BEGINS Synonyms: 132 Similar and Opposite Words

begins

verb

present tense third-person singular of begin

as in commences

to take the first step in (a process or course of action) she began walking to work for exercise

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as in starts

to come into existence the storm began late in the day and lasted all night

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as in establishes

to be responsible for the creation and early operation or use of the religious sect was begun by a small breakaway faction

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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 begins As Georgia’s college campuses are bustling with students again, this edition of the AJC On Campus roundup begins with a $250,000 settlement. — Jason Armesto, AJC.com, 4 Sep. 2026 The resort begins clearing the beach before sunrise each morning, but nature doesn't always cooperate. — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 4 Sep. 2026 As the 2026-2027 school year begins, the Lee’s Summit school district is staring down a massive budget shortfall, which could put dozens of staff and faculty members out of work. — Ilana Arougheti, Kansas City Star, 4 Sep. 2026 Seven of those 22 games will come against each other — four in Philadelphia during a wraparound series that begins Friday, and three in Atlanta the following weekend. — Charlotte Varnes, New York Times, 4 Sep. 2026 Diesel has skyrocketed more than 60% so far this year, leaving it on track for the biggest annual increase on record, according to a CNN review of AAA data that begins in 2000. — Matt Egan, CNN Money, 4 Sep. 2026 About 90% of the nation's 500,000 school buses run on diesel, and the rising price has stretched district budgets as the school year begins. — Willa Rubin, NPR, 4 Sep. 2026 His retirement also begins the search for Blue V, who will not be related to Blue IV because the university wants to choose a healthy bulldog based on responsible breeding standards rather than preserving a bloodline for tradition. — Lauren Paige Richeson, USA Today, 28 Aug. 2026 The creation of additional classrooms doesn’t start until after the school year begins. — Jennifer Bruzan Taylor, Chicago Tribune, 28 Aug. 2026

Recent Examples of Synonyms for begins

Verb

This tender novel of intimacy and its risks begins in Boston in 1969, as Eve, a dancer, commences an affair with a colleague—an indiscretion that spurs her husband, a journalist named Gabe, to cheat, too.

— The New Yorker, New Yorker, 31 Aug. 2026
The Jet Set to the Beekman package commences with a Blade helicopter flight to Pier 11 in Lower Manhattan (from eligible departure points), where a house car will then take you to the Beekman’s West Turret penthouse.

— Spencer Whaley, Forbes.com, 20 Aug. 2026

Definition of commences

Verb

The question then becomes whether there is a problem with the emerging technology, or, if this starts with the culture of policing itself.

— Irene Wright, USA Today, 4 Sep. 2026
But the extremely rapid pace here also raises concern about what happens if, or when, the boom starts to dissipate.

— Lim Hui Jie, CNBC, 3 Sep. 2026

Definition of starts

Verb

The rule also establishes new design requirements, including a tracking barcode for mail-in ballot envelopes that states must create and submit to the USPS for approval.

— Sarah D. Wire, USA Today, 28 Aug. 2026
Assembly Bill 1633 establishes the Private Detention Facility Tax Law, which would impose an annual 25% tax on operators of private detention centers.

— Sofia Williams, Sacbee.com, 28 Aug. 2026

Definition of establishes

Verb

That hearing is two days before LSU — the one SEC team known to be interested in signing such players — opens its season against Clemson.

— Seth Emerson, New York Times, 31 Aug. 2026
This week, just steps from the garden, Musée Yves Saint Laurent Marrakech (mYSLm), a 43,000-square-foot museum designed by the architectural firm Studio KO, opens its doors to the public.

— Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 30 Aug. 2026

Definition of opens

Verb

Although Salmonella primarily originates in the intestinal tracts of people and animals, including insects and birds, the bacterium is commonly found in the environment.

— Kimberly Baker, The Conversation, 31 Aug. 2026
Fonseca Porto Siroco Extra Dry White Port Crisp as a new dollar bill with delicate floral and bitter notes, this bottling takes its name from the Mediterranean wind that originates in North Africa.

— Joseph Hernandez, Bon Appetit Magazine, 26 Aug. 2026

Definition of originates

Verb

One such scene that appears captured, not composed, arises when a playful exchange about AccRite’s dead son on a job site goes too far.

— Marshall Shaffer, IndieWire, 3 Sep. 2026
Plus, if a situation arises that requires a peep-toe, your pedicure will be ready to be front and center.

— Marianne Mychaskiw, Allure, 1 Sep. 2026

Definition of arises

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beginnings

begins

begird

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“Begins.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/begins. Accessed 5 Sep. 2026.

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Synonyms of begins

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