FALLS (TO) Synonyms: 59 Similar and Opposite Words

falls (to)

verb

present tense third-person singular of fall (to)

as in begins

to take the first step in (a process or course of action) after some refreshments, she fell to working with renewed vigor

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Recent Examples of Synonyms for falls (to)

Verb

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

Definition of 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

College football won’t be the same in Evanston after this place opens, regardless of how many games Northwestern wins or loses, and that might be true a lot further afield, too.

— The Editorial Board, Chicago Tribune, 6 Sep. 2026
Dragon Tiny Homes Its glass-door entrance opens onto its living room.

— New Atlas, New Atlas, 6 Sep. 2026

Definition of opens

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.

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falls short (of)

falls (to)

fall (to)

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“Falls (to).” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/falls%20%28to%29. Accessed 7 Sep. 2026.

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Synonyms of falls (to)

verb

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