Synonyms of commencement

commencement

noun

kə-ˈmen(t)s-mənt 

as in beginning

the point at which something begins

there was a large turnout at the commencement of the conference, but the numbers dwindled as it progressed

Synonyms & Similar Words

• beginning
• start
• inception
• onset
• launch
• alpha
• outset
• genesis
• dawn
• birth
• inauguration
• initiation
• baseline
• morning
• threshold
• kickoff
• incipiency
• infancy
• day one
• origination
• incipience
• nascence
• nascency
• founding
• origin
• arrival
• get-go
• spring
• opening
• first base
• institution
• creation
• emergence
• drawing board
• debut
• advent
• dawning
• ground zero
• cradle
• source
• fountain
• germ
• appearance
• well
• square one
• childhood
• fountainhead
• root
• seedbed
• youth
• wellspring

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• end
• conclusion
• ending
• close
• period
• completion
• termination
• cessation
• closing
• closure
• finish
• stop
• omega
• finale
• windup

Example Sentences

Recent Examples of commencement

There is a reason some students booed commencement speakers who mentioned AI this graduation season. — Dr. Diane Hamilton, Forbes.com, 4 July 2026

At the same time, Hurlbut said young people are notably suspicious of AI and pointed out that this spring, several commencement speakers who cited the technology drew boos at graduation ceremonies in Arizona, Florida and Tennessee. — Marc Ramirez, USA Today, 3 July 2026

While delivering the New York University 2022 commencement address at Yankee Stadium, Swift received an honorary Doctor of Fine Arts degree from the university. — Kelsie Gibson, PEOPLE, 1 July 2026

Nationwide, college students worried about their job prospects booed AI at commencement ceremonies. — Hadas Gold, CNN Money, 28 June 2026