1
as in began
to take the first step in (a process or course of action)
commence the festivities
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in started
to come into existence
the games commenced early in the morning
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of commenced
Officials then searched the children’s home and commenced an air and ground search.
—
Sam Gillette, PEOPLE, 7 Jan. 2026
In 2012, whiskey production commenced at the distillery, with bottles hitting the market a few years later.
—Jonah Flicker, Robb Report, 4 Jan. 2026
After a friend called emergency services, which commenced a search, crews found two additional bodies in the area.
—Austin Turner, CBS News, 3 Jan. 2026
The latest round of protests commenced on Sunday, started by shopkeepers angry over economic turmoil brought about by the collapse of the Iranian rial.
—Brady Knox, The Washington Examiner, 2 Jan. 2026
And when sunrise was artificially delayed by three hours, the rate of the finches' singing intensified and commenced sooner compared with non-delayed sunrises.
—Michele Laufik, Martha Stewart, 31 Dec. 2025
The video shows fans getting ready outside, preparing for their idol's last show of the over tour that commenced in September 2021 and spanned more than 170 dates.
—Anthony Robledo, USA Today, 27 Dec. 2025
Then, losses suffered at another of World War II’s bloodiest campaigns, the Normandy invasion that commenced with D-Day on June 6, 1944, led to a need for reinforcements like Buford.
—Graham Womack, Sacbee.com, 25 Dec. 2025
And so, shortly after his startling, spirit-lifting victory in the primary last spring, the gentle flood of inquiries commenced.
—Literary Hub, 7 Nov. 2025
Sam Gillette, PEOPLE, 7 Jan. 2026
In 2012, whiskey production commenced at the distillery, with bottles hitting the market a few years later.
—Jonah Flicker, Robb Report, 4 Jan. 2026
After a friend called emergency services, which commenced a search, crews found two additional bodies in the area.
—Austin Turner, CBS News, 3 Jan. 2026
The latest round of protests commenced on Sunday, started by shopkeepers angry over economic turmoil brought about by the collapse of the Iranian rial.
—Brady Knox, The Washington Examiner, 2 Jan. 2026
And when sunrise was artificially delayed by three hours, the rate of the finches' singing intensified and commenced sooner compared with non-delayed sunrises.
—Michele Laufik, Martha Stewart, 31 Dec. 2025
The video shows fans getting ready outside, preparing for their idol's last show of the over tour that commenced in September 2021 and spanned more than 170 dates.
—Anthony Robledo, USA Today, 27 Dec. 2025
Then, losses suffered at another of World War II’s bloodiest campaigns, the Normandy invasion that commenced with D-Day on June 6, 1944, led to a need for reinforcements like Buford.
—Graham Womack, Sacbee.com, 25 Dec. 2025
And so, shortly after his startling, spirit-lifting victory in the primary last spring, the gentle flood of inquiries commenced.
—Literary Hub, 7 Nov. 2025
Recent Examples of Synonyms for commenced
Verb
-
Satellite television brought a plethora of choice into the living room, Western brands began to appear in shops and, for a burgeoning middle class, the definition of success was suddenly rewritten.—
Rhea Mogul,
CNN Money,
9 Nov. 2025
-
Rayo began 2023-24 well under Iraola’s successor Francisco Rodriguez but then started to falter.—
Dermot Corrigan,
New York Times,
9 Nov. 2025
Verb
-
The year started with a four-day streak of 70-degree highs; however, Oklahoma will soon see temperatures dip a bit into the mid-50s and 60s at the start of next week, with some parts of the state expecting snow.—
Josh Kelly,
Oklahoman,
9 Jan. 2026
-
Sean Kuraly had a goal and an assist, Tanner Jeannot had two assists, and the Boston Bruins started a five-game homestand with a 4-1 win over the Calgary Flames on Thursday night.—
CBS News,
CBS News,
9 Jan. 2026
Verb
-
Republicans have also launched a congressional investigation into the fire response.—
Brie Stimson,
FOXNews.com,
8 Jan. 2026
-
Following the tragic incident, a family friend, Ella Mackrell, launched a GoFundMe to help bring the teen’s body home, as well as cover expenses related to travel, lodging and the funeral.—
Sam Gillette,
PEOPLE,
8 Jan. 2026
Verb
-
The fire is thought to have originated from natural causes.—
CA WILDFIRE BOT,
Sacbee.com,
8 Nov. 2025
-
The data doesn’t make clear exactly where the money in Korf and Laber’s accounts originated.—
Miami Herald,
Miami Herald,
7 Nov. 2025
Verb
-
Pruneyard Cinemas opened to a lot of fanfare in 2018, but its owners have been running uphill — and losing ground — since the COVID-19 pandemic shutdowns.—
Sal Pizarro,
Mercury News,
8 Jan. 2026
-
The business initially opened as a supply store, then added a taproom and eventually a restaurant.—
Janice Phelan,
Kansas City Star,
8 Jan. 2026
Verb
-
Typically coming out in the fall, the publication arose in a time when sophisticated weather forecasting — and even automobiles — didn't exist.—
Keith Matheny,
Freep.com,
7 Nov. 2025
-
Related Stories The announcement of a farewell tour brings at least some clarity to the future of the group, after confusion arose amid statements ade on social media in early October by Neal Schon.—
Chris Willman,
Variety,
6 Nov. 2025
Verb
-
Her nonfiction has appeared in The New York Times, The Nation, The Los Angeles Times and The New Yorker among others.—
Literary Hub,
Literary Hub,
10 Nov. 2025
-
Brents, 25, sustained a torn MCL and meniscus in last year’s season opener and appeared in just two games last season.—
Barry Jackson,
Miami Herald,
9 Nov. 2025
Verb
-
There was also the possibility of the Panthers activating interior offensive lineman Chandler Zavala ahead of Saturday’s game.—
Alex Zietlow,
Charlotte Observer,
10 Jan. 2026
-
Years later, in June 2023, the FBI and the Department of Justice said there was no credible evidence of foul play in his death, according to a DOJ report.—
Charna Flam,
PEOPLE,
10 Jan. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Commenced.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/commenced. Accessed 10 Jan. 2026.
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