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 Last Looks — The final chance for hair & makeup, costume design, gaffers, and production design to make adjustments before commencing a take. —Harrison Richlin, IndieWire, 17 May 2025 Principal photography is scheduled to commence in early 2026. —Naman Ramachandran, Variety, 15 May 2025 Once the second half commenced, BC High drained the clock for the majority of the third quarter, before putting the pedal to the medal in the final stanza. —Brendan Connelly, Boston Herald, 10 May 2025 Principal photography will commence in the fall, according to the announcement. —Borys Kit, HollywoodReporter, 9 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
  • In Afghanistan, a war that began after 9/11, 2,465 American lives were lost, and half that many allied troops in the campaign to oust Al Qaeda.
    — New York Daily News Editorial Board, New York Daily News, 26 May 2025
  • As the family begins bickering, Alice/Nicola excuses herself from the table.
    — Matt Cabral, EW.com, 26 May 2025
Definition of begin
Verb
  • Wealth-creating liquidity readiness starts well before the deal.
    — Michael Platner, Forbes.com, 28 May 2025
  • Our trips allow guests to enjoy the perks of private yacht charters, luxury hotels, bespoke itineraries and high-touch service, all while sharing the cost with like-minded travelers who may start as strangers but quickly feel like longtime friends.
    — Eileen Falkenberg-Hull, MSNBC Newsweek, 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
  • Farrow, known for her breakout role in the film Rosemary’s Baby, previously appeared on Broadway in the 1979 production of Romantic Comedy, opposite Anthony Perkins, as well as two subsequent staged readings on Broadway and regional productions.
    — Caitlin Huston, HollywoodReporter, 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 4 Jun. 2025.

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