COMMENCEMENT Synonyms: 68 Similar and Opposite Words

commencement

noun

kə-ˈmen(t)s-mənt

Definition of commencement

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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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 Bill Clinton, who was giving that day’s commencement address, praised El-Sayed in his own remarks. — Jason Zengerle, New Yorker, 10 July 2026 El-Sayed had just delivered the 2007 student commencement address at the University of Michigan, where the former President had also spoken. — Nik Popli, Time, 8 July 2026 Those commencement boos came from a young generation that has watched AI reframe entry-level work as inefficiency, seen generative content flood the visual landscape, and built their own creative identities through friction and craft. — Reid Litman, Fortune, 5 July 2026 At the same time, Hurlbut said young people are notably suspicious of AI and pointed out that this spring, several commencement speakers who cited the technology drew boos at graduation ceremonies in Arizona, Florida and Tennessee. — Marc Ramirez, USA Today, 3 July 2026 See All Example Sentences for commencement

Recent Examples of Synonyms for commencement

Noun

Her exit follows the resignations last week of acting Chief Financial Officer Steve Mahr and Deputy CFO Noor Shaikh in June — coming after CFO Jill Jaworski departed at the beginning of this year.

— Alice Yin, Chicago Tribune, 4 Aug. 2026
For Jed Hoyer, trading Triple-A outfielder Brett Bateman and Class-A infielder Ty Southisene in Sunday night’s deal with the Blue Jays was only the beginning of a buying spree.

— Patrick Mooney, New York Times, 4 Aug. 2026

Definition of beginning

Noun

Tarik Skubal takes the mound Tuesday night for his first start with the NL West leaders since the ace left-hander was acquired in a trade with the Detroit Tigers.

— Jay Cohen, Chicago Tribune, 4 Aug. 2026
Her relentless complaining starts to wear on Kat, who bears the brunt of it.

— Rafaela Bassili, Vulture, 4 Aug. 2026

Definition of start

Noun

Since its inception, more than 160 productions have been staged, reaching more than 6 million people.

— Jessica Gelt, Los Angeles Times, 31 July 2026
Gilroy’s multi-ethnic roots, however, begin at its inception, when Scotsman John Gilroy became the first English-speaking settler of California, married Maria Clara Ortega – the daughter of a Spanish rancher, and then became a Mexican citizen.

— Luis Melecio-Zambrano, Mercury News, 31 July 2026

Definition of inception

Noun

Postpartum psychosis is a rare but serious medical emergency characterized by severe, rapid onset psychiatric episodes such as mania, depression or hallucinations in the days or weeks after birth.

— Peter Charalambous, ABC News, 5 Aug. 2026
Beyond the frosted-glass door, which reflected the onset of dusk, the sound of a bicycle bell passed by.

— Cynthia Zarin, Harpers Magazine, 4 Aug. 2026

Definition of onset

Noun

Stringr The launch near where the trio was found is roughly seven miles southwest of a different boat launch, where a car belonging to one of the women was discovered with a window broken out, state police said in a statement Wednesday.

— Tim Stelloh, NBC news, 8 Aug. 2026
Hypersonic launch capabilities enhance the new Virginia class further, analysts said, noting that testing of a hypersonic glide vehicle is well underway.

— Brad Lendon, CNN Money, 8 Aug. 2026

Definition of launch

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“Commencement.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/commencement. Accessed 9 Aug. 2026.

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Synonyms of commencement

noun

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