation or use of
the religious sect was begun by a small breakaway faction
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of beginning
Julia Poe, Chicago Tribune, 6 Feb. 2026
However, Iran's top diplomat, Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi, characterized the talks as a good beginning.
—Kim Hjelmgaard, USA Today, 6 Feb. 2026
Joan MacDonald, Forbes.com, 16 Sep. 2025
Now, with the injury to Sanders, Sauls to the Dolphins makes perfect sense for the beginning weeks of the season.
—Andrew Wright, MSNBC Newsweek, 25 Aug. 2025
Los Angles Times Staff, Los Angeles Times, 7 Feb. 2026
Michael was beginning to get confused over everything.
—Chicago Tribune, 7 Feb. 2026
See All Example Sentences for beginning
Noun
Despite the severity of this sudden change — and reports stating the opposite throughout the season — Karnišovas said this week’s actions followed a plan set at the beginning of the season.
—Julia Poe, Chicago Tribune, 6 Feb. 2026
However, Iran's top diplomat, Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi, characterized the talks as a good beginning.
—Kim Hjelmgaard, USA Today, 6 Feb. 2026
Adjective
A lot of the dialogue existed and the crew had the beginning demos of the songs to work with.
—Joan MacDonald, Forbes.com, 16 Sep. 2025
Now, with the injury to Sanders, Sauls to the Dolphins makes perfect sense for the beginning weeks of the season.
—Andrew Wright, MSNBC Newsweek, 25 Aug. 2025
Verb
Here is a list of who is running, beginning with the top candidates.
—Los Angles Times Staff, Los Angeles Times, 7 Feb. 2026
Michael was beginning to get confused over everything.
—Chicago Tribune, 7 Feb. 2026
See All Example Sentences for beginning
Recent Examples of Synonyms for beginning
Noun
-
Plutarch lost his first four starts, including three in stakes races, before winning a maiden race on the final day of Del Mar’s fall meeting.—
Jay Posner,
Los Angeles Times,
8 Feb. 2026
-
On Friday night, the 2026 Olympic Winter Games got off to a thrilling start with the official opening ceremony, featuring the likes of Andrea Bocelli, Charlize Theron, Sabrina Impacciatore, and Mariah Carey.—
Christian Allaire,
Vogue,
7 Feb. 2026
Adjective
-
Within Orthodox circles in Argentina, preparatory stages for conversion may take place in the country, but the beit din, or rabbinical court, that validates them operates in Israel.—
Juan Melamed,
Sun Sentinel,
21 Jan. 2026
-
Countries have been working through many of those questions at preparatory meetings, with a final session scheduled for late March.—
Annika Hammerschlag,
Los Angeles Times,
21 Jan. 2026
Adjective
-
At the introductory news conference for Suárez 10 days ago, chief baseball officer Craig Breslow harped on the need to add a strong defensive infielder.—
Jen McCaffrey,
New York Times,
2 Feb. 2026
-
Davis has often had some famous friends introduce him before his introductory speech kicks off the evening, but this year was particularly special as former president Barack Obama recorded a video to honor the executive.—
Ethan Millman,
HollywoodReporter,
1 Feb. 2026
Verb
-
Don Lemon was arrested for covering anti-ICE protests inside a Minnesota church and is now commencing the best press tour of his life.—
Jason P. Frank,
Vulture,
3 Feb. 2026
-
In his late 20s at the time, Murdoch was commencing a staggering hot streak that would last roughly a decade.—
Elizabeth Nelson,
Pitchfork,
22 Jan. 2026
Verb
-
Where to Shop First at the Thrift Store Both experts recommend starting with the categories that carry higher retail prices when purchased new.—
Gabi De la Rosa,
Southern Living,
5 Feb. 2026
-
With Angelichio's hiring, McCarthy's coaching staff is starting to come together just over one week after he was introduced as the new head coach of the Steelers.—
Mike Darnay,
CBS News,
5 Feb. 2026
Verb
-
In 2023 the divorce of Horses’ founding chefs revealed court documents alleging abuse and animal cruelty; eventually Liz Johnson and Will Aghajanian left the restaurant, and its remaining staff carried on.—
Stephanie Breijo,
Los Angeles Times,
4 Feb. 2026
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The founding myth of the Islamic Republic rested on a contract of rule that promised the people agency and accountability.—
Azadeh Moaveni,
Time,
3 Feb. 2026
Noun
-
Since its inception in 2006, the Gala has raised more than $26 million, with beneficiaries including the Jackson Memorial Foundation Angels benefiting Holtz Children’s Hospital; SafeSpace; Dedication to Community; Home Strong; the American Cancer Society, and others.—
Ira Winderman,
Sun Sentinel,
3 Feb. 2026
-
Sacerio succeeds Heather Kadin, who joined the Scripted Television division of Range Studios at its inception in the Spring of 2022, and has recently transitioned to independent producing, including as an EP on a forthcoming Apple series based on the Joona Linna novels by Lars Kepler.—
Matt Grobar,
Deadline,
3 Feb. 2026
Adjective
-
Today brings preliminary matches for women’s ice hockey, qualification runs for men’s big-air snowboarding, and, of course, more curling, which is the only sport industrious enough to have events every day through the Olympics.—
The Editors,
Vulture,
5 Feb. 2026
-
For instance, Irvine recently passed a preliminary e-bike law that strikes us as needlessly heavy handed.—
The Editorial Board,
Oc Register,
5 Feb. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Beginning.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/beginning. Accessed 10 Feb. 2026.
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