Definition of beginnext
1
2
3

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 one glaring chapter that had been missing began to write itself Monday night with color and pageantry as Miami was home to a soccer match in the FIFA World Cup for the first time. Miami Herald, 16 June 2026 But as interest in the area grew, the pair began to see a business opportunity. Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 16 June 2026 But there are ways of assessing it with cold hard figures, most notably the FIFA world rankings, which began in the 1990s as a way to assess the strength of international teams. Thom Harris, New York Times, 16 June 2026 The restaurant from Yao and co-owners Ryan Bailey and Nikki Reginaldo began humbly, as did its beverage program. Stephanie Breijo, Los Angeles Times, 16 June 2026 See All Example Sentences for begin
Recent Examples of Synonyms for begin
Verb
  • In preparation for the aircraft’s arrival next year, Qantas pilots have commenced training on Australia’s first A350 simulator in Sydney and with British Airways in the UK.
    Michael Goldstein, Forbes.com, 18 June 2026
  • Season 2 of The Audacity is set to commence production this month in Vancouver, BC, and will debut in 2027.
    Rosy Cordero, Deadline, 16 June 2026
Verb
  • The inning started with Esteury Ruiz being hit by a pitch and Sanoja laying down a bunt hit to put two runners on with no outs.
    Jordan McPherson, Miami Herald, 20 June 2026
  • One of those pundits who is starting to rethink his stance on the Stars and Stripes is 12-time Swedish Player of the Year and FOX Soccer correspondent Zlatan Ibrahimović.
    Austin Perry OutKick, FOXNews.com, 20 June 2026
Verb
  • Those would be high benchmarks for Texas Tech to establish, so long as the conference follows its own bylaws.
    Michael McCann, Sportico.com, 13 June 2026
  • State initiatives aimed at supporting fusion research and commercialization have encouraged investment and collaboration, helping establish an ecosystem designed to accelerate technological breakthroughs.
    Prabhat Ranjan Mishra, Interesting Engineering, 13 June 2026
Verb
  • Iran also committed to open its facilities to extensive international inspections in exchange for the sanctions relief and unfreezing of its foreign assets.
    Swapna Venugopal Ramaswamy, USA Today, 19 June 2026
  • Alvarado said the bar made a last-minute decision to open early Thursday to screen the event.
    Hannah Kliger, CBS News, 19 June 2026
Verb
  • Jackson, who originated the role in both the Off Broadway and Broadway productions of the musical, earning a Tony Award nomination for the latter, will return to the role on Tuesday, September 8, playing through Sunday, January 3, 2027, at Broadway’s Richard Rodgers Theatre.
    Greg Evans, Deadline, 16 June 2026
  • Delta Flight 1966 originated in San Juan, Puerto Rico.
    Jesse Zanger, CBS News, 16 June 2026
Verb
  • The vote was 6-1 in favor of initiating the contract cancellation.
    Jennifer McRae, CBS News, 17 June 2026
  • Earlier this year, Del Rio initiated arbitration against CBS Studios.
    Winston Cho, HollywoodReporter, 17 June 2026
Verb
  • Jarzombek acknowledged that there will be some disruptions that arise from the transition but said CalPERS staff would work to minimize their impact.
    William Melhado, Sacbee.com, 18 June 2026
  • Water the plant deeply and slowly at the base rather than overhead, as this will ensure the roots receive sufficient nourishment and help prevent diseases that can arise from wet foliage.
    SJ McShane, Martha Stewart, 18 June 2026
Verb
  • The James Beard Foundation was founded in 1986 and is named for the legendary cookbook author who has been called America’s first foodie.
    Jeanne Bonner, CNN Money, 16 June 2026
  • The company was founded in 1998 by skydivers Chris Hall and his father, John Hall, and for nearly three decades has operated out of Butler Memorial Airport.
    Ben Wheeler, Kansas City Star, 16 June 2026

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Begin.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/begin. Accessed 20 Jun. 2026.

More from Merriam-Webster on begin

Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!

More from Merriam-Webster