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 Chilean Cobalt has identified a need for approximately $325 million to complete its plan of operations, which includes proving feasibility, commencing production, and generating saleable products. Quartz Intelligence Newsroom, Quartz, 2 Apr. 2025 Before Emmerich’s exit, the option to the game were re-upped and talks with Jason Momoa commenced. Anthony D'alessandro, Deadline, 7 Apr. 2025 The filing indicates that the company has not commenced any operations and has not generated any revenues. Quartz Intelligence Newsroom, Quartz, 3 Apr. 2025 Standalone or not, the race to the top is just commencing. Dr. Sai Balasubramanian, M.d., J.d., Forbes.com, 31 Mar. 2025 See All Example Sentences for commence
Recent Examples of Synonyms for commence
Verb
  • Max subscription plans begin at $9.99 a month with ads while ad-free subscriptions cost $16.99 a month.
    Anthony Robledo, USA Today, 20 Apr. 2025
  • The European Union has begun to issue its U.S.-bound officials burner phones, for fear of surveillance, the Financial Times reported.
    Arkansas Online, Arkansas Online, 20 Apr. 2025
Verb
  • Bobby manages to save Chimney, who falls ill and starts coughing up blood while responding to the lab blaze.
    Taijuan Moorman, USA Today, 23 Apr. 2025
  • Blackwell, a healthy scratch in Game 1, jumped into the lineup and instantly provided some energy, starting the first scrum of the evening after an early whistle.
    Mark Lazerus, New York Times, 22 Apr. 2025
Verb
  • With approximately 77% of U.S. toy imports originating from China, coupling Hunyuan 3D with consumer-grade 3D printers offers a potential workaround for American buyers, highlighting how technology firms can creatively bypass political constraints to deliver value globally.
    Vivian Toh, Forbes.com, 24 Apr. 2025
  • The criminal gang originated in a Venezuela prison and has slowly spread both north and south in recent years.
    Dalia Faheid, CNN Money, 24 Apr. 2025
Verb
  • In that maelstrom, several patients were given doses of sedatives that ultimately killed them, and Fink’s account revolves around those decisions and the criminal allegations that arose after the crisis.
    Heather Hansman, The Atlantic, 22 Apr. 2025
  • Montgomery County Public Schools, where the issue being contested arose, did not reply to TIME’s request for comment.
    Solcyré Burga, Time, 22 Apr. 2025
Verb
  • Federal prosecutors also appeared to reveal today that Combs had rejected an apparent plea deal.
    Jay Stahl, USA Today, 26 Apr. 2025
  • Even Post Malone appears on the chart this frame in a first for the superstar.
    Hugh McIntyre, Forbes.com, 25 Apr. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Commence.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/commence. Accessed 3 May. 2025.

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