as in start
the point at which something begins
the actual beginning of the universe is still under debate, with some scientists continuing to uphold the big bang theory
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
1
as in preparatory
coming before the main part or item usually to introduce or prepare for what follows
the beginning part of the book is a portrait of Europe on the eve of the World War I
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in introductory
of or relating to the simplest facts or theories of a subject
a course in beginning geology for nonscience majors
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
1
as in commencing
to take the first step in (a process or course of action)
she began walking to work for exercise
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in starting
to come into existence
the storm began late in the day and lasted all night
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
3
as in founding
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.
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Recent Examples of beginning
Susannah Bryan, Sun Sentinel, 13 Feb. 2026
All of the stocks have traded lower since the beginning of this year.
—Liz Napolitano, CNBC, 13 Feb. 2026
Joan MacDonald, Forbes.com, 16 Sep. 2025
Now, with the injury to Sanders, Sauls to the Dolphins makes perfect sense for the beginning weeks of the season.
—Andrew Wright, MSNBC Newsweek, 25 Aug. 2025
Jeff Spry, Space.com, 14 Feb. 2026
Moore was one of Payton’s key receivers in New Orleans from 2006 to 2013, there to witness the full journey of Payton truly clicking with his scheme and with quarterback Drew Brees beginning in 2009.
—Luca Evans, Denver Post, 7 Feb. 2026
See All Example Sentences for beginning
Noun
When asked why the shade structure was not included from the beginning, Trantalis said everyone thought an open-air plaza would work.
—Susannah Bryan, Sun Sentinel, 13 Feb. 2026
All of the stocks have traded lower since the beginning of this year.
—Liz Napolitano, CNBC, 13 Feb. 2026
Adjective
A lot of the dialogue existed and the crew had the beginning demos of the songs to work with.
—Joan MacDonald, Forbes.com, 16 Sep. 2025
Now, with the injury to Sanders, Sauls to the Dolphins makes perfect sense for the beginning weeks of the season.
—Andrew Wright, MSNBC Newsweek, 25 Aug. 2025
Verb
It's got all the classic Superman mythology beginning with the Last Son of Krypton arriving to work at the Daily Planet as mild-mannered Clark Kent plus a deliciously sinister John Shea as Lex Luthor in the premiere season.
—Jeff Spry, Space.com, 14 Feb. 2026
Moore was one of Payton’s key receivers in New Orleans from 2006 to 2013, there to witness the full journey of Payton truly clicking with his scheme and with quarterback Drew Brees beginning in 2009.
—Luca Evans, Denver Post, 7 Feb. 2026
See All Example Sentences for beginning
Recent Examples of Synonyms for beginning
Noun
-
Meanwhile, Little Miss Curlin lost for the first time in five starts, coming north after cleaning out the competition in her native Louisiana.—
Bob Wisener,
Arkansas Online,
15 Feb. 2026
-
And 2026 is already off to a bloody start, with 46 killed so far, according to the group.—
Zeena Saifi,
CNN Money,
15 Feb. 2026
Adjective
-
Within Orthodox circles in Argentina, preparatory stages for conversion may take place in the country, but the beit din, or rabbinical court, that validates them operates in Israel.—
Juan Melamed,
Sun Sentinel,
21 Jan. 2026
-
Countries have been working through many of those questions at preparatory meetings, with a final session scheduled for late March.—
Annika Hammerschlag,
Los Angeles Times,
21 Jan. 2026
Adjective
-
Register now and use coupon code EARLYBIRD for an introductory discount of 20% off.—
Lizzie Assa,
CNBC,
10 Feb. 2026
-
Three of her friends joined her introductory lesson on a recent Friday evening, along with this reporter.—
Kate Bradshaw,
Mercury News,
10 Feb. 2026
Verb
-
Don Lemon was arrested for covering anti-ICE protests inside a Minnesota church and is now commencing the best press tour of his life.—
Jason P. Frank,
Vulture,
3 Feb. 2026
-
In his late 20s at the time, Murdoch was commencing a staggering hot streak that would last roughly a decade.—
Elizabeth Nelson,
Pitchfork,
22 Jan. 2026
Verb
-
Where to Shop First at the Thrift Store Both experts recommend starting with the categories that carry higher retail prices when purchased new.—
Gabi De la Rosa,
Southern Living,
5 Feb. 2026
-
With Angelichio's hiring, McCarthy's coaching staff is starting to come together just over one week after he was introduced as the new head coach of the Steelers.—
Mike Darnay,
CBS News,
5 Feb. 2026
Verb
-
Bienvenido’s tax records show Enriquez has drawn a similarly low salary from the nonprofit organization since founding it in 2019, despite regularly pulling in six-figure fundraising hauls.—
Robert Schmad,
The Washington Examiner,
11 Feb. 2026
-
The fresh exits mean that xAI’s founding team has now been cut in half, with six of the original 12 members now gone.—
Beatrice Nolan,
Fortune,
11 Feb. 2026
Noun
-
The convention had outgrown multiple venues from its inception, with attendance and vendors expanding each year.—
Anna Ortiz,
Chicago Tribune,
10 Feb. 2026
-
So far, Miller and her team have spent $192,000 since the program’s inception, which averages $3,900 per person.—
Devyani Chhetri,
Dallas Morning News,
10 Feb. 2026
Adjective
-
Today brings preliminary matches for women’s ice hockey, qualification runs for men’s big-air snowboarding, and, of course, more curling, which is the only sport industrious enough to have events every day through the Olympics.—
The Editors,
Vulture,
5 Feb. 2026
-
For instance, Irvine recently passed a preliminary e-bike law that strikes us as needlessly heavy handed.—
The Editorial Board,
Oc Register,
5 Feb. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Beginning.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/beginning. Accessed 16 Feb. 2026.
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