1
as in commenced
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 started
to come into existence
the storm began late in the day and lasted all night
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
3
as in founded
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
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Recent Examples of begun
As recovery efforts continue, residents whose properties were impacted by debris from the fire have begun contacting a cleanup contractor retained by Medline.
—
Nina Burns, CBS News, 17 June 2026
Following months of unsuccessful recovery efforts, NASA has officially begun decommissioning the MAVEN orbiter, bringing to a close an 11-year mission that transformed scientists' understanding of Mars and became one of the agency's most valuable assets at the Red Planet.
—Sharmila Kuthunur, Space.com, 17 June 2026
Detectives have since begun a homicide investigation, canvassing the scene of the crash for evidence and witnesses.
—Kendrick Calfee
june 17, Kansas City Star, 17 June 2026
Some victims’ relatives have begun to share their stories of Monday’s tragedy.
—Summer Lin, Los Angeles Times, 17 June 2026
DeSantis confirmed that the discussions had begun in late March, when Markwayne Mullin became the new Homeland secretary, but did not confirm whether a final decision had been made.
—Claire Heddles, Miami Herald, 17 June 2026
The trend has also spread online, where users have begun posting homemade versions of the cakes in an effort to recreate the viral dessert.
—Khloe Quill , Kelly McGreal, FOXNews.com, 17 June 2026
The cause of the crash has not been identified and the Air Force said an interim safety investigation board has begun probing the crash, a process officials said could take as long as six months before initial findings are released.
—Sacbee.com, 17 June 2026
Already, Oakland and San Jose have begun creating spaces and moments where their downtowns can thrive.
—Luis Melecio-Zambrano, Mercury News, 10 June 2026
Nina Burns, CBS News, 17 June 2026
Following months of unsuccessful recovery efforts, NASA has officially begun decommissioning the MAVEN orbiter, bringing to a close an 11-year mission that transformed scientists' understanding of Mars and became one of the agency's most valuable assets at the Red Planet.
—Sharmila Kuthunur, Space.com, 17 June 2026
Detectives have since begun a homicide investigation, canvassing the scene of the crash for evidence and witnesses.
—Kendrick Calfee
june 17, Kansas City Star, 17 June 2026
Some victims’ relatives have begun to share their stories of Monday’s tragedy.
—Summer Lin, Los Angeles Times, 17 June 2026
DeSantis confirmed that the discussions had begun in late March, when Markwayne Mullin became the new Homeland secretary, but did not confirm whether a final decision had been made.
—Claire Heddles, Miami Herald, 17 June 2026
The trend has also spread online, where users have begun posting homemade versions of the cakes in an effort to recreate the viral dessert.
—Khloe Quill , Kelly McGreal, FOXNews.com, 17 June 2026
The cause of the crash has not been identified and the Air Force said an interim safety investigation board has begun probing the crash, a process officials said could take as long as six months before initial findings are released.
—Sacbee.com, 17 June 2026
Already, Oakland and San Jose have begun creating spaces and moments where their downtowns can thrive.
—Luis Melecio-Zambrano, Mercury News, 10 June 2026
Recent Examples of Synonyms for begun
Verb
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In preparation for the aircraft’s arrival next year, Qantas pilots have commenced training on Australia’s first A350 simulator in Sydney and with British Airways in the UK.—
Michael Goldstein,
Forbes.com,
18 June 2026
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Years later, on May 24, 2011, Casey's trial commenced in Orlando.—
Kelsie Gibson,
PEOPLE,
16 June 2026
Verb
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One last comeback The Spurs started the fourth quarter by rebuilding their lead – a huge dunk by Wembanayama extended the lead to a nine-point margin with 10 minutes to go.—
Kyle Feldscher,
CNN Money,
14 June 2026
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The grounds crew got the tarp down just before the rain started pouring a few minutes later.—
Sarah Spencer,
AJC.com,
14 June 2026
Verb
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The James Beard Foundation was founded in 1986 and is named for the legendary cookbook author who has been called America’s first foodie.—
Jeanne Bonner,
CNN Money,
16 June 2026
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The company was founded in 1998 by skydivers Chris Hall and his father, John Hall, and for nearly three decades has operated out of Butler Memorial Airport.—
Ben Wheeler,
Kansas City Star,
16 June 2026
Verb
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The network originated in Stephenville, Texas, about 78 miles southwest of Fort Worth, and takes its name from the first three digits of the city’s 76401 ZIP code.—
Tiffani Jackson,
Fort Worth Star-Telegram,
17 June 2026
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The findings add to growing evidence that suggests where plague might have originated, experts say — and also challenge ideas about what enabled plague to spread.—
Ashley Strickland,
CNN Money,
17 June 2026
Verb
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The investment firm initiated research coverage of NANO Nuclear with a buy rating on Wednesday, giving the stock a $45 price target, implying 60% upside from Thursday’s close.—
Liz Napolitano,
CNBC,
19 June 2026
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The staredown initiated a little argy-bargy between the pair as both teams exited the field.—
David Close,
CNN Money,
19 June 2026
Verb
-
Disputes that have already arisen aren’t just about how federal funds should be distributed.—
Mirae Kim,
The Conversation,
15 June 2026
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Issues had reportedly arisen during the production of season 2, which wrapped filming in March, as there was friction between Hardy and Jez Butterworth, MobLand's showrunner, writer and executive producer, per Deadline.—
Julia Moore,
PEOPLE,
12 June 2026
Verb
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Pinney’s bold and free conception of how a drama is constituted, and its inseparability from time and memory, displays a rare associative virtuosity.—
Richard Brody,
New Yorker,
12 June 2026
-
Only one cast member has what could be constituted anything close to a normal speaking part.—
Max Goldbart,
Deadline,
9 June 2026
Verb
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How electric has the atmosphere at Madison Square Garden been during the Finals, especially during and after Game 4’s comeback?—
Lexi Carson,
HollywoodReporter,
13 June 2026
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Three races in, there’ve been unforeseen winners, unpredicted changes to the schedule and the unanticipated reality of regulation changes dawning.—
Amanda Davies,
CNN Money,
24 Apr. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Begun.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/begun. Accessed 21 Jun. 2026.
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