commenced

verb

past tense of commence
1
as in began
to take the first step in (a process or course of action) commence the festivities

Synonyms & Similar Words

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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

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 commenced When the groping soon commenced, the victim started recording with his phone. — Jason Meisner, Chicago Tribune, 29 Oct. 2026 Our reality is Swift’s nightmare of statistics and algorithms; mechanization and industrialization as commenced without any concern for the vagaries of the beating human heart. — Literary Hub, 28 Oct. 2026 So commenced the Battle of Westwood, which centered on the balance of exclusivity and accessibility. — Deputy Managing Editor, Los Angeles Times, 27 Oct. 2026 Jeon gave birth just before filming commenced and felt concerned about what the movie would require of her. — David Canfield, HollywoodReporter, 23 Oct. 2026 The evening commenced with cocktails and hors d’oeuvres as literary and fashion insiders arrived at the private members club. — Brianna J. Heath, Footwear News, 16 Oct. 2026 Zedwell responded by asking to include a redevelopment break clause in the new lease that would entitle them to terminate the lease at 6 months’ notice at any time once the new lease has commenced. — Zac Ntim, Deadline, 15 Oct. 2026 Every belt buckle looks freshly yanked off the rack; every speck of signage resembles something painted 45 minutes before filming commenced that day. — Michael Phillips, Variety, 8 Oct. 2026 The group then commenced writing lyrics for their song, alternating between singing and rapping adorably. — Hannah Dailey, Billboard, 7 Oct. 2026
Recent Examples of Synonyms for commenced
  1. began
  2. started
  3. launched
  4. originated
  5. opened
  6. arose
  7. appeared
  8. was
Verb
  • The couple began dating in 2003 after being introduced through a mutual friend, DJ Clue.
    — Andrea Flores, Los Angeles Times, 6 Nov. 2026
  • According to a statement, Work on MALET began in 2024 after specialists at the Armaments Center’s Fuze and Mortar Divisions identified an opportunity to adapt existing ammunition for unmanned aircraft.
    — Jijo Malayil, Interesting Engineering, 6 Nov. 2026
Definition of began
Verb
  • The company started as a manufacturer of chips for computer graphics, which later turned out to be crucial for training artificial intelligence.
    — Rebecca Hersher, NPR, 9 Nov. 2026
  • Marshall, who missed last week’s loss at TCU because of a lower leg injury, started and showed his legs were healthy on the first play from scrimmage, rushing for 12 yards.
    — Gary Bedore, Kansas City Star, 8 Nov. 2026
Definition of started
Verb
  • Russia launched 164 drones across Ukraine overnight into Sunday, 137 of which were shot down, the Ukrainian Air Force said that morning.
    — Arkansas Online, Arkansas Online, 9 Nov. 2026
  • Huang has promised to cooperate with the investigation his board has launched.
    — Andrew Edgecliffe-Johnson, semafor.com, 9 Nov. 2026
Definition of launched
Verb
  • Even though the modern orchestra originated three centuries ago as a plaything of princes, there has always been an implicit connection — and tension — between orchestras and democracy.
    — Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Times, 2 Nov. 2026
  • Photographs of the vehicle from which the catalytic converter originated.
    — Rosalio Ahumada, Sacbee.com, 2 Nov. 2026
Definition of originated
Verb
  • Sergei Murashov made 26 saves as Pittsburgh opened a three-game California trip with just its third win in 11 games.
    — Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Times, 8 Nov. 2026
  • Colorado's Loveland Ski Area opened its doors for the 2026-2027 season on Saturday.
    — Christa Swanson, CBS News, 8 Nov. 2026
Definition of opened
Verb
  • In the lead up to the 2027 Met Gala, however, controversy arose months before stars were set to walk the Met steps.
    — Giovana Gelhoren, InStyle, 5 Nov. 2026
  • Asked if federal prosecutors offered Jimenez diversion as a way to avoid further scrutiny, McEvoy said in an email that both the diversion agreement and the request to put a stay on the judge’s order arose from requests made by Jimenez himself.
    — Fedor Zarkhin, Los Angeles Times, 5 Nov. 2026
Definition of arose
Verb
  • Differences appeared only in the third or fourth significant figures, which the researchers attributed to numerical rounding.
    — Rupendra Brahambhatt, Interesting Engineering, 8 Nov. 2026
  • Travis Kelce’s mom, Donna, also appeared to be sitting behind them, among other onlookers wearing Chiefs apparel.
    — Payton Turkeltaub, Variety, 8 Nov. 2026
Definition of appeared
Verb
  • There was talk of anchoring the ship as part of a waterfront development in a major city.
    — Todd C. Frankel, Washington Post, 8 Nov. 2026
  • During the conversation, the comedian and award-winning podcaster shared that there was one specific guest who left her in awe.
    — Toria Sheffield, PEOPLE, 8 Nov. 2026
Definition of was

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Cite this Entry

“Commenced.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/commenced. Accessed 9 Nov. 2026.

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