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 Before the night commenced, hours before, the brain of the event, Grace, was seen going from one room to the next to ensure the night went smoothly. Essence, 5 May 2025 The 40-year-old Stearns came of age right as Pat Riley took over and the Knicks commenced their annual playoff battles with the Bulls, Pacers and eventually Riley’s Heat. Tim Britton, New York Times, 1 May 2025 In reality, the pricing-in may commence before the earnings are disclosed. Trefis Team, Forbes.com, 1 May 2025 The other release is called Art is the Flower, a name that was taken from a lecture Mackintosh gave in 1902 which commenced with that phrase. Jonah Flicker, Robb Report, 29 Apr. 2025 See All Example Sentences for commence
Recent Examples of Synonyms for commence
Verb
  • After an ear-splitting sound, the wind began to calm.
    Gwen Rockwood, Arkansas Online, 15 May 2025
  • Jennifer Donahue, a spokesperson for Massachusetts state courts, confirmed day 15 of the trial is set to begin at 9 a.m.
    Christopher Cann, USA Today, 15 May 2025
Verb
  • This is where strategic thinking becomes impactful, as leaders start operating collectively with others to redefine what is possible.
    Wyles Daniel, USA Today, 17 May 2025
  • However, in 2020, with nothing else to do during the COVID-19 pandemic, the actor decided to start working out at home to get his health on track.
    Vanessa Etienne, People.com, 16 May 2025
Verb
  • Parts may originate in anywhere from 50 to 120 countries.
    Michael Wayland, CNBC, 16 May 2025
  • Obsidian originated from a geological formation known as the Trans-Mexican Volcanic Belt, spanning 621 miles (1,000 kilometers) from the west to east coasts in central Mexico, the study authors noted.
    Ashley Strickland, CNN Money, 16 May 2025
Verb
  • President Trump’s intermediary deals with China and the U.K. have done little to convince Jamie Dimon that market volatility arising out of White House tariff policy is over.
    Sydney Lake, Fortune, 16 May 2025
  • This lack of control arises from the sense that nothing will change.
    Woodrie Burich, Forbes.com, 16 May 2025
Verb
  • The chaos at Newark and Atlanta highlights problems that have become increasingly common, with summer travel season around the corner By A version of this article originally appeared in Quartz’s members-only Weekend Brief newsletter.
    Jackie Snow, Quartz, 19 May 2025
  • Benson made a brief but memorable cameo in the live-action film, appearing as a vendor at a marketplace who hands Bailey a fork on land.
    Jessica Wang, EW.com, 19 May 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Commence.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/commence. Accessed 23 May. 2025.

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