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 As the speed rounds commenced, Meri first met with a man named Lee. Dory Jackson, PEOPLE, 6 Oct. 2025 The Bank of Japan has commenced with tapering, incrementally selling off its huge investments in ETFs that primed the stock market under Abe, and is signaling incremental interest rate increases. Jeff Kingston, Time, 4 Oct. 2025 Building on the site commenced in the 13th century under the instruction of Ibn al-Ahmar, the first member of the Nasrid family to be emir of Granada, and the sprawling compound was used by the emirs until Isabella and Ferdinand conquered the city in 1492. Fiona Mozley, Travel + Leisure, 4 Oct. 2025 The case is scheduled to be heard in London’s High Court, commencing on October 28. Madeline Coleman, New York Times, 2 Oct. 2025 See All Example Sentences for commence
Recent Examples of Synonyms for commence
Verb
  • That’s where the adjustments will begin for the Mercury as the series flips back to Phoenix for Wednesday’s Game 3.
    Ben Pickman, New York Times, 6 Oct. 2025
  • If a permit is granted, Conway estimated construction on the plant could begin in the early 2030s, and the plant could come online in 2038 or 2039.
    Miranda Dunlap, jsonline.com, 6 Oct. 2025
Verb
  • Hydroplaning is when a vehicle starts uncontrollably sliding on wet roads.
    NC Weather Bot, Charlotte Observer, 8 Oct. 2025
  • During his own speech, Sean asked Leaper to name KU’s backfield that started the 1961 Bluebonnet Bowl.
    Gary Bedore, Kansas City Star, 8 Oct. 2025
Verb
  • Despite the recent popularity of Labubu dolls, the critters — according to POP MART's official website, which sells Labubu and other blind box toys — originated in 2015 thanks to artist Kasing Lung, who created a trio of picture books inspired by Nordic mythology.
    Skyler Caruso, PEOPLE, 2 Oct. 2025
  • He is known as one of the leading figures in Brooklyn's drill scene, a gritty rap subgenre that originated in Chicago.
    Ryan Coleman, Entertainment Weekly, 2 Oct. 2025
Verb
  • And with those sightings arose… The Life of an AI Theory.
    David Browne, Rolling Stone, 8 Oct. 2025
  • The same concern arises with jewelry, which is also a traditional way of holding gold.
    Lee Ying Shan, CNBC, 8 Oct. 2025
Verb
  • Now that Dave's has opened in Louisville, the bold choices don't appear to be slowing.
    Amanda Hancock, Louisville Courier Journal, 3 Oct. 2025
  • Beyond his music career, the 31-year-old rapper has embarked on a professional wrestling career, first appearing on WWE in 2021 and competing in several matches since.
    Kaycee Sloan, Cincinnati Enquirer, 3 Oct. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Commence.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/commence. Accessed 9 Oct. 2025.

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