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
Synonyms & Similar Words
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
Synonyms & Similar Words
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
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in starting
to come into existence
the storm began late in the day and lasted all night
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
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
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 beginning
Dave Quinn, PEOPLE, 17 Apr. 2026
Alanis was in the script from the very beginning.
—Kennedy French, Variety, 17 Apr. 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
Charlotte Phillipp, PEOPLE, 10 Apr. 2026
First, the Kamin Science Center will be on partial operation beginning on Monday when the roads close.
—Jessica Riley, CBS News, 10 Apr. 2026
See All Example Sentences for beginning
Noun
Groff has been with Just in Time since the beginning, heavily involved in its development over an eight-year period.
—Dave Quinn, PEOPLE, 17 Apr. 2026
Alanis was in the script from the very beginning.
—Kennedy French, Variety, 17 Apr. 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
Registered fans will also get a chance to buy tickets to the Paralympic Games through the Paralympic Ticket Draw, beginning in 2027.
—Charlotte Phillipp, PEOPLE, 10 Apr. 2026
First, the Kamin Science Center will be on partial operation beginning on Monday when the roads close.
—Jessica Riley, CBS News, 10 Apr. 2026
See All Example Sentences for beginning
Recent Examples of Synonyms for beginning
Noun
-
As a rookie in 2025, Sanoja made 26 starts at third base, 20 starts at second base, 16 in left field, 10 in center field and nine at shortstop.—
Jordan McPherson,
Miami Herald,
11 Apr. 2026
-
Aledo got off to a fast start with six runs in the first inning, and after a two-run second inning, ended the game early with seven runs in the third.—
Charles Baggarly,
Fort Worth Star-Telegram,
11 Apr. 2026
Adjective
-
That vision also includes preparatory work, through robotic landings in the general region of the lunar south pole, targeted to happen as often as once a month starting in 2027.—
Elizabeth Howell,
Space.com,
14 Apr. 2026
-
The Joint Budget Committee’s half-dozen members finished their extensive preparatory work on the annual spending plan last week.—
Nick Coltrain,
Denver Post,
5 Apr. 2026
Adjective
-
The class would enable students to gain specialized skills needed for employment after graduation or for further post-secondary training, a memo from the district said, and would also provide students with opportunities to teach other students in the district’s introductory welding course.—
Molly Morrow,
Chicago Tribune,
21 Apr. 2026
-
Sign up today for How to Talk To People At Work and use the coupon code EARLYBIRD for an introductory discount of 20% off the regular course price of $57 (plus tax).—
CNBC Make It staff,
CNBC,
20 Apr. 2026
Verb
-
But soon after pouring millions into upgrading the hydro facility, the company shuttered its Cheboygan operation in 1990, eliminating 300 jobs and commencing the slow decline of the historic mill.—
CBS News,
CBS News,
18 Apr. 2026
-
The accord further prohibited the developers from beginning construction on the new residences before commencing work on these improvements.—
Awilda Esteras,
Miami Herald,
12 Mar. 2026
Verb
-
Shop sets with short and sleeveless tops, shorts, and cropped pants, and even one with a duster, starting as low as $20.—
Alicia Geigel,
Southern Living,
17 Apr. 2026
-
Keep scrolling for more of this weekend’s best Amazon member-only deals—starting at $7.—
Stephanie Osmanski,
Better Homes & Gardens,
17 Apr. 2026
Verb
-
Fatih has worked to keep countries aligned even as the world fragments, ensuring the IEA remains true to its founding mission of energy security and cooperation.—
Jason Bordoff,
Time,
15 Apr. 2026
-
The amfAR gala in Cannes dates back to 1993, when Elizabeth Taylor, who was founding international chairman, hosted it at the luxe hideaway Moulin de Mougins.—
Chris Gardner,
HollywoodReporter,
15 Apr. 2026
Noun
-
Ladera’s property manager, Eustace Augustine, helped build the resort at its inception and has been an employee for 41 years; similarly, much of the staff at Ladera are longtime employees, and their heartfelt pride in the property is palpable.—
Condé Nast,
Condé Nast Traveler,
21 Apr. 2026
-
The company is expected to release its first foldable iPhone this September, according to Bloomberg, potentially marking its biggest change to the iPhone since its inception – and possibly the first iPhone launch under Ternus.—
Lisa Eadicicco,
CNN Money,
21 Apr. 2026
Adjective
-
At his first court appearance Thursday afternoon, Fiapoto pleaded not guilty and insisted on a fast preliminary hearing, according to court records.—
Nate Gartrell,
Mercury News,
17 Apr. 2026
-
The department said that preliminary information suggests that a rip current was connected to the deadly incident.—
Sam Gillette,
PEOPLE,
16 Apr. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Beginning.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/beginning. Accessed 23 Apr. 2026.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
