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
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Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of commencement
While some graduates have booed mentions of AI during commencement speeches and companies have increasingly weaved the technology into restructuring plans, Duckett remains optimistic.
—
Preston Fore,
Fortune,
17 June 2026
Mamdani’s commencement address follows at least two Rikers graduation speeches by former Mayor Eric Adams, who often spoke of his own experience of being arrested as a teen, before becoming a police officer, state lawmaker, borough president, and then mayor of New York City.
—
Josephine Stratman,
New York Daily News,
16 June 2026
On June 14, the Sex in the City alum swung by Northwestern University to deliver the graduating class's commencement speech.
—
Chanel Vargas,
InStyle,
14 June 2026
Actress Sarah Jessica Parker addressed the Class of 2026 at Northwestern University at their commencement ceremony at the United Center Sunday.
—
Adam Harrington,
CBS News,
14 June 2026
See All Example Sentences for commencement
Preston Fore,
Fortune,
17 June 2026
Mamdani’s commencement address follows at least two Rikers graduation speeches by former Mayor Eric Adams, who often spoke of his own experience of being arrested as a teen, before becoming a police officer, state lawmaker, borough president, and then mayor of New York City.
—
Josephine Stratman,
New York Daily News,
16 June 2026
On June 14, the Sex in the City alum swung by Northwestern University to deliver the graduating class's commencement speech.
—
Chanel Vargas,
InStyle,
14 June 2026
Actress Sarah Jessica Parker addressed the Class of 2026 at Northwestern University at their commencement ceremony at the United Center Sunday.
—
Adam Harrington,
CBS News,
14 June 2026
See All Example Sentences for commencement
Recent Examples of Synonyms for commencement
Noun
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The United Nations estimates that gang violence has killed over 2,300 people in Haiti since the beginning of this year.
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In the beginning, use a nitrogen-rich fertilizer for the seedlings before switching to one with phosphorus and potassium after the plants have started to sprout.
Noun
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Major traffic improvements After a rough start to Kansas City’s World Cup games from a traffic perspective, things were considerably better on Saturday.
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Griffin Jax gave the Rays a solid five-inning start, allowing two solo homers, and four relievers — an improved Steven Matz, Kevin Kelly, Garrett Cleavinger and Bryan Baker — took it from there.
Noun
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Successful deployment demands robust governance from inception, ensuring traceability and mitigating risks.
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Since its inception, competitors have struggled not only to string together all those corners but to maintain speed all the way to the 14,115-foot (4,302 m) summit.
Noun
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About six months ago, she was diagnosed with early-onset Alzheimer’s.
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Set nearly two centuries before the events of Game of Thrones, the series chronicles the onset of the civil war that will shape the fate of the Targaryen dynasty.
Noun
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The full launch will be Wednesday, but the early birds got a sneak peek.
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The concerns didn’t stop the launches, but the agencies were able to reach an agreement that federal officials would better monitor wildlife around the base and implement a light management plan.
Cite this Entry
“Commencement.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/commencement. Accessed 28 Jun. 2026.
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