Definition of beginnext
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Synonym Chooser

How is the word begin different from other verbs like it?

Some common synonyms of begin are commence, inaugurate, initiate, start, and usher in. While all these words mean "to take the first step in a course, process, or operation," begin, start, and commence are often interchangeable, with begin, opposed to end, being the most general.

begin a trip
began dancing

How is commence related to other words for begin?

Commence can be more formal or bookish than begin or start.

commence firing
commenced a conversation

When could inaugurate be used to replace begin?

The words inaugurate and begin are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, inaugurate suggests a beginning of some formality or notion of significance.

the discovery of penicillin inaugurated a new era in medicine

When would initiate be a good substitute for begin?

While the synonyms initiate and begin are close in meaning, initiate implies taking a first step in a process or series that is to continue.

initiated diplomatic contacts

Where would start be a reasonable alternative to begin?

The synonyms start and begin are sometimes interchangeable, but start, opposed to stop, applies especially to first actions, steps, or stages.

the work started slowly

How are the words usher in and inaugurate related as synonyms of begin?

Usher in is somewhat less weighty than inaugurate.

ushered in a period of economic decline

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 begin Since this World Cup began, how many people have learned about Cape Verde, the small nation off the west coast of Africa? Tim Rohan, NBC news, 4 July 2026 School board member Kelly Gonez persuaded her colleagues to begin exploring it in 2019. Melissa Gomez, Los Angeles Times, 4 July 2026 But the quartet made the bet on their team well before the World Cup began. Pete Grathoff, Kansas City Star, 4 July 2026 Their love story began in July 2023 when Kelce attended Swift's Eras Tour at the Chiefs' Arrowhead Stadium. Yamillah Hurtado, PEOPLE, 4 July 2026 See All Example Sentences for begin
Recent Examples of Synonyms for begin
Verb
  • Carlson, whose rights Anaheim traded to Carolina four days before the free agent signing period commenced, joins a defense corps that includes Victor Hedman, who is one year younger and has played five more career regular season games.
    Tom Layberger, Forbes.com, 2 July 2026
  • Early-stage discussions of regulation have also commenced in Brazil, Canada, China, Ecuador, Ghana, India, Peru, Norway, the United Kingdom and the remainder of the European Union.
    Jennifer Bringle, Footwear News, 29 June 2026
Verb
  • In order to keep the necessities, like Bear Valley Community Hospital, online, BVES shut power off to businesses and homes starting Friday morning for several hours.
    Dean Fioresi, CBS News, 27 June 2026
  • The first baseman started the scoring in the first frame, lining an RBI single before adding a 418-foot solo homer in the third inning.
    Gary Phillips, New York Daily News, 27 June 2026
Verb
  • Organizations considering a pilot should establish measurable outcomes upfront and track productivity, engagement, turnover, customer satisfaction, operational performance, and financial impact over time.
    Johnny C. Taylor Jr, USA Today, 30 June 2026
  • The state has not yet begun reporting its results, but protocols were established in 2021.
    Susanne Rust Follow, Los Angeles Times, 30 June 2026
Verb
  • The mosque opened to the public on Saturday for a farewell ceremony.
    Nadeen Ebrahim, CNN Money, 4 July 2026
  • The Braves, fresh off three consecutive series losses, opened this four-game set with a 5-3 win on Friday at Truist Park.
    Gabriel Burns, AJC.com, 4 July 2026
Verb
  • The species, which originated in Africa and continues to spread throughout Sacramento and Yolo counties, can carry dengue, Zika, yellow fever and chikungunya, diseases that can be life-threatening to humans.
    Reeti Malhotra, Sacbee.com, 1 July 2026
  • Many common surnames, such as Carpenter or Baker, originated from occupations passed down through generations, reflecting how closely people’s identities were tied to their work.
    Tim Bajarin, Forbes.com, 1 July 2026
Verb
  • Investigators preliminarily determined many of the animals died from gunshot wounds, and the shelter has initiated legal action to recover remaining dogs.
    Ruyuan Li. Summary produced by AI assistance, Sacbee.com, 30 June 2026
  • Moreover, goalkeepers are evolving into playmakers, initiating attacks from the back rather than just clearing, effectively acting as an additional outfield player.
    Clemente Lisi, Forbes.com, 30 June 2026
Verb
  • Many issues will arise, and an HITL is a critical and necessary step in the AI coding process.
    Expert Panel®, Forbes.com, 1 July 2026
  • While saying goodbye to its original Idaho store may have been difficult, married owners Ashley Ferguson and David Aboud previously told the Idaho Statesman that the move came after issues arose with the property owner.
    Shannon Tyler, Idaho Statesman, 1 July 2026
Verb
  • America, whose Constitution was formulated by white men, struggled to live up to its founding ideals in the days of slavery and displacement of Native Americans.
    Phaedra Trethan, USA Today, 3 July 2026
  • Dioz was co-founded by Johnny, 44, and his brother Tony in 2006.
    Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Times, 3 July 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Begin.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/begin. Accessed 6 Jul. 2026.

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