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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Recent Examples of commencement
Los Angeles Philharmonic Music and Artistic Director Gustavo Dudamel will deliver the keynote address at USC’s 143rd commencement ceremony at the Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum in May, university officials announced on Monday.
—
City News Service, Daily News, 30 Mar. 2026
Former Texas quarterback and 13-year NFL veteran Colt McCoy will deliver the keynote address at the University of Texas’ 143rd commencement ceremony, the school announced Friday.
—Sportsday Staff, Dallas Morning News, 27 Mar. 2026
On March 5, Washington Square News editor Leena Ahmed broke the story that NYU has canceled all live student graduation speakers for all of its upcoming commencement and convocation ceremonies this spring.
—Literary Hub, 25 Mar. 2026
The commencement speeches are likely to increase speculation about Moore’s interest in running in 2028, CBS News reported.
—Rebecca Noel, Charlotte Observer, 16 Mar. 2026
See All Example Sentences for commencement
City News Service, Daily News, 30 Mar. 2026
Former Texas quarterback and 13-year NFL veteran Colt McCoy will deliver the keynote address at the University of Texas’ 143rd commencement ceremony, the school announced Friday.
—Sportsday Staff, Dallas Morning News, 27 Mar. 2026
On March 5, Washington Square News editor Leena Ahmed broke the story that NYU has canceled all live student graduation speakers for all of its upcoming commencement and convocation ceremonies this spring.
—Literary Hub, 25 Mar. 2026
The commencement speeches are likely to increase speculation about Moore’s interest in running in 2028, CBS News reported.
—Rebecca Noel, Charlotte Observer, 16 Mar. 2026
See All Example Sentences for commencement
Recent Examples of Synonyms for commencement
Noun
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His campaign, however, raised just over $1 million since the beginning of the year — placing him sixth in the fundraising race among the eight leading candidates.—
Grace Hase,
Mercury News,
25 Apr. 2026
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Meanwhile, today is the beginning of a six-year window that will impact your private world.—
Georgia Nicols,
Denver Post,
25 Apr. 2026
Noun
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As a rookie in 2025, Sanoja made 26 starts at third base, 20 starts at second base, 16 in left field, 10 in center field and nine at shortstop.—
Jordan McPherson,
Miami Herald,
11 Apr. 2026
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Aledo got off to a fast start with six runs in the first inning, and after a two-run second inning, ended the game early with seven runs in the third.—
Charles Baggarly,
Fort Worth Star-Telegram,
11 Apr. 2026
Noun
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Ladera’s property manager, Eustace Augustine, helped build the resort at its inception and has been an employee for 41 years; similarly, much of the staff at Ladera are longtime employees, and their heartfelt pride in the property is palpable.—
Condé Nast,
Condé Nast Traveler,
21 Apr. 2026
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The company is expected to release its first foldable iPhone this September, according to Bloomberg, potentially marking its biggest change to the iPhone since its inception – and possibly the first iPhone launch under Ternus.—
Lisa Eadicicco,
CNN Money,
21 Apr. 2026
Noun
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Counsell thought Suzuki’s at-bats looked good from the onset of Tuesday’s game and felt the swings in his first at-bat were a great sign.—
Meghan Montemurro,
Chicago Tribune,
22 Apr. 2026
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Using weed after the onset of a mental condition can increase the chance of relapse.—
Sandee LaMotte,
CNN Money,
20 Apr. 2026
Noun
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Continuing the momentum with frequent Artemis launches is important to maintain support for the program.—
Thomas Black,
Mercury News,
24 Apr. 2026
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Fargo by definition is more regional and Alien is the opposite, and did an amazing global launch for us.—
Jesse Whittock,
Deadline,
24 Apr. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Commencement.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/commencement. Accessed 25 Apr. 2026.
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