1
as in to commence
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 to start
to come into existence
the storm began late in the day and lasted all night
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
3
as in to establish
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 begin
Meanwhile, in the UFC 316 PPV card co-headliner, Julianna Pena begins her second stint as the women’s 135-pound champ against former PFL lightweight champion Kayla Harrison.
—
Trent Reinsmith, Forbes.com, 7 June 2025
But what began as an ordinary evening would soon become one of the region's most haunting cold cases.
—Christina Coulter, People.com, 7 June 2025
As the family begins bickering, Alice/Nicola excuses herself from the table.
—Matt Cabral, EW.com, 26 May 2025
Keeping him healthy remains a priority, but as multiple players begin to show the benefits of consistent playing time, Herrera stands out as a prime example.
—Katie Woo, New York Times, 26 May 2025
See All Example Sentences for begin
Trent Reinsmith, Forbes.com, 7 June 2025
But what began as an ordinary evening would soon become one of the region's most haunting cold cases.
—Christina Coulter, People.com, 7 June 2025
As the family begins bickering, Alice/Nicola excuses herself from the table.
—Matt Cabral, EW.com, 26 May 2025
Keeping him healthy remains a priority, but as multiple players begin to show the benefits of consistent playing time, Herrera stands out as a prime example.
—Katie Woo, New York Times, 26 May 2025
See All Example Sentences for begin
Recent Examples of Synonyms for begin
Verb
-
What Happens Next The talks will commence in London on Monday, according to Trump's Truth Social post.—
Hannah Parry
Peter Aitken,
MSNBC Newsweek,
6 June 2025
-
The Pitt actress Shabana Azeez, who played Dr. Javadi, recently posted a picture confirming that filming had commenced as planned in June, just a short while after The Pitt season 1 ended.—
Paul Tassi,
Forbes.com,
5 June 2025
Verb
-
Pinch-hitter Howie Kendrick starts things off against Craig Stammen, and is followed by Trea Turner, Adam Eaton and Anthony Rendon, who all go yard.—
Houston Mitchell,
Los Angeles Times,
9 June 2025
-
The project started back in 2020 with the objective of appealing beyond video game or animation fans, targeting mainstream audiences and techno-thriller enthusiasts.—
Kevin Giraud,
Variety,
9 June 2025
Verb
-
In spite of his ability to carry the ball forward — a point of difference from his fellow midfielders — Willock has never quite established himself as integral, at least in part because of his struggles with injury.—
Chris Waugh,
New York Times,
6 June 2025
-
Over the course of his prolific, three-decade career, the American filmmaker has established a signature aesthetic and working style that could convince any actor to beg him for a part — almost any actor.—
Ryan Coleman,
EW.com,
5 June 2025
Verb
-
Kevin Holland Betting Odds and Line Movement Luque opened as the +140 betting underdog to Holland, who came in as the -160 betting favorite.—
Trent Reinsmith,
Forbes.com,
2 June 2025
-
Building staff members have key cards to open the bins, which are emptied three times per week.—
Emma G. Fitzsimmons,
New York Times,
2 June 2025
Verb
-
Goldsberry, who originated the role of Angelica Schuyler, confirmed that the HamFam quickly slipped back into their roles during rehearsals.—
Angelique Jackson,
Variety,
9 June 2025
-
Sunrise on the Reaping, which includes Elle Fanning as Effie Trinket (originated by Elizabeth Banks) and Ralph Fiennes as President Snow (originated by the late Donald Sutherland).—
Natalie Oganesyan,
Deadline,
7 June 2025
Verb
-
Anthony Devlin/Press Association via AP What To Know The recall was initiated by Publix on May 9 and was classified by the FDA on June 3.—
Jasmine Laws,
MSNBC Newsweek,
4 June 2025
-
The resolution approved by the school board also initiates the execution of an escrow agreement, the levy of a direct annual tax to repay the bonds and the approval of the sale of the bonds to the purchaser, officials said.—
Molly Morrow,
Chicago Tribune,
3 June 2025
Verb
-
Some problems arise in the fine print and Fox is transformed into a flesh-eating demon.—
Matt Donnelly,
Variety,
9 June 2025
-
Often, this insight arose in conversation with other women, in consciousness-raising groups.—
Dayna Tortorici,
New Yorker,
9 June 2025
Verb
-
The story behind the brand Hater Free Apparel was founded in 1999, inspired by brands like FUBU and Phat Farm, Gray said.—
Zuri Primos,
Kansas City Star,
8 June 2025
-
Both clubs were founded in the same working-class neighbourhood, known as the mouth of Buenos Aires.—
James Horncastle,
New York Times,
8 June 2025
Cite this Entry
“Begin.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/begin. Accessed 16 Jun. 2025.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share