commencement

noun

kə-ˈmen(t)s-mənt How to pronounce commencement (audio)
Definition of commencementnext
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

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 commencement Ben Affleck gave the commencement speech at her graduation from the Ivy League, with Bruce Willis, older sister Rumer, and Willis’s wife Emma Heming Willis in attendance for Scout’s milestone moment. — Bailey Bujnosek, InStyle, 6 Aug. 2026 El-Sayed graduated from the University of Michigan with a degree in biology and political science and delivered the commencement speech. — Caroline Blair, PEOPLE, 5 Aug. 2026 Shoutouts Georgia Tech President Ángel Cabrera speaks during the spring 2026 commencement ceremony in May. — Adam Beam, AJC.com, 5 Aug. 2026 Crist, for example, was given a distinguished alumni award June 5 at commencement ceremonies held by the Antelope Valley College. — Pat Maio, Daily News, 31 July 2026 See All Example Sentences for commencement
Recent Examples of Synonyms for commencement
  1. beginning
  2. start
  3. inception
  4. onset
  5. launch
Noun
  • Many of England’s players only arrived at their club’s pre-season camps at the beginning of August, three weeks after many sides saw the bulk of their squads return.
    — George Edwards, New York Times, 18 Aug. 2026
  • Jurors were shown a photo of a green body bag at the beginning of her questioning, followed by a grisly photo of his body.
    — CBS News, CBS News, 18 Aug. 2026
Definition of beginning
Noun
  • The Valkyries took off in the second quarter after another slow start, ending the first half on an 11-0 run on the way to a 44-28 lead at the break.
    — ABC News, ABC News, 18 Aug. 2026
  • Nolan McLean recovered from a shaky start to last six effective innings as the last-place Mets (57-69) won for the 10th time in 13 games since selling big at the trade deadline.
    — CBS New York Team, CBS News, 18 Aug. 2026
Definition of start
Noun
  • Since their inception, these wines have tasted as if something were missing beyond just alcohol—aroma, flavor, body, and balance were absent as well.
    — Mike DeSimone, Robb Report, 16 Aug. 2026
  • But Thrive has ultimately put in more than $2 billion into the ChatGPT maker since its inception.
    — Orianna Rosa Royle, Fortune, 14 Aug. 2026
Definition of inception
Noun
  • And while early-onset Alzheimer’s is rare, that doesn’t mean women should ignore changes that genuinely concern them.
    — Lauryn Higgins, Flow Space, 19 Aug. 2026
  • Chronic absenteeism – referring to students who miss 10% or more days of the school year – has become one of the most urgent problems across American schools since the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020.
    — Jerome A. Graham, The Conversation, 19 Aug. 2026
Definition of onset
Noun
  • The launch is the inaugural step in Shiseido’s bigger strategy of building a credible reputation in fragrances for Max Mara, as executives teased other launches are on the way.
    — Sandra Salibian, Footwear News, 21 Aug. 2026
  • This is good energy for choosing a launch date, booking space, outlining a talk, or setting time for practice.
    — Tarot.com, Chicago Tribune, 21 Aug. 2026
Definition of launch

Browse Nearby Words

commenced
commencement
commencements
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Cite this Entry

“Commencement.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/commencement. Accessed 23 Aug. 2026.

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Nglish: Translation of commencement for Spanish Speakers

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