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
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
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 beginning
Ann Manov,
Harpers Magazine,
30 June 2026
The national holiday is celebrated in France on July 14th each year, marking the anniversary of the storming of the Bastille and the beginning of the French Revolution.
—
Irene S. Levine,
Forbes.com,
30 June 2026
Regina Elling,
San Diego Union-Tribune,
11 Nov. 2025
Next week, Grizzly Bear headline the first show in a five-night run at New York’s Brooklyn Steel, the beginning leg of their first tour in six years.
—
Nina Corcoran,
Pitchfork,
10 Oct. 2025
ABC News,
1 July 2026
In accord with history, the next phases of African investment are beginning here.
—
Wesley Alexander Hill,
Forbes.com,
1 July 2026
See All Example Sentences for beginning
Noun
In the Seventies, Fifties nostalgia was just the beginning of the search for a lovable past.
—
Ann Manov,
Harpers Magazine,
30 June 2026
The national holiday is celebrated in France on July 14th each year, marking the anniversary of the storming of the Bastille and the beginning of the French Revolution.
—
Irene S. Levine,
Forbes.com,
30 June 2026
Adjective
Goforth is hoping to be open by the spring of 2026, with remodeling plans for the tasting room in the very beginning stages.
—
Regina Elling,
San Diego Union-Tribune,
11 Nov. 2025
Next week, Grizzly Bear headline the first show in a five-night run at New York’s Brooklyn Steel, the beginning leg of their first tour in six years.
—
Nina Corcoran,
Pitchfork,
10 Oct. 2025
Verb
Earlier this month, Education Department officials said borrowers who are enrolled in auto pay will be eligible for a 1% rate reduction beginning July 1.
—
ABC News,
1 July 2026
In accord with history, the next phases of African investment are beginning here.
—
Wesley Alexander Hill,
Forbes.com,
1 July 2026
See All Example Sentences for beginning
Recent Examples of Synonyms for beginning
Noun
-
Acuff got off to a much better start after struggling to make shots in his summer league debut on Saturday.
-
Belgium added to the lead early in the second half on a major error from goalie Matt Freese, who had given up just one goal in his first three starts.
Adjective
-
Another measure to speed up the preparatory studies proposes that when a power plant operator and a large load customer of a similar size both apply for access to the grid, only one study of the impact of both players joining should be conducted, rather than sequential studies.
-
Separate preparatory meetings with each side are set to take place in Doha this week, ahead of the official signing in Switzerland and the start of the technical talks, the diplomat said.
Adjective
-
Consider starting each rule section with a positive introductory statement.
-
The introductory course for PPEL required students to read, on average, just twenty-seven pages a week.
Verb
-
Flexjet has become the official private aviation supplier for Formula 1 in a new multi-year agreement, commencing with the British Grand Prix.
-
Work on the plan to remake Fifth Avenue is seen commencing in 2028 and will extend from Bryant Park to Central Park.
Verb
-
Crunchyroll subscribers can also stream the movie, offered in both Japanese and English dubs, starting the same day.
-
For the Heat’s Antetokounmpo and Adebayo, ample challenges ahead — starting with an East seedings race unlike any other in recent years.
Verb
-
There is a Liberty Bell, a gift from King Louis XV of France, that predates the larger and more famous one in Philadelphia, and there’s an American story that predates America’s founding 250 years ago.
-
America, whose Constitution was formulated by white men, struggled to live up to its founding ideals in the days of slavery and displacement of Native Americans.
Noun
-
Some team executives and agents have considered the second apron, set at just under $222 million this coming season, as a de facto hard cap since its inception.
-
Since its inception, social media has been a proving ground for tween fashion and identity, offering under-16s a digital canvas to experiment with their style and form online cliques around niche interests.
Adjective
-
Prominent civil rights attorneys Ben Crump and Van Turner, who are representing the family of Kohen Wiley, released preliminary findings from the independent autopsy during a news conference on July 1.
-
The sheriff's office says a preliminary investigation found that workers were installing underground tanks.
Cite this Entry
“Beginning.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/beginning. Accessed 7 Jul. 2026.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
