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 The Jewish Food Society’s inaugural food and culture festival will commence this weekend featuring art, live music, cooking demos and unique dish collaborations from restaurants such as Thai Diner, Katz’s Deli, Morgenstern’s Russ & Daughters and Junior’s Restaurant among others. Karu F. Daniels, New York Daily News, 19 June 2025 The Carabao Cup will begin in mid-August, with Premier League teams not playing in Europe entering in the second round, which starts in the week commencing August 25, and the remaining seven clubs receiving a bye to the third round, which takes place in the weeks commencing September 15 and 22. Jessica Hopkins, New York Times, 18 June 2025 These delays at the ISA, in turn, have frustrated corporate actors, like The Metals Company (TMC), which are keen to commence commercial-scale operations in international waters. Time, 17 June 2025 In anticipation of that event, the red leather chair commenced a mystery tour around the city to locations that have significance within Lynch’s life and filmography, with clues posted on social media to allow fans to guess the locations. Abigail Lee, Variety, 16 June 2025 See All Example Sentences for commence
Recent Examples of Synonyms for commence
Verb
  • Thomas officially began to practice and compete with the women's swimmers in Fall 2021.
    Jackson Thompson, FOXNews.com, 2 July 2025
  • Sacramento’s search for a point guard began as soon as the Kings hired Scott Perry as their new general manager.
    Jason Anderson, Sacbee.com, 1 July 2025
Verb
  • Iran had been in negotiations with the US for about two months, but called them off after Israel started bombing its territory.
    Sara Braun, Fortune, 22 June 2025
  • As per Sarah Langs of MLB.com, his 11 hitless innings to start his career broke the MLB record for a starting pitcher.
    Daniel R. Epstein, Forbes.com, 21 June 2025
Verb
  • Ali attended Loughborough University, and originates from Ipswich.
    Ali Rampling, New York Times, 22 June 2025
  • His turban is black and tied in the Kenyan style, a smooth, tailored look that originated among Sikhs who immigrated to British East Africa.
    Manvir Singh, New Yorker, 21 June 2025
Verb
  • Suddenly Flips First, in diversity of citizenship cases (as here), the federal courts will apply their own procedural rules but they are also required to apply the substantive rules of the state from where the action arises.
    Jay Adkisson, Forbes.com, 21 June 2025
  • Russia has also welcomed the golden share, which again arose during a domestic privatization drive.
    Cecilia Hult, Fortune, 20 June 2025
Verb
  • Bowman appeared particularly dismissive toward the threat of tariffs, which many economists say could slow growth, particularly if companies absorb the cost of the duties rather than passing them on to consumers.
    Preston Fore, Fortune, 24 June 2025
  • Kove ultimately became a major character and appeared in 57 episodes, according to IMDb.
    Raechal Shewfelt, EW.com, 24 June 2025

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Commence.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/commence. Accessed 5 Jul. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on commence

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!