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
Roger Federer famously said as much in his Dartmouth commencement speech last year, but I was reminded of it during Amanda Anisimova’s recent Wimbledon run.
—
Lia Picard, Vogue, 21 Aug. 2025
That allegation triggered a massive police response to USA Hockey Arena in Plymouth − where Plymouth High School was holding its commencement ceremony − out of fear of a credible shooting threat.
—Tresa Baldas, Freep.com, 15 Aug. 2025
Viola Davis and Walter Murch were awarded honorary Doctorate of Fine Arts degrees by the American Film Institute at the conservatory’s commencement ceremony.
—Giana Levy, Variety, 8 Aug. 2025
Nixon is the only U.S. president to resign following the commencement of impeachment proceedings.
—Deena Zaru, ABC News, 1 Aug. 2025
See All Example Sentences for commencement
Lia Picard, Vogue, 21 Aug. 2025
That allegation triggered a massive police response to USA Hockey Arena in Plymouth − where Plymouth High School was holding its commencement ceremony − out of fear of a credible shooting threat.
—Tresa Baldas, Freep.com, 15 Aug. 2025
Viola Davis and Walter Murch were awarded honorary Doctorate of Fine Arts degrees by the American Film Institute at the conservatory’s commencement ceremony.
—Giana Levy, Variety, 8 Aug. 2025
Nixon is the only U.S. president to resign following the commencement of impeachment proceedings.
—Deena Zaru, ABC News, 1 Aug. 2025
See All Example Sentences for commencement
Recent Examples of Synonyms for commencement
Noun
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The bill replaces the state’s once-a-year test with three shorter exams, to be given at the beginning, middle and end of the school year.—
Silas Allen,
Fort Worth Star-Telegram,
4 Sep. 2025
-
From the very beginning of launching her brand, Mutayo set her sights on the world stage.—
Ugonnaora Owoh,
Essence,
4 Sep. 2025
Noun
-
Throughout the course of the year, the 28-year-old shooting guard played in all 82 games and made 18 starts.—
Evan Massey,
MSNBC Newsweek,
27 Aug. 2025
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Six career starts have yielded five wins and a second-place finish since first dropping jaws with a 10 ½ length score in his first afternoon trip to the track in October of 2023.—
Danny Brewer,
Forbes.com,
27 Aug. 2025
Noun
-
To showcase the inspiration for its inception, as with many colors in the palette for Celestiq, a sculpture was made.—
Jackie Charniga,
USA Today,
4 Sep. 2025
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Since its inception, the Plastic Poetry program has expanded across South Florida, from Homestead to Boca Raton, and continues to grow.—
Jonel Juste,
Miami Herald,
4 Sep. 2025
Noun
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The figure indicated the largest number of job cuts in the month of August since 2020, which coincided with the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic.—
Max Zahn,
ABC News,
4 Sep. 2025
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Drought can delay the onset of color, while moist soil, in tandem with the right late-summer weather, produces good displays, Crick wrote.—
Marina Johnson,
Louisville Courier Journal,
4 Sep. 2025
Noun
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During September, nationwide organizations like the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention, NAMI and 988 Lifeline launch initiatives to raise awareness and take action for suicide prevention.—
Jenna Prestininzi,
Freep.com,
8 Sep. 2025
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In an exclusive interview, the rapper and actress opens up about navigating menopause and announces the launch of the new WeightWatchers for Menopause campaign, a holistic program to help women during the natural transition.—
Vanessa Etienne,
PEOPLE,
8 Sep. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Commencement.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/commencement. Accessed 9 Sep. 2025.
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