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

Synonyms & Similar Words

Relevance

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 commencement Graduates leave Gas South Arena during Emory University's commencement ceremony in 2024. — Zachary Hansen, AJC.com, 3 Sep. 2026 Graduates at the University of Arizona and University of Central Florida booed mentions of AI during commencement speeches last spring. — Lisa Eadicicco, CNN Money, 2 Sep. 2026 With the acclaim came the awards, the invitations to give commencement speeches, the honorary degrees, the chance to perform before thousands of fans at big-time sports events. — Corky Siemaszko, NBC news, 25 Aug. 2026 In May, college graduates entering a workforce where the technology is the primary reason for job cuts met commencement speakers hailing the AI revolution—including former Google CEO Eric Schmidt at the University of Arizona—with boos. — Jason Dressel, Fortune, 10 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for commencement
Recent Examples of Synonyms for commencement
  1. beginning
  2. start
  3. inception
  4. onset
  5. launch
Noun
  • Novelty is also being rewarded, and that is something Abundantia has factored in from the beginning.
    — Jesse Whittock, Deadline, 7 Oct. 2026
  • The cutting edge facade is just the beginning of the sophisticated design of the hotel, both inside and out.
    — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 6 Oct. 2026
Definition of beginning
Noun
  • While the Clemson game was Congdon’s first start, the freshman has been part of UM’s guard rotation all season.
    — Jordan McPherson, Miami Herald, 10 Oct. 2026
  • Missouri defense collects takeaways to overcome slow start When the Tigers’ offense has started games slow, the defense has been dependable for stops and takeaways.
    — PJ Green, Kansas City Star, 10 Oct. 2026
Definition of start
Noun
  • The backstory Since its inception in 1970, IHG’s upper luxury hotel and resort brand has focused on creating a timeless take on modern luxury in its properties while offering intuitive service with an emphasis on innovation.
    — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 1 Oct. 2026
  • Matthews has been with the Royals since the franchise’s inception in 1969, called his 8,000th game last week and won the Baseball Hall of Fame’s Ford Frick Award.
    — Pete Grathoff, Kansas City Star, 1 Oct. 2026
Definition of inception
Noun
  • Onishchenko told the state news agency TASS that the onset of cold weather would likely prevent transmission.
    — Tim Lister, CNN Money, 4 Oct. 2026
  • Piotr Swat | Lightrocket | Getty Images On Friday, BioMarin announced five-year data from a Phase 3 trial for the drugs Pombiliti and Opfolda to treat late-onset Pompe disease, or LOPD.
    — Anna Rodin, CNBC, 2 Oct. 2026
Definition of onset
Noun
  • The Asian Producers Alliance, led by the Producers Guild of Korea (PGK) and the Association of Indonesian Film Producers (APROFI), will announce its launch at ProducerHub.
    — Naman Ramachandran, Variety, 10 Oct. 2026
  • Production is due to begin in Bentley’s Crewe plant this year, with just two trims from launch, both with twin-motor powertrains and four-wheel drive.
    — The Week UK, TheWeek, 9 Oct. 2026
Definition of launch

Browse Nearby Words

commenced
commencement
commencements
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Commencement.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/commencement. Accessed 11 Oct. 2026.

Copy Citation
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences

More from Merriam-Webster

Word of the Day

Listen to the pronunciation of galore

See Definitions and Examples »

Popular in Grammar & Usage

See More

Do You Need a New Language Peeve?

The Exceptions of '-s' and '-es' Plurals

Merriam-Webster’s Great Big List of Words You Love to Hate

Is it 'nerve-racking' or 'nerve-wracking'?

What's the difference between 'fascism' and 'socialism'?
See More

Popular in Wordplay

See More

The Real Origin of 'Supercalifragilistic'

9 Words That Sound Like Insults But Aren't

7 Words for Bad Endings and Rough Situations

The Words of the Week - Oct. 9

Even More Bird Names that Sound Like Insults (and Sometimes Are)
See More

Popular

See More

Do You Need a New Language Peeve?

The Real Origin of 'Supercalifragilistic'

9 Words That Sound Like Insults But Aren't
See More

Games & Quizzes

See All
Play Quordle: Guess all four words in a limited number of tries. Each of your guesses must be a real 5-letter word.
Quordle Can you solve 4 words at once?
Play Blossom: Solve today's spelling word game by finding as many words as you can using just 7 letters. Longer words score more points.
Blossom Pick the best words!
Play Missing Letter: a crossword with a twist. Each of the 25 puzzle words start with a different letter of the alphabet. Which letter is missing?
The Missing Letter A daily crossword with a twist
a cup of tea and a golf ball on tee side by side
Quiz: Sounds Like... Choose the word that sounds like it fits the clue...
See All