1
as in begins
to take the first step in (a process or course of action)
commence the festivities
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in starts
to come into existence
the games commenced early in the morning
Synonyms & Similar Words
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 commences
But the Passover Seder also commences the 50-day historical journey to Mount Sinai, the metaphorical site where the Jewish people received the Torah, the laws and traditions that gave shape to their journey, their culture and societal structure.
—
Michael Pfleger, Chicago Tribune, 29 Mar. 2026
All changes take effect June 18 except for Cartagena, which commences June 11.
—Vinod Sreeharsha, Miami Herald, 12 Mar. 2026
If the sales go through and drilling eventually commences, large portions of the trail could, in theory, become unusable, forcing a reroute to keep it viable as a recreation setting.
—Alex Heard, Outside, 4 Mar. 2026
The strike will last until the union and the school district come to an agreement, which could mean hours or several days after the picket commences Thursday morning.
—Jennah Pendleton, Sacbee.com, 3 Mar. 2026
The first set of intercontinental playoffs take place at the end of this year and the second phase commences in February 2027.
—Emily Olsen, New York Times, 2 Mar. 2026
Sifford, who is currently the retailer’s vice chairman of the board, will fulfill the CEO responsibilities while the company commences a search for a permanent successor.
—Stephen Garner, Footwear News, 25 Feb. 2026
That two-leg series commences on March 10 at BMO Stadium, and wraps up a week later at Estadio Alejandro Morera Soto.
—Josh Gross, Daily News, 25 Feb. 2026
The planetary moonwalk commences on the 26th, twelve days after Valentine’s Day, and is plotting and sussing out the story, so beware of mishaps, missteps, unforeseen issues, travel delays, the resurrection of exes, and awkward moments.
—Lisa Stardust, Refinery29, 12 Feb. 2026
Michael Pfleger, Chicago Tribune, 29 Mar. 2026
All changes take effect June 18 except for Cartagena, which commences June 11.
—Vinod Sreeharsha, Miami Herald, 12 Mar. 2026
If the sales go through and drilling eventually commences, large portions of the trail could, in theory, become unusable, forcing a reroute to keep it viable as a recreation setting.
—Alex Heard, Outside, 4 Mar. 2026
The strike will last until the union and the school district come to an agreement, which could mean hours or several days after the picket commences Thursday morning.
—Jennah Pendleton, Sacbee.com, 3 Mar. 2026
The first set of intercontinental playoffs take place at the end of this year and the second phase commences in February 2027.
—Emily Olsen, New York Times, 2 Mar. 2026
Sifford, who is currently the retailer’s vice chairman of the board, will fulfill the CEO responsibilities while the company commences a search for a permanent successor.
—Stephen Garner, Footwear News, 25 Feb. 2026
That two-leg series commences on March 10 at BMO Stadium, and wraps up a week later at Estadio Alejandro Morera Soto.
—Josh Gross, Daily News, 25 Feb. 2026
The planetary moonwalk commences on the 26th, twelve days after Valentine’s Day, and is plotting and sussing out the story, so beware of mishaps, missteps, unforeseen issues, travel delays, the resurrection of exes, and awkward moments.
—Lisa Stardust, Refinery29, 12 Feb. 2026
Recent Examples of Synonyms for commences
Verb
-
The drones are programmed not to fly over 200 feet and to return to their charging station on their own when the battery level begins to get low.—
Dillon Thomas,
CBS News,
31 Mar. 2026
-
The 126th New York International Auto Show begins this week and car fans across the globe are revved up.—
Charles Singh,
USA Today,
31 Mar. 2026
Verb
-
Decanting a status soap into a rock crystal dispenser, like the Aria from Waterworks, starts a conversation.—
Nicole Hoey,
Robb Report,
31 Mar. 2026
-
The answer starts right at your front door.—
Lauren Jarvis-Gibson,
Fort Worth Star-Telegram,
31 Mar. 2026
Verb
-
The accompanying sound, which originates from user @/hymnuslop’s clip, boasts over 52,000 TikTok posts.—
Andrew Unterberger,
Billboard,
25 Mar. 2026
-
However, security researchers have suspected that LeakBase originates from Russia, suggesting that its administrators remain free.—
Michael Kan,
PC Magazine,
4 Mar. 2026
Verb
-
This opportunity arises as Congress prepares to reauthorize Section 702 of the Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Act, which is set to expire on April 20.—
March 25,
NPR,
25 Mar. 2026
-
In theory, these few seconds of film can be called up when a suitable role arises, or when an actor’s look fits a requirement.—
Taran Khan,
The Dial,
24 Mar. 2026
Verb
-
The video ends as the driver retrieves what appears to be a firearm from the street, before both men climb back onto the scooter and ride off-screen.—
Kerry Burke,
New York Daily News,
2 Apr. 2026
-
The president's decision to address the nation comes as public support for the conflict appears limited.—
Saman Shafiq,
USA Today,
2 Apr. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Commences.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/commences. Accessed 2 Apr. 2026.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
