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 Harris' body was recovered on Jan. 8, shortly after search and rescue efforts commenced, according to previous reporting by BBC News. —Michael Nied, People.com, 2 June 2025 Principal photography will commence in the fall in Dublin. —Alex Ritman, Variety, 29 May 2025 The American Athletic Conference unveiled kick times spanning the first half of the season Thursday, solidifying the exact time the Tim Albin era will commence for Charlotte, taking the reins as the program’s fourth head coach. —Hunter Bailey, Charlotte Observer, 29 May 2025 Scattered showers will go throughout the day but heavy rain and thunderstorms will commence after 4 p.m. Though storms will pass before 10 p.m., rain will continue on through Monday night into early Tuesday morning. —Ella Gonzales, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 26 May 2025 See All Example Sentences for commence
Recent Examples of Synonyms for commence
  1. begin
  2. start
  3. originate
  4. arise
  5. appear
Verb
  • But what began as an ordinary evening would soon become one of the region's most haunting cold cases.
    — Christina Coulter, People.com, 7 June 2025
  • Meanwhile, in the UFC 316 PPV card co-headliner, Julianna Pena begins her second stint as the women’s 135-pound champ against former PFL lightweight champion Kayla Harrison.
    — Trent Reinsmith, Forbes.com, 7 June 2025
Definition of begin
Verb
  • Born with Sickle Cell Disease, Woolford started a non-profit, Sickle Cell Reproductive Education Directive, that advocates for patients like herself.
    — Katia Riddle, NPR, 28 May 2025
  • Then, about 30 minutes after launch, Ship started to tumble, which was the result of a leak in Ship's fuel-tank systems, according to Huot.
    — Mike Wall, Space.com, 28 May 2025
Definition of start
Verb
  • The species, which originates from West Africa, typically stands about 3 feet tall and can weigh up to 600 pounds.
    — Caleb Lunetta, San Diego Union-Tribune, 29 May 2025
  • While the phrase originated during Trump’s first presidential campaign in 2016, TDS has become an increasingly popular diagnosis Trump and his supporters like to give his critics.
    — Miranda Jeyaretnam, Time, 29 May 2025
Definition of originate
Verb
  • However, with a strategic approach and dedication, opportunities will arise.
    — Jay Garcia, Forbes.com, 28 May 2025
  • Over time, writing arose in multiple locations in Asia and Africa.
    — Sam Kean, The Atlantic, 26 May 2025
Definition of arise
Verb
  • The sculpture appears in the form of a glass cube, which glows with light that changes color based on live temperature data taken from the Hoh Rain Forest in near Seattle, Washington State.
    — Lucy Handley, CNBC, 1 June 2025
  • Windhorst appeared on the ESPN show 'NBA Today to discuss the situation.
    — Matt Levine, MSNBC Newsweek, 31 May 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 10 Jun. 2025.

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