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 Production of the 2026 model was previously expected to commence this month. Alex Harring, CNBC, 25 Sep. 2025 The tree removal services contract was awarded by the City Council last August, which meant removal could commence. Elizabeth Marie Himchak, San Diego Union-Tribune, 23 Sep. 2025 This year's bracket, which consists of 11 bears, was revealed on Monday, with voting set to commence on Tuesday at noon ET, according to the competition's website. Megan Forrester, ABC News, 23 Sep. 2025 The Portuguese Footwear Award commenced in January 2025, kicking off with an immersive workshop hosted at the London College of Fashion, led by Portuguese industry experts and award-winning designer Bianca Saunders. Roddy Clarke, Forbes.com, 19 Sep. 2025 See All Example Sentences for commence
Recent Examples of Synonyms for commence
Verb
  • Like Nabers, Beckham played college football for the LSU Tigers, and like Nabers, Beckham began his NFL career as a first-round draft pick for the Giants.
    Matt Audilet, MSNBC Newsweek, 29 Sep. 2025
  • The show is a campy, 1980s-style whodunit that begins with the funeral of a famous singer.
    Nathan Diller, USA Today, 29 Sep. 2025
Verb
  • What started as a small collaboration grew into a global movement, now marked each year by millions who wear pink ribbons, participate in walks, and push for advances in research and early detection.
    Dr. Noor Shaik, ABC News, 1 Oct. 2025
  • While homes are sitting on the market longer now, keeping supply higher than a year ago, more sellers are starting to delist their properties.
    Diana Olick, CNBC, 1 Oct. 2025
Verb
  • Though the majority of cases are linked to a large outbreak that originated in West Texas, other outbreaks and cases have arisen from community transmission or during travel in other states.
    Thao Nguyen, USA Today, 25 Sep. 2025
  • Core emotions originate in the subcortical part of the brain, not in areas under our conscious control.
    CNN Money, CNN Money, 25 Sep. 2025
Verb
  • Clot formation is a health risk arising from sluggish blood flow through the veins.
    Bryant Stamford, Louisville Courier Journal, 2 Oct. 2025
  • The political resonance of his project arises not from an explicit statement of values but from a tender demonstration of complex, undeniable humanity.
    Sara Holdren, Vulture, 1 Oct. 2025
Verb
  • The case, which initially appeared to be the tragic end to a stalking situation, revealed how Daniel thoroughly created a false narrative using burner phones and carefully planned digital deception, all while playing the role of a concerned husband.
    Doc Louallen, ABC News, 26 Sep. 2025
  • Johnson appeared at the Zurich Film Festival, where she was set to receive the Golden Eye Award.
    Anna Cafolla, Vogue, 26 Sep. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Commence.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/commence. Accessed 2 Oct. 2025.

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