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
American Baptist commencement ceremony May 15 features Civil Rights hero and former American Baptist president Bernard Lafayette, who celebrates theme of ABC community members passing the torch.
—
Liam Adams, The Tennessean, 2 July 2025
Interspersing themes of kindness, envy, listening and respect with wisecracks and his trademark deadpan humor, actor and comedian Steve Carell helped inspire, and amuse, Northwestern University’s Class of 2025 as their commencement speaker Sunday.
—Richard Requena, Chicago Tribune, 16 June 2025
Harvard University graduates attend the university’s 374th commencement ceremony on May 29, 2025 in Cambridge, Massachusetts.
—Laya Neelakandan, CNBC, 30 June 2025
Alternative starting points could include the presentation of renderings, an application for permits, the purchasing of building supplies or the commencement of construction.
—Michael McCann, Sportico.com, 30 June 2025
See All Example Sentences for commencement
Liam Adams, The Tennessean, 2 July 2025
Interspersing themes of kindness, envy, listening and respect with wisecracks and his trademark deadpan humor, actor and comedian Steve Carell helped inspire, and amuse, Northwestern University’s Class of 2025 as their commencement speaker Sunday.
—Richard Requena, Chicago Tribune, 16 June 2025
Harvard University graduates attend the university’s 374th commencement ceremony on May 29, 2025 in Cambridge, Massachusetts.
—Laya Neelakandan, CNBC, 30 June 2025
Alternative starting points could include the presentation of renderings, an application for permits, the purchasing of building supplies or the commencement of construction.
—Michael McCann, Sportico.com, 30 June 2025
See All Example Sentences for commencement
Recent Examples of Synonyms for commencement
Noun
-
Recent flooding in Texas at the beginning of the month killed at least 130 people, New York and New Jersey has also just been hit by flash flooding, and the fourth tropical storm of the season is expected to hit the coast of Florida this week.—
Simmone Shah,
Time,
15 July 2025
-
They are required at the beginning of 8th grade, and staff must collaborate with students and their families to create and review the plans annually.—
Jean Eddy,
Forbes.com,
15 July 2025
Noun
-
That Morejón made it through so many stops and starts, improving his body and mind and his pitching arsenal along the way, is what has been gratifying to longtime members of the organization.—
Kevin Acee,
San Diego Union-Tribune,
15 July 2025
-
Norm Hall/Getty Images The Red Sox have an ace in Garrett Crochet while Brayan Bello and Lucas Giolito turned their seasons around over their last six starts.—
Tim Crowley,
MSNBC Newsweek,
15 July 2025
Noun
-
Outperforming Without The Hype The DBS Barbell Strategy has consistently outperformed its peers since its inception.—
DBS Private Bank,
Forbes.com,
7 July 2025
-
Although wolves have been a symbol of Rome since its inception, by the 1970s only around 100 wolves remained in all of Italy, and none in the capital.—
Krista Langlois,
Smithsonian Magazine,
7 July 2025
Noun
-
During the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic, supply-chain disruptions contributed to a 25% spike in import prices (see chart).—
Nick Sargen,
Forbes.com,
14 July 2025
-
To Reveal Cancer Cells The Good Life: This Viral Pharmacist Says Sunscreen Isn't Enough This Summer Psychedelic Drug May Slow Aging In boys, sucralose stood out as the most significant sweetener associated with early puberty onset.—
Daniella Gray,
MSNBC Newsweek,
13 July 2025
Noun
-
That’s what makes the launch of Delphi Intelligence notable.—
Sandy Carter,
Forbes.com,
16 July 2025
-
After the launch, a rider requesting a trip on Uber may be given the option to hail a driverless Apollo Go car, the two companies said.—
Arjun Kharpal,
CNBC,
15 July 2025
Cite this Entry
“Commencement.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/commencement. Accessed 22 Jul. 2025.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share