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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

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 The hashtag caught on, and people from all walks of life around the world began sharing their own stories of workplace harassment. Jamie Lang, Variety, 21 Nov. 2024 But, the days gradually begin to lengthen from there until the summer solstice, which is the longest day of the year. Cailey Gleeson, Journal Sentinel, 21 Nov. 2024 Mayor Mike Duggan, according to Fair Razo, began work to find ways to address this challenge years ago. Dana Afana, Detroit Free Press, 21 Nov. 2024 Determined to bring Franck back, Elsa begins trying to do the aliens’ bidding, which adds a slight ticking-clock quality to the narrative. Bilge Ebiri, Vulture, 8 Nov. 2024 See all Example Sentences for begin 
Recent Examples of Synonyms for begin
Verb
  • The company has not commenced any operations and will not generate operating revenues until after the completion of the Initial Business Combination.
    Quartz Bot, Quartz, 20 Nov. 2024
  • The Oasis Live ‘25 tour has 38 shows booked so far, and will commence on July 4 at Principality Stadium in Cardiff, Wales.
    Sophie Williams, Billboard, 20 Nov. 2024
Verb
  • The streamlined features start with a minimalist panel-loading design that keeps everything accessible and organized (unlike your home after the holidays).
    Outside Online, Outside Online, 11 Nov. 2024
  • Irving started getting around Braun and making tough shots.
    Bennett Durando, The Denver Post, 10 Nov. 2024
Verb
  • While Birnbaum’s playful take on Murakami’s prose established the hip, colloquial style the author is still mostly known for today, his translation of Hard-Boiled Wonderland and the End of the World cut about 100 pages from the Japanese text.
    Bailey Trela, Vulture, 19 Nov. 2024
  • Now, he’s established as one of the best goalies in college hockey, and his early-season run has backed that up.
    Corey Masisak, The Denver Post, 15 Nov. 2024
Verb
  • First opened in 1970 as a product of the Chicano movement, the Denver school — now shuttered — taught its youth about Latino history and traditions.
    Megan Ulu-Lani Boyanton, The Denver Post, 16 Nov. 2024
  • The Williamsburg Moxy Hotel opened on March 7, 2023.
    Quartz Bot, Quartz, 14 Nov. 2024
Verb
  • The company continues to focus on originating, structuring, and investing in first-lien mortgage loans, mezzanine loans, preferred equity, and other real estate investments.
    Quartz Bot, Quartz, 7 Nov. 2024
  • The logo for Fitzpatrick Gallery originated from that project.
    Maximilíano Durón, ARTnews.com, 5 Nov. 2024
Verb
  • While patrolling the area, officers found the SUV and initiated a pursuit.
    Jason Green, The Mercury News, 14 Nov. 2024
  • One clip of the interaction showed the fan initiating the back and forth followed by Kelce grabbing the man’s phone and throwing it to the ground.
    Mathew Rodriguez, Them, 5 Nov. 2024
Verb
  • The Fund's non-trading market risk, arising from investments in short-term United States Treasury Obligations and money market mutual funds, is not expected to be material.
    Quartz Bot, Quartz, 7 Nov. 2024
  • Recounts and legal challenges, especially litigation related to certification, could arise between a race being projected by media networks and the results being certified.
    Alexandra Hutzler, ABC News, 5 Nov. 2024
Verb
  • Langford founded and is the coach for the Avon High School debate team.
    Caroline Beck, The Indianapolis Star, 6 Nov. 2024
  • Cary is a populous town in North Carolina with a history long before the R&B star, have been founded in 1750.
    Jade Gomez, People.com, 5 Nov. 2024

Thesaurus Entries Near begin

Cite this Entry

“Begin.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/begin. Accessed 24 Nov. 2024.

More from Merriam-Webster on begin

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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