1
as in beginning
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 starting
to come into existence
the games commenced early in the morning
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of commencing
Earlier this year, the company announced a publishing administration partnership with 16-time Grammy Award-winner — and Variety’s Hitmakers 2025 songwriter of the year — Bruno Mars, commencing upon the completion of his current deal with BMG/Warner Chappell.
—
Andrew Flanagan, Variety, 28 Apr. 2026
But soon after pouring millions into upgrading the hydro facility, the company shuttered its Cheboygan operation in 1990, eliminating 300 jobs and commencing the slow decline of the historic mill.
—CBS News, 18 Apr. 2026
The accord further prohibited the developers from beginning construction on the new residences before commencing work on these improvements.
—Awilda Esteras, Miami Herald, 12 Mar. 2026
Willie made it through the filming of the first episode, but as the second episode was commencing, word got to me that Willie had returned to Los Angeles and the end was near.
—Annabelle Gurwitch, HollywoodReporter, 24 Feb. 2026
According to China General Nuclear (CGN), on 21st February, the reactor pressure vessel for unit 6 began hoisting operations, officially commencing the installation of the unit’s main nuclear island equipment.
—Ameya Paleja, Interesting Engineering, 24 Feb. 2026
Dig deep to decipher the answer before commencing.
—Usa Today, USA Today, 21 Feb. 2026
Don Lemon was arrested for covering anti-ICE protests inside a Minnesota church and is now commencing the best press tour of his life.
—Jason P. Frank, Vulture, 3 Feb. 2026
In his late 20s at the time, Murdoch was commencing a staggering hot streak that would last roughly a decade.
—Elizabeth Nelson, Pitchfork, 22 Jan. 2026
Andrew Flanagan, Variety, 28 Apr. 2026
But soon after pouring millions into upgrading the hydro facility, the company shuttered its Cheboygan operation in 1990, eliminating 300 jobs and commencing the slow decline of the historic mill.
—CBS News, 18 Apr. 2026
The accord further prohibited the developers from beginning construction on the new residences before commencing work on these improvements.
—Awilda Esteras, Miami Herald, 12 Mar. 2026
Willie made it through the filming of the first episode, but as the second episode was commencing, word got to me that Willie had returned to Los Angeles and the end was near.
—Annabelle Gurwitch, HollywoodReporter, 24 Feb. 2026
According to China General Nuclear (CGN), on 21st February, the reactor pressure vessel for unit 6 began hoisting operations, officially commencing the installation of the unit’s main nuclear island equipment.
—Ameya Paleja, Interesting Engineering, 24 Feb. 2026
Dig deep to decipher the answer before commencing.
—Usa Today, USA Today, 21 Feb. 2026
Don Lemon was arrested for covering anti-ICE protests inside a Minnesota church and is now commencing the best press tour of his life.
—Jason P. Frank, Vulture, 3 Feb. 2026
In his late 20s at the time, Murdoch was commencing a staggering hot streak that would last roughly a decade.
—Elizabeth Nelson, Pitchfork, 22 Jan. 2026
Recent Examples of Synonyms for commencing
Verb
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Lee was walking us along a sweetness gradient, beginning with a savory on-ramp of legumes and caviar and arriving at a place of unambiguous dessert.—
Helen Rosner,
New Yorker,
10 May 2026
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Some strategists later said that the debate helped shift Pratt's candidacy from political novelty to a campaign that voters were beginning to take seriously.—
Ashley Hume,
FOXNews.com,
9 May 2026
Verb
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Still, Bores told me that lines were starting to blur.—
Gideon Lewis-Kraus,
New Yorker,
7 May 2026
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Törnberg identified three new kinds of emerging online media platforms, starting with private or semi-private group chats like WhatsApp.—
ArsTechnica,
ArsTechnica,
7 May 2026
Verb
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After opening the season with three wins and a solid fourth outing in a Rays victory, Matz had a rough start on April 21 against the Reds, allowing three home runs and lasting only three innings.—
Marc Topkin,
The Orlando Sentinel,
28 Apr. 2026
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The bill would not ban the cards but would restrict how and when health care providers are able to offer them to patients in hopes of ensuring customers are aware of their terms and not pushed into opening them.—
Kaitlin McCallum,
Hartford Courant,
28 Apr. 2026
Verb
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Two additional adaptation projects originating from previous Pavilion conversations are currently in development, according to organizers.—
Ed Meza,
Variety,
8 May 2026
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The group of 80-some species has ancestors going back tens of millions of years, originating in Asia.—
Craig Stanford,
Big Think,
7 May 2026
Verb
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Up the road from Gillette Stadium, a town neighboring Foxboro is pressing for funding to meet public safety demands arising from the World Cup, with the first match just over a month away.—
Lance Reynolds,
Boston Herald,
9 May 2026
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Alito handles emergency matters arising from the 5th Circuit by default, and major cases are ultimately often referred to the full court for a vote.—
Ella Lee,
The Hill,
6 May 2026
Verb
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Amy Beck — the mom of influencer Noah Beck — has been placed on administrative leave by her school district after a video resurfaced of her appearing to simulate oral sex with her son.—
Luke Chinman,
PEOPLE,
28 Apr. 2026
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Hill said while appearing on stage with hosts Jason Bateman, Sean Hayes and Will Arnett.—
Tracy Wright,
FOXNews.com,
28 Apr. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Commencing.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/commencing. Accessed 11 May. 2026.
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