BEGIN Synonyms: 132 Similar and Opposite Words

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

begin

verb

bi-ˈgin

Definition of begin next

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

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

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

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

Examples 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 Sanchez began drinking as a teenager as a way of coping with severe social anxiety. —

Daniel Gonzalez, The Arizona Republic, 15 Dec. 2024 In 2025, forward-thinking companies will begin to reimagine their entire organizational structure, processes, and culture around the symbiotic relationship between human and artificial intelligence. —

Ethan Mollick, WIRED, 15 Dec. 2024 The awakening began for Gabriel in Oxford, in May, 2009. —

Daisy Hildyard, The New Yorker, 15 Dec. 2024 During the 1930s, social clubs began using Taborian Temple's spacious third floor for dances and club meetings. —

Helaine Williams, arkansasonline.com, 14 Dec. 2024 See all Example Sentences for begin

Recent Examples of Synonyms for begin

Verb

What's next: A 60-day public comment period on the report will commence Thursday.

Ivana Saric, Axios, 11 Dec. 2024
Also, the index was staring directly at its former high point from late 2021, right before the 2022 bear market commenced.

Frank Cappelleri, CNBC, 11 Dec. 2024