BEGINNING Synonyms: 256 Similar and Opposite Words

beginning 1 of 3

noun

bi-ˈgi-niŋ

Definition of beginning

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

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beginning

2 of 3

adjective

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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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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beginning

3 of 3

verb

present participle of begin

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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as in starting

to come into existence the storm began late in the day and lasted all night

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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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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 beginning

Noun

Florida has reported 60 cases of the intestinal illness cyclosporiasis this year, with nearly all cases recorded starting in May, the beginning of cyclosporiasis outbreak season, according to preliminary state health department data. — Michelle Marchante, Miami Herald, 14 July 2026 Today’s new moon marks the beginning of a deeply personal lunar cycle centered around home, family and emotional stability. — Valerie Mesa, PEOPLE, 14 July 2026

Adjective

Goforth is hoping to be open by the spring of 2026, with remodeling plans for the tasting room in the very beginning stages. — Regina Elling, San Diego Union-Tribune, 11 Nov. 2025 Next week, Grizzly Bear headline the first show in a five-night run at New York’s Brooklyn Steel, the beginning leg of their first tour in six years. — Nina Corcoran, Pitchfork, 10 Oct. 2025

Verb

Republican candidates for Congress backed by the GOP establishment were pushed to the limit beginning in the 2010 election cycle and continuing through 2012 and 2014. — David M. Drucker, Mercury News, 15 July 2026 While there may also now be a breakdown of this trend in some parts of the world, in which wealthier people are beginning to have more children, Parker argues that wealth becomes less distributed in a family with one child versus six. — Sasha Rogelberg, Fortune, 15 July 2026 See All Example Sentences for beginning

Recent Examples of Synonyms for beginning

Noun

Despite a nerve-wracking 1-0 start (before Bellingham knocked in a deuce), Jagger was seen looking grim and pacing around the VIP box.

— Madeleine Marr, Miami Herald, 14 July 2026
Mike Hughes didn’t need an OTA practice, let alone a season with 17 starts and the second-most interceptions by a rookie in franchise history, to know the Falcons landed an impact player in safety Xavier Watts last summer.

— Daniel Flick, AJC.com, 14 July 2026

Definition of start

Adjective

As economist and Opportunity@Work founder Byron Auguste has noted, when policymakers, employers and parents all realized that the shifting job landscape required a different preparatory path, states passed compulsory education laws.

— Tim Knowles, Fortune, 8 July 2026
Another measure to speed up the preparatory studies proposes that when a power plant operator and a large load customer of a similar size both apply for access to the grid, only one study of the impact of both players joining should be conducted, rather than sequential studies.

— IEEE Spectrum, IEEE Spectrum, 24 June 2026

Definition of preparatory

Adjective

This card offers one of the longest introductory APR periods for purchases and qualifying balance transfers.

— Liz Knueven, CNBC, 10 July 2026
Early last year, El-Sayed travelled to Washington for introductory meetings with various pillars of the Democratic establishment.

— Jason Zengerle, New Yorker, 10 July 2026

Definition of introductory

Verb

Amanda Pedersen Giske / NTB/AFP via Getty Images The Norway squad touched down to a traditional water cannon salute before commencing their homecoming parade in the capital.

— Reuters, NBC news, 14 July 2026
Following Samsung's typical pattern, pre-orders for the new devices, including the Z Fold 8, Z Flip 8, and the innovative Z Fold 8 Wide, are anticipated to open immediately on July 22, with sales likely commencing around Friday, August 7.

— David Phelan, Forbes.com, 8 July 2026

Definition of commencing

Verb

After word spread that a local attorney was starting a class action, residents said they were besieged by out-of-town lawyers competing aggressively for their business.

— Rebecca Ellis, Los Angeles Times, 12 July 2026
Schjerlderup was the lone change Norway coach Stale Solbakken made in the starting lineup for Saturday’s match, starting the Benfica midfielder on the left flank in place of Antonio Nusa.

— Michelle Kaufman, Miami Herald, 12 July 2026

Definition of starting

Verb

Our founding principles, articulated in 1776, emphasized self-reliance, resolve in the face of adversity, and the courage to compete on terms of one’s own choosing.

— Daniel Ross Goodman, The Washington Examiner, 11 July 2026
Michael Shermer is the founding publisher of Skeptic magazine and an educator on critical thinking.

— Leonard David, Space.com, 11 July 2026

Definition of founding

Noun

Some team executives and agents have considered the second apron, set at just under $222 million this coming season, as a de facto hard cap since its inception.

— Mike Vorkunov, New York Times, 4 July 2026
Since its inception, social media has been a proving ground for tween fashion and identity, offering under-16s a digital canvas to experiment with their style and form online cliques around niche interests.

— Sophie Lou Wilson, Vogue, 2 July 2026

Definition of inception

Adjective

According to a preliminary investigation, the boy, from Apple Valley, was crossing the street with a friend on his bicycle when he was struck by a westbound vehicle.

— Hannah Brueske, Twin Cities, 15 July 2026
Martinez-Olguin is scheduled to hold a hearing on Thursday on the subscribers’ motion for a preliminary injunction and on Paramount’s motion to dismiss the subscribers’ suit.

— Gene Maddaus, Variety, 15 July 2026

Definition of preliminary

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“Beginning.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/beginning. Accessed 16 Jul. 2026.

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Synonyms of beginning

noun

adjective

verb

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