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
-
Years later, on May 24, 2011, Casey's trial commenced in Orlando.—
Kelsie Gibson,
PEOPLE,
16 June 2026
Verb
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Just as nine days of early voting started June 13, Conley became the latest target of attack ads linked to Republicans, who used similar tactics to influence voters in earlier Democratic primaries this year.—
Chris McKenna,
USA Today,
22 June 2026
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What started as a handful of infested trees in Evergreen, Colorado, has turned into hundreds for landowner Jon Hager.—
Spencer Wilson,
CBS News,
22 June 2026
Verb
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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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Clive Davis, the music executive who founded Arista Records and J Records and helped shape the careers of Whitney Houston, Bruce Springsteen, Aretha Franklin, Carlos Santana, Janis Joplin, Alicia Keys, Carrie Underwood and many others, died on Monday at his home in New York City.—
Dan Hyman,
Rolling Stone,
22 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
-
The staredown initiated a little argy-bargy between the pair as both teams exited the field.—
David Close,
CNN Money,
19 June 2026
Verb
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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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Some lawmakers have questioned whether that follow-on strike constituted a war crime.—
CBS News,
CBS News,
21 June 2026
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In Kansas, more than 500 workers were terminated or took buyouts — a 32% scale-back that constituted the region’s largest USDA staffing reduction.—
Matthew Kelly,
Kansas City Star,
17 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 24 Jun. 2026.
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