Synonyms of commencement

commencement

noun

kə-ˈmen(t)s-mənt 

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

• beginning
• start
• inception
• onset
• launch
• alpha
• outset
• genesis
• dawn
• birth
• inauguration
• initiation
• baseline
• morning
• threshold
• kickoff
• incipiency
• infancy
• day one
• origination
• incipience
• nascence
• nascency
• founding
• origin
• arrival
• get-go
• spring
• opening
• first base
• institution
• creation
• emergence
• drawing board
• debut
• advent
• dawning
• ground zero
• cradle
• source
• fountain
• germ
• appearance
• well
• square one
• childhood
• fountainhead
• root
• seedbed
• youth
• wellspring

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• end
• conclusion
• ending
• close
• period
• completion
• termination
• cessation
• closing
• closure
• finish
• stop
• omega
• finale
• windup

Example Sentences

Recent Examples of commencement

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

Universities become lifelong partners in human development rather than institutions that conclude their work at commencement. — David Rosowsky, Forbes.com, 21 July 2026

Bill Clinton, who was giving that day’s commencement address, praised El-Sayed in his own remarks. — Jason Zengerle, New Yorker, 10 July 2026