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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

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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 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 If, for example, a commencement speaker praising the value of artificial intelligence is met with jeers from graduates – as former Google CEO Eric Schmidt was in May 2026 – the speaker’s message is immediately rendered inert. — Evan Clarkson, The Conversation, 6 Aug. 2026 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 See All Example Sentences for commencement
Recent Examples of Synonyms for commencement
  1. beginning
  2. start
  3. inception
  4. onset
  5. launch
Noun
  • One thing that has changed since the beginning of the charter is the relationship between cabinmates Kat and Gen, who used to be close until Gen got a little too comfortable.
    — Rafaela Bassili, Vulture, 22 Sep. 2026
  • That equipment ultimately failed to lure back shoppers and the company conducted another round of layoffs at the beginning of the year.
    — Jordan Valinsky, CNN Money, 22 Sep. 2026
Definition of beginning
Noun
  • The 43-year-old right-hander was making his second start of the year and first since March 30 in a season derailed by a sore hip and hamstring injury.
    — Arkansas Online, Arkansas Online, 27 Sep. 2026
  • But that response, or leadership — a trait teammates and coaches see far more from Herbert than the public — is one of several reasons why the Chargers are supporting their quarterback despite the offense’s sloppy start to the season.
    — Joaquin Ruiz, Los Angeles Times, 26 Sep. 2026
Definition of start
Noun
  • How development slowdown talks could impact RSI A key challenge labs face — and have been facing essentially since the technology’s inception — is ensuring their safety measures advance alongside the models’ capabilities.
    — Kaitlyn Huamani, Los Angeles Times, 19 Sep. 2026
  • Although there have been significant wins for LGBTQ+ equality since its inception, Thorud said the organization faces similar issues to those of 35 years ago, including a lack of representation for transgender and nonbinary journalists.
    — Kat Tran, Sacbee.com, 19 Sep. 2026
Definition of inception
Noun
  • Green Bay Packers’ all-time leading rusher Ahman Green, who recently announced his diagnosis with early-onset Parkinson’s disease, will get the Matthew Thomas Robinson Courage Award.
    — Angelique Jackson, Variety, 21 Sep. 2026
  • After the show, the remainder of the tour was halted by the onset of COVID-19, and the rescheduled shows were later canceled due to health complications related to Dion’s stiff-person syndrome diagnosis.
    — Bailey Richards, PEOPLE, 20 Sep. 2026
Definition of onset
Noun
  • Pakistan routinely accuses Kabul of allowing militants, particularly the Pakistani Taliban, to operate from Afghan territory and launch attacks across the border.
    — MUNIR AHMED, Arkansas Online, 26 Sep. 2026
  • The new 280-footer, currently known as Project 410, will become the world’s largest sloop upon launch.
    — Rachel Cormack, Robb Report, 25 Sep. 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 27 Sep. 2026.

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