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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 of begin in a Sentence

These examples are automatically compiled from online sources to illustrate current usage. Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.
Recent Examples on the Web Low clouds lace across the surrounding mountains, which have begun their descent into rust from the deep greens of summer. Will Carless, USA TODAY, 28 Oct. 2024 Construction began over the summer with an opening set for early 2025. Matthew Glowicki, The Courier-Journal, 28 Oct. 2024 In November, Israeli jets began dropping leaflets, warning the residents of Khan Younis to evacuate. Dorothy Wickenden, The New Yorker, 28 Oct. 2024 The flu season typically begins in the fall, typically in October, according to the Cleveland Clinic. Jenna Prestininzi, Detroit Free Press, 28 Oct. 2024 See all Example Sentences for begin 
Recent Examples of Synonyms for begin
Verb
  • So much so that the latest results from the week commencing Oct. 7 show a whopping 72% share of mentions for Trump on MSNBC and 61% on CNN.
    Alena Botros, Fortune, 25 Oct. 2024
  • But if Apple is seeking to keep that event Mac-only, then the date that the iPad mini is unveiled could be as soon as next week, that is, week commencing Monday, Oct. 14.
    David Phelan, Forbes, 15 Oct. 2024
Verb
  • Those steering committees could start operating as early as this winter, Morris said — though that's just a recommendation.
    Cleo Krejci, Journal Sentinel, 31 Oct. 2024
  • Vintage-style lightbulbs, mini treetops, and even an old-fashioned color wheel to add a tinted glow to your tree start at just $3.
    Kaitlin Gates, Southern Living, 30 Oct. 2024
Verb
  • Yet, this round of MacBook updates will receive more attention as Apple looks to establish itself as a player in the generative AI field.
    Ewan Spence, Forbes, 26 Oct. 2024
  • Per the policy that established the Montgomery County Citizens Review Committee, committee meetings are to be held privately, so the committee's decision-making process is unknown.
    Greta Cross, USA TODAY, 26 Oct. 2024
Verb
  • Spill the Feels opens in fifth place on the Billboard 200 thanks to 65,500 equivalent units shifted.
    Hugh McIntyre, Forbes, 4 Nov. 2024
  • The Bears opened as seven-point favorites over the Patriots at Westgate SuperBook in Las Vegas.
    Brad Biggs, Chicago Tribune, 4 Nov. 2024
Verb
  • The screenplay originated from a deeply personal place for Eisenberg.
    Esther Zuckerman, TIME, 1 Nov. 2024
  • The Day of the Dead originates in Mexico and is a way to honor our friends and family who have passed away.
    Nadja Sayej, Forbes, 1 Nov. 2024
Verb
  • Taylor Farms, which supplied slivered onions for affected McDonald's locations, initiated a recall of yellow onions, the CDC said.
    Eduardo Cuevas, USA TODAY, 25 Oct. 2024
  • Path To Cannabis Rescheduling U.S. President Joe Biden initiated the administrative process to reschedule cannabis in 2022 by directing HHS and the Department of Justice to review its rescheduling.
    Dario Sabaghi, Forbes, 25 Oct. 2024
Verb
  • Complications can arise before, during, and after IABP placement.
    Christopher Lee, Verywell Health, 30 Oct. 2024
  • Determined to oversee a fair fight, Lawrence plays conciliator and detective as scandals arise, but his ongoing crisis of faith descends into a crisis of confidence.
    Shirley Li, The Atlantic, 30 Oct. 2024
Verb
  • The chain is founded by Lu Zhengyao and Jenny Qian, Luckin Coffee’s former founders ejected after the accounting scandal.
    Lionel Lim, Fortune Asia, 29 Oct. 2024
  • Fudge Park was founded a decade ago by The Inbetweeners creators Damon Beesley and Iain Morris.
    Max Goldbart, Deadline, 29 Oct. 2024

Thesaurus Entries Near begin

Cite this Entry

“Begin.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/begin. Accessed 7 Nov. 2024.

More from Merriam-Webster on begin

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