as in start
the point at which something begins
the actual beginning of the universe is still under debate, with some scientists continuing to uphold the big bang theory
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
1
as in preparatory
coming before the main part or item usually to introduce or prepare for what follows
the beginning part of the book is a portrait of Europe on the eve of the World War I
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in introductory
of or relating to the simplest facts or theories of a subject
a course in beginning geology for nonscience majors
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
1
as in commencing
to take the first step in (a process or course of action)
she began walking to work for exercise
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in starting
to come into existence
the storm began late in the day and lasted all night
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
3
as in founding
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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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of beginning
Dexter Filkins, New Yorker, 14 July 2025
The innovative product replaces potassium permanganate at the beginning of the process and can be applied directly to raw garments.
—Angela Velasquez, Sourcing Journal, 14 July 2025
Mychael Schnell, The Hill, 28 Feb. 2025
In this case, the planetesimal that was the beginning stage of Earth didn’t drop its MVEs at the start of its development.
—Jack Knudson, Discover Magazine, 5 Feb. 2025
Julia Angwin, New Yorker, 12 Apr. 2025
The rash generally appears three to five days after the first symptoms, beginning as flat red spots on the face and then spreading downward to the neck, trunk, arms, legs and feet.
—Devi Shastri, Chicago Tribune, 12 Apr. 2025
See All Example Sentences for beginning
Noun
At the beginning of the war, Ukraine used drones mostly for reconnaissance.
—Dexter Filkins, New Yorker, 14 July 2025
The innovative product replaces potassium permanganate at the beginning of the process and can be applied directly to raw garments.
—Angela Velasquez, Sourcing Journal, 14 July 2025
Adjective
Some of the efforts being eyed by hardline Republicans are focused on the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID) workers, which DOGE — the brainchild of billionaire Trump adviser Elon Musk — has sought to dismantle since the beginning days of the Trump administration.
—Mychael Schnell, The Hill, 28 Feb. 2025
In this case, the planetesimal that was the beginning stage of Earth didn’t drop its MVEs at the start of its development.
—Jack Knudson, Discover Magazine, 5 Feb. 2025
Verb
In the United States, many of the referees are beginning to fall in line.
—Julia Angwin, New Yorker, 12 Apr. 2025
The rash generally appears three to five days after the first symptoms, beginning as flat red spots on the face and then spreading downward to the neck, trunk, arms, legs and feet.
—Devi Shastri, Chicago Tribune, 12 Apr. 2025
See All Example Sentences for beginning
Recent Examples of Synonyms for beginning
Noun
-
That Morejón made it through so many stops and starts, improving his body and mind and his pitching arsenal along the way, is what has been gratifying to longtime members of the organization.—
Kevin Acee,
San Diego Union-Tribune,
15 July 2025
-
Norm Hall/Getty Images The Red Sox have an ace in Garrett Crochet while Brayan Bello and Lucas Giolito turned their seasons around over their last six starts.—
Tim Crowley,
MSNBC Newsweek,
15 July 2025
Adjective
-
According to a Reuters report released Thursday, the U.S. Surface Transportation Board (STB), the federal regulatory agency overseeing railroads, are already conducting preparatory work in anticipation of a possible two deals.—
Glenn Taylor,
Sourcing Journal,
25 July 2025
-
In an interview, Astin pointed to his years on national and L.A. Local boards and on five separate negotiating committees as key preparatory steps for the top job at SAG-AFTRA.—
Katie Kilkenny,
HollywoodReporter,
11 July 2025
Adjective
-
The apparent deletion was noticed on social media the same day that comments from Krauskopf's introductory press conference resurfaced.—
Jackson Thompson,
FOXNews.com,
12 July 2025
-
Head coach of Mike Brown of the New York Knicks speaks to media during his introductory press conference at Knicks Training Facility on July 08, 2025 in Tarrytown, New York.—
Evan Massey,
MSNBC Newsweek,
12 July 2025
Verb
-
The New Year is starting with a fresh warning for those who work with animals in Texas.—
Li Cohen,
CBS News,
6 Jan. 2025
-
Murphy is term-limited, so the open-seat contest has attracted a cornucopia of candidates, starting with a crowded field of Democratic aspirants.—
Geoffrey Skelley,
ABC News,
6 Jan. 2025
Verb
-
Since founding the lifestyle brand Simplified in 2008, the mother of three has amassed over 30,000 followers on Substack and nearly 300,000 on Instagram.—
Sarah Scott,
Parents,
10 Apr. 2025
-
Women deserve their own places at the top, and if that means more women are founding companies, the more, the merrier.—
Liz Elting,
Forbes.com,
9 Apr. 2025
Noun
-
Since its inception in 1994, New Faces has been regarded as a premier launchpad, helping to propel the careers of dozens of comedy’s biggest stars — among them, Kevin Hart, Amy Schumer, Ali Wong, Jo Koy, and Kumail Nanjiani.—
Matt Grobar,
Deadline,
21 July 2025
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Practically since its inception, the project has faced fierce opposition from local officials in the resort town, who cite concerns that beachgoers would lose a pristine ocean view if the turbines were visible from shore.—
Christine Condon,
Baltimore Sun,
20 July 2025
Adjective
-
Vinson was scheduled to have her preliminary examination in Washtenaw County's 14A-1 District Court, when Judge Cedric Simpson would have decided whether there's enough evidence against her to send the case to trial.—
Andrea May Sahouri,
Freep.com,
23 July 2025
-
The Air Force study's preliminary findings indicated troops in the nuclear missile community don't have higher cancer diagnosis or death rates than other active duty servicemembers or the general U.S. population.—
Davis Winkie,
USA Today,
23 July 2025
Adjective
-
By starting early with high school and even elementary education, institutions can introduce students to the importance of natural resources and the role of mining in the energy transition.—
Ed Macha,
Forbes.com,
15 July 2025
-
Breakfasts will cost $1.50 for elementary students and $1.75 for intermediate and high school students.—
Jim Woods,
Chicago Tribune,
15 July 2025
Cite this Entry
“Beginning.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/beginning. Accessed 29 Jul. 2025.
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