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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

Example 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 general on sale for tickets will begin April 17 at noon (Melbourne), 1 p.m. (Sydney) and 2 p.m. (Brisbane) local time, respectively. Stephen Daw, Billboard, 8 Apr. 2025 Manufacturing is not the ticket to success Employment in the US manufacturing industry began to decline after reaching a peak in the late 1970s, according to Labor Department data, shrinking by an even faster pace around the turn of the century. Bryan Mena, CNN Money, 8 Apr. 2025 Meanwhile, in mid-February, Williams’s colleagues at the Puget Sound V.A. began to get laid off. E. Tammy Kim, New Yorker, 8 Apr. 2025 Desir had won 24 consecutive matches to begin the season. Alex Kushel, Sun Sentinel, 28 Mar. 2025 See All Example Sentences for begin
Recent Examples of Synonyms for begin
Verb
  • Before Emmerich’s exit, the option to the game were re-upped and talks with Jason Momoa commenced.
    Anthony D'Alessandro, Deadline, 7 Apr. 2025
  • The filing indicates that the company has not commenced any operations and has not generated any revenues.
    Quartz Intelligence Newsroom, Quartz, 3 Apr. 2025
Verb
  • The pause came hours after the European Union voted to approve retaliatory tariffs on $23 billion in goods, starting April 15, in response to Trump’s previously announced 25% tariffs on steel and aluminum—which remain in effect.
    Miranda Jeyaretnam, Time, 10 Apr. 2025
  • Those who don't want to risk missing out should start preparing for it now. Follow me on Twitter or LinkedIn.
    Bernard Marr, Forbes.com, 10 Apr. 2025
Verb
  • Regional hubs have been established in North America, China, France, Sweden, and Spain to cover the specific requirements and automotive regulations of the respective countries.
    Jeanette Rohr, Forbes.com, 7 Apr. 2025
  • Robertson, a former sheriff’s deputy, has been the leading opponent against past measures to compensate people and to establish a law to let legal experts make that decision instead of legislators.
    Charlotte Kramon, Los Angeles Times, 6 Apr. 2025
Verb
  • According to the complaint, about $40 million of the $367 million needed to build NRG Stadium—which opened in 2002—came through the sale of PSLs.
    Michael McCann, Sportico.com, 3 Apr. 2025
  • The rock act lands its highest debut on the Official Rock & Metal Albums chart, where Rush 50 opens at No. 5.
    Hugh McIntyre, Forbes.com, 3 Apr. 2025
Verb
  • The Friday earthquake originated near Mandalay, Myanmar’s second-largest city of about 1.5 million, from rubbing tectonic plates along the Sagaing fault, which runs through the center of the country.
    Stephanie Yang, Los Angeles Times, 31 Mar. 2025
  • The History of the Hot Brown The dish originated in the 1920s, when flocks of patrons gathered to refuel at the hotel restaurant following The Brown’s popular dinner dances, which drew 1,200 guests nightly.
    Robin Roenker, Southern Living, 29 Mar. 2025
Verb
  • In severe weather conditions, forcing or lift mechanisms, such as a cold front, dry line, or terrain, are needed to trigger rising air and initiate thunderstorm development.
    Alana Wise, NPR, 5 Apr. 2025
  • With the goal of providing even more supportive services, the Hispanic Health Council has initiated conversation with key education leaders to address the gaps in Connecticut education systems.
    Ken Barela, Hartford Courant, 3 Apr. 2025
Verb
  • Taking the time to prepare now ensures that when the opportunity to sell a business arises, the business is in a position to attract serious buyers and command the highest possible price.
    Lien De Pau, Forbes.com, 9 Apr. 2025
  • Your passion must propel you forward when obstacles arise.
    Jay Ruderman, Rolling Stone, 9 Apr. 2025
Verb
  • Alon-Lee Green, the founding co-director of Standing Together, a progressive grassroots movement, told CNN that young people aren’t at fault for the extremist attitudes that are dividing wider Israeli society.
    Kara Fox, CNN Money, 28 Mar. 2025
  • That policy was targeted last year in a letter sent to Disney’s top brass by America First Legal Foundation, a conservative group founded by White House deputy chief of staff Stephen Miller.
    Winston Cho, HollywoodReporter, 28 Mar. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Begin.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/begin. Accessed 13 Apr. 2025.

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