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 Chilean Cobalt has identified a need for approximately $325 million to complete its plan of operations, which includes proving feasibility, commencing production, and generating saleable products. —Quartz Intelligence Newsroom, Quartz, 2 Apr. 2025 Before Emmerich’s exit, the option to the game were re-upped and talks with Jason Momoa commenced. —Anthony D'alessandro, Deadline, 7 Apr. 2025 The filing indicates that the company has not commenced any operations and has not generated any revenues. —Quartz Intelligence Newsroom, Quartz, 3 Apr. 2025 Standalone or not, the race to the top is just commencing. —Dr. Sai Balasubramanian, M.d., J.d., Forbes.com, 31 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
  • The European Union has begun to issue its U.S.-bound officials burner phones, for fear of surveillance, the Financial Times reported.
    — Arkansas Online, Arkansas Online, 20 Apr. 2025
  • Earlier this month, the Administration began the process of cancelling the Social Security numbers of immigrants who were in the country lawfully.
    — Jonathan Blitzer, New Yorker, 20 Apr. 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
  • 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
  • Your passion must propel you forward when obstacles arise.
    — Jay Ruderman, Rolling Stone, 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
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Cite this Entry

“Commence.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/commence. Accessed 24 Apr. 2025.

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