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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 book is divided into three sections, and each one begins with a character or characters finding a new house, and attaching so much hope to it. Jennifer Wilson, New Yorker, 28 Sep. 2025 The City of Charleston declared a local state of emergency Saturday, and began distributing sandbags and clearing storm drains, according to a statement. Chris Dolce, CNN Money, 28 Sep. 2025 Pairing apple pie and cheddar cheese is an American tradition that began with English colonists and persists today in the Northeast and Midwest. Staff Author, Better Homes & Gardens, 28 Sep. 2025 Chanel’s partnership with Pompidou began in 2019. Denni Hu, Footwear News, 28 Sep. 2025 See All Example Sentences for begin
Recent Examples of Synonyms for begin
Verb
  • In December 2023, San Diego commenced its analysis of what’s known as the Midway Rising Specific Plan as a supplement to the environmental work completed in 2018 for the Midway-Pacific Highway Community Plan.
    Jennifer Van Grove, San Diego Union-Tribune, 23 Sep. 2025
  • This year's bracket, which consists of 11 bears, was revealed on Monday, with voting set to commence on Tuesday at noon ET, according to the competition's website.
    Megan Forrester, ABC News, 23 Sep. 2025
Verb
  • What started as a small collaboration grew into a global movement, now marked each year by millions who wear pink ribbons, participate in walks, and push for advances in research and early detection.
    Dr. Noor Shaik, ABC News, 1 Oct. 2025
  • While homes are sitting on the market longer now, keeping supply higher than a year ago, more sellers are starting to delist their properties.
    Diana Olick, CNBC, 1 Oct. 2025
Verb
  • The grand prize winner’s selection as the closing film marked another break from tradition, with the competition photocall ceremonies at Busan Cinema Center attracting substantial audiences and establishing the new format as a tentpole event.
    Naman Ramachandran, Variety, 27 Sep. 2025
  • In any event, this is an opportunity to establish more structure in your life and consider what truly supports you.
    Valerie Mesa, PEOPLE, 27 Sep. 2025
Verb
  • One point is needed to open each door between rooms, and some rooms have multi-point penalties just for entering.
    Kayti Burt, Time, 26 Sep. 2025
  • This is a woman who can’t open the refrigerator without having a panic attack.
    Brian Moylan, Vulture, 26 Sep. 2025
Verb
  • Though the majority of cases are linked to a large outbreak that originated in West Texas, other outbreaks and cases have arisen from community transmission or during travel in other states.
    Thao Nguyen, USA Today, 25 Sep. 2025
  • Core emotions originate in the subcortical part of the brain, not in areas under our conscious control.
    CNN Money, CNN Money, 25 Sep. 2025
Verb
  • On the other hand, human pioneers utilizing AI can initiate the process of relocating mining and industry off the planet, and, working together, enable us to expand the domain of life.
    Rick Tumlinson, Space.com, 25 Sep. 2025
  • Patients must initiate the process within 120 days of receiving the bill, and the bill may not be sent to a collection agency while under review.
    Katheryn Houghton, Miami Herald, 25 Sep. 2025
Verb
  • Though the majority of cases are linked to a large outbreak that originated in West Texas, other outbreaks and cases have arisen from community transmission or during travel in other states.
    Thao Nguyen, USA Today, 25 Sep. 2025
  • However, signs of trouble for the stock market near term are arising under the surface .
    Fred Imbert, CNBC, 24 Sep. 2025
Verb
  • Electric Era, which was founded by SpaceX engineers, is ready to release its next product, one that is designed to address energy storage management and charging power demand concerns.
    Eileen Falkenberg-Hull, MSNBC Newsweek, 1 Oct. 2025
  • Now, Stern, who co-founded Apple Fitness+ and previously oversaw Ford's subscription services, aims to upgrade Peloton's products in an effort to match its wide range of class types with its hardware.
    Gabrielle Fonrouge, CNBC, 1 Oct. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Begin.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/begin. Accessed 1 Oct. 2025.

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