as in beginning
the point at which something begins
there was a large turnout at the commencement of the conference, but the numbers dwindled as it progressed
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Recent Examples of commencement
Some people go online and read commencement addresses to stimulate thoughts and get an idea of formats.
—
Bob Carlson, Forbes.com, 22 May 2025
That’s why the decision by some members of the unit to strike earlier this month, and their tentative plan to picket at commencement, is disheartening, as was the misinformation that has been shared in speeches, strike signage and media interviews.
—Thomas Skinner, San Diego Union-Tribune, 22 May 2025
The Baltimore Sun is providing the text of Maryland First Lady Dawn Moore’s commencement speech at the University of Baltimore Wednesday.
—Ayanna Alexander, Baltimore Sun, 21 May 2025
University of Hartford 1 of 5 Listen to this article
The University of Hartford held its commencement Sunday, May 18 at the XL Center in Hartford, according to the university.
—Staff Report, Hartford Courant, 19 May 2025
See All Example Sentences for commencement
Bob Carlson, Forbes.com, 22 May 2025
That’s why the decision by some members of the unit to strike earlier this month, and their tentative plan to picket at commencement, is disheartening, as was the misinformation that has been shared in speeches, strike signage and media interviews.
—Thomas Skinner, San Diego Union-Tribune, 22 May 2025
The Baltimore Sun is providing the text of Maryland First Lady Dawn Moore’s commencement speech at the University of Baltimore Wednesday.
—Ayanna Alexander, Baltimore Sun, 21 May 2025
University of Hartford 1 of 5 Listen to this article
The University of Hartford held its commencement Sunday, May 18 at the XL Center in Hartford, according to the university.
—Staff Report, Hartford Courant, 19 May 2025
See All Example Sentences for commencement
Recent Examples of Synonyms for commencement
Noun
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May 29, 2025 The LPGA Tour put in place a new pace of play policy at the beginning of the current season, which seeks to reduce playing times.—
Julio Cesar Valdera Morales,
MSNBC Newsweek,
30 May 2025
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The spindly youngster is at the beginning of a journey that will successively turn him into one of the most promising, one of the most unfortunate, one of the most maddening and ultimately one of the most celebrated football players in the world.—
Tom Williams,
New York Times,
30 May 2025
Noun
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Meanwhile, Bellinger, who won an MVP Award with the Dodgers in 2019, has found his footing after a rocky start, hitting .318 with five homers and 16 RBI this month.—
Gary Phillips,
New York Daily News,
29 May 2025
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Timberwolves coach Chris Finch cited the importance of a strong start prior to the game.—
Jace Frederick,
Twin Cities,
29 May 2025
Noun
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And since its inception, the CDF has made significant investments in cinema through a portfolio of $234 million.—
Partner Content,
Variety,
19 May 2025
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Since its inception, NASA has selected 61 women as astronaut candidates, many of them making groundbreaking contributions to space science and exploration.—
Betsy Pudliner,
The Conversation,
19 May 2025
Noun
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There are people in the government who have made their intentions very clear at the onset, and those intentions were emptying Gaza of its inhabitants, expelling them, and returning the Jewish settlements there.—
Isaac Chotiner,
New Yorker,
21 May 2025
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This alteration might trigger the onset of migraine or worsen migraine attacks, as well as causing more severe or frequent migraines.—
Brigid Dwyer,
Verywell Health,
19 May 2025
Noun
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SpaceX's broadband internet constellation grew again today (May 31), with the launch of 27 satellites into Earth orbit.—
Robert Z. Pearlman,
Space.com,
31 May 2025
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This summer will mark the official launch of the DCU with Superman.—
Paul Tassi,
Forbes.com,
31 May 2025
Cite this Entry
“Commencement.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/commencement. Accessed 4 Jun. 2025.
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