commence

verb

kə-ˈmen(t)s How to pronounce commence (audio)
Definition of commencenext
1
as in to begin
to take the first step in (a process or course of action) commence the festivities

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in to start
to come into existence the games commenced early in the morning

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

Synonym Chooser

How is the word commence different from other verbs like it?

Some common synonyms of commence are begin, inaugurate, initiate, start, and usher in. While all these words mean "to take the first step in a course, process, or operation," commence can be more formal or bookish than begin or start.

commence firing
commenced a conversation

How does the word begin relate to other synonyms for commence?

Begin, start, and commence are often interchangeable, with begin, opposed to end, being the most general.

begin a trip
began dancing

Where would inaugurate be a reasonable alternative to commence?

The words inaugurate and commence 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 is initiate a more appropriate choice than commence?

In some situations, the words initiate and commence are roughly equivalent. However, initiate implies taking a first step in a process or series that is to continue.

initiated diplomatic contacts

When could start be used to replace commence?

The synonyms start and commence are sometimes interchangeable, but start, opposed to stop, applies especially to first actions, steps, or stages.

the work started slowly

How do usher in and inaugurate relate to one another, in the sense of commence?

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 commence Goldberg said Hegseth told the group that the strikes against the Houthis would commence at 1:45 p.m. ET. —Caitlin Yilek, CBS News, 24 Mar. 2025 In 2025, his final year as an active in-ring competitor, Cena is set to embark on a farewell tour consisting of roughly 36 dates, commencing with the January 6th Netflix premiere of Raw and concluding in December. —Thomas G. Moukawsher, Newsweek, 21 Mar. 2025 The strikes commenced approximately two hours after Goldberg received the information. —Daniel R. Depetris, Newsweek, 25 Mar. 2025 Under-the-radar talks about them joining Loewe commenced last October, the same sources said. —Miles Socha, WWD, 24 Mar. 2025 See All Example Sentences for commence
Recent Examples of Synonyms for commence
  1. begin
  2. start
  3. originate
  4. arise
  5. appear
Verb
  • His television career began in 1995 as a reporter and substitute anchor for WBIR-TV in Knoxville, Tenn.
    — Ryan Schwartz, TVLine, 28 Jan. 2025
  • Around the time the contract began on May 1, 2022, Shanghai-to-Los Angeles average spot rates were $8,564 per 40-foot container, according to Drewry’s World Container Index (WCI).
    — Glenn Taylor, Sourcing Journal, 28 Jan. 2025
Definition of begin
Verb
  • Instead, Smash The Musical starts just well enough, and stays there.
    — Greg Evans, Deadline, 10 Apr. 2025
  • Japanese Breakfast will play Coachella on April 12 and April 19 before embarking on an international tour starting April 23.
    — Abigail Lee, Variety, 10 Apr. 2025
Definition of start
Verb
  • The Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon TV series originated a couple of years ago when Sony regained the rights to the books through a first-look deal with Vertigo and tapped Ning to adapt it as part of an overall deal.
    — Nellie Andreeva, Deadline, 10 Apr. 2025
  • The conflict between Caton and his accusers originated late at night at a campsite in Bradbury Flat in Custer County, according to the probable cause affidavit reviewed by the Statesman in online court filings.
    — Kevin Fixler, Idaho Statesman, 9 Apr. 2025
Definition of originate
Verb
  • Taking the time to prepare now ensures that when the opportunity to sell a business arises, the business is in a position to attract serious buyers and command the highest possible price.
    — Lien De Pau, Forbes.com, 9 Apr. 2025
  • But some conservationists are expressing wide ranging concern about the unintended consequences that could arise as researchers continue to try and resurrect versions of extinct animals.
    — Karissa Waddick, USA Today, 9 Apr. 2025
Definition of arise
Verb
  • After the risk assessment, the brothers will appear at independent parole board hearings on June 13, Newsom said.
    — Emily Shapiro, ABC News, 11 Apr. 2025
  • These concerns appeared to strike a chord—at least in part—with U.S. District Court Judge Claudia Wilken, who brought up the issue several times during this week’s fairness hearing over whether to grant the settlement’s final approval.
    — Daniel Libit, Sportico.com, 11 Apr. 2025
Definition of appear

Browse Nearby Words

commemoratives
commence
commenced
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Commence.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/commence. Accessed 22 Apr. 2025.

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