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
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Recent Examples of begin
The Hajj, the largest gathering of Muslims in the world, will begin this year on May 25, the United Arab Emirates announced today.
—
Dennis Romero, NBC news, 19 May 2026
His involvement begins and ends with his coverage.
—Literary Hub, 19 May 2026
After being revitalized by Czech theater and film star Jiří Bartoška in 1994, the festival began hosting big international stars — alongside a younger contingent of audiences that has continued to this day.
—Alex Ritman, Variety, 18 May 2026
The film began production on a 28-day shoot in New York on September 21, 2025, and wrapped on October 29.
—Zac Ntim, Deadline, 18 May 2026
See All Example Sentences for begin
Dennis Romero, NBC news, 19 May 2026
His involvement begins and ends with his coverage.
—Literary Hub, 19 May 2026
After being revitalized by Czech theater and film star Jiří Bartoška in 1994, the festival began hosting big international stars — alongside a younger contingent of audiences that has continued to this day.
—Alex Ritman, Variety, 18 May 2026
The film began production on a 28-day shoot in New York on September 21, 2025, and wrapped on October 29.
—Zac Ntim, Deadline, 18 May 2026
See All Example Sentences for begin
Recent Examples of Synonyms for begin
Verb
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In an interview with People magazine published Wednesday, May 13, Pima County Sheriff Chris Nanos reflected on authorities' progress in the high-profile search operation, which commenced in early February after Nancy Guthrie was reported missing from her home in Arizona.—
Edward Segarra,
USA Today,
14 May 2026
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Directed by Robert Kun and produced by Salem Entertainment, the film is scheduled to commence principal photography in July and is targeting a worldwide release in the second quarter of 2027.—
Naman Ramachandran,
Variety,
14 May 2026
Verb
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Erica Wheeler, who started in place of Ariel Atkins (concussion), scored 10 points with seven assists and was a plus-16 as the primary ball handler after starting the season two for 16 from the field.—
Marisa Ingemi,
Los Angeles Times,
16 May 2026
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Catilin Clark is just starting her third WNBA season, and she is already being honored for a big career achievement in a pregame ceremony.—
Matt Reigle OutKick,
FOXNews.com,
16 May 2026
Verb
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Dylan's older brother, Ashten, has since established a GoFundMe to help support Dylan and his family pay their rent during this challenging time, noting that Dylan has lost out on work and income during his recovery.—
Toria Sheffield,
PEOPLE,
16 May 2026
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The board’s five-part plan establishes a timeline to follow and directs district staff to execute some steps, including naming the new chief at the start of the new school year and the price tag of the search.—
Natalie La Roche Pietri,
Miami Herald,
16 May 2026
Verb
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The Pinstripe Bowl between Penn State and Clemson featured teams that opened the year with national championship aspirations but combined for 13 regular-season victories.—
Scott Dochterman,
New York Times,
15 May 2026
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Scheffler has struggled with opening rounds for most of the year since opening with a 63 in his season debut at The American Express, his only victory.—
Doug Ferguson,
Chicago Tribune,
15 May 2026
Verb
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Alex Mahon was in charge of Channel 4 during the period when the MAFS allegations originated.—
Jake Kanter,
Deadline,
19 May 2026
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The facility, which will cover up to $300 million in supply chain and trade finance assets originated by Standard Chartered, will roll out supply chain finance solutions in eight markets, including Ghana and Kenya.—
Justina Lee,
CNBC,
19 May 2026
Verb
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The settlement agreement that initiated the fund gave the acting attorney general 30 days to create the entity and appoint five commissioners to run it.—
Peter Charalambous,
ABC News,
20 May 2026
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The security footage showed Abdullah reaching for his radio to initiate lockdown protocols while still engaged in a gunbattle, Wahl said.—
Roxana Popescu,
San Diego Union-Tribune,
20 May 2026
Verb
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Making changes There’s no telling how long the love affair with GLP-1 medications will last, no knowing if long-term side effects could arise or if a new weight loss method will appear that’s more affordable.—
Connie Ogle
May 14,
Miami Herald,
14 May 2026
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The first-year Wings coach also didn’t offer any specifics on the injury, but told reporters that no concerns regarding the knee arose during the predraft evaluation process.—
Brian Hamilton,
New York Times,
13 May 2026
Verb
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Two of Rubén’s older sons, who married Russian acrobats during international stints, broke off and founded their own troupe as Circus Caballero.—
Andrea Flores,
Los Angeles Times,
19 May 2026
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Co-founded in 1986 by philanthropist and child health advocate Dame Elisabeth Murdoch and pediatrician and genetics pioneer Professor David Danks, MCRI comprises 1,800 scientists, researchers and clinicians.—
Melissa Rudy,
FOXNews.com,
18 May 2026
Cite this Entry
“Begin.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/begin. Accessed 21 May. 2026.
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