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 The right-hander began 2024 with the Texas Rangers before being dealt to the Royals in July. —

Lamond Pope, Chicago Tribune, 14 Jan. 2025 Exploring the genre of inaugural addresses through quotations and objects from the past can help listeners better understand the opening speech of a new administration, the first act in a job that began with the taking of the oath. —

Claire Jerry, The Conversation, 14 Jan. 2025 The Whites and Skaggs also began performing often together, with Skaggs introducing the group to new audiences. —

Jessica Nicholson, Billboard, 14 Jan. 2025 Since the late 1990s, Ken Silverstein has covered energy, beginning with the rise and fall of Enron — first as a magazine writer before becoming a columnist and editor. —

Ken Silverstein, Forbes, 2 Jan. 2025 See all Example Sentences for begin

Recent Examples of Synonyms for begin

Verb

The 119th Congress has commenced with a notable shift in religious affiliation among its members, reflecting a broader trend of religion declining across the United States.

Janae Bowens, Baltimore Sun, 10 Jan. 2025
But the real processing will commence in the next weeks and months as El Capitan starts conducting nuclear weapons research in addition to computing work for fusion energy projects, climate change, and drug discovery.

Michael Kan, PCMAG, 10 Jan. 2025