1
as in beginning
to take the first step in (a process or course of action)
commence the festivities
Synonyms & Similar Words
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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
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
Indiana and Miami begin the semester on January 12, with Ole Miss commencing January 20.
—Dana O’Neil, CNN Money, 9 Jan. 2026
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
Indiana and Miami begin the semester on January 12, with Ole Miss commencing January 20.
—Dana O’Neil, CNN Money, 9 Jan. 2026
Recent Examples of Synonyms for commencing
Verb
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Nate Tibbetts played for the men’s basketball team at the University of South Dakota before beginning his coaching career as an assistant for the University of Sioux Falls men’s basketball team.—
Annie Costabile,
New York Times,
25 Apr. 2026
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An old order is passing away and a new one is beginning.—
Georgia Nicols,
Denver Post,
25 Apr. 2026
Verb
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While much of the world’s economy has shown resilience in the face of the worst disruption to energy supplies in modern times, the knock-on effects of the conflict are starting to push up inflation while raising alarm bells about food supplies and prompting downgrades to economic growth.—
Sean Nevin,
NBC news,
24 Apr. 2026
-
The right tackle had a fine rookie year, starting all 17 games.—
Tom Krasovic,
San Diego Union-Tribune,
24 Apr. 2026
Verb
-
After some spring training struggles, a season-opening assignment to Triple-A and a pair of forgettable starts, the pitcher is happy to have a scoreless start under his belt.—
Gary Phillips,
New York Daily News,
22 Apr. 2026
-
TokyoReuters — Japan on Tuesday unveiled its biggest overhaul of defense export rules in decades, scrapping restrictions on overseas arms sales and opening the way for exports of warships, missiles and other weapons.—
CNN Money,
CNN Money,
21 Apr. 2026
Verb
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Researchers suspected that this lack of regenerative capacity could be responsible for a lack of cancer, a disease of runaway regeneration, originating in the heart.—
Anil Oza,
STAT,
23 Apr. 2026
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The Supreme Court, in a 2019 case originating from North Carolina, ruled that federal courts have no authority to decide whether partisan gerrymandering goes too far.—
David A. Lieb,
Twin Cities,
22 Apr. 2026
Verb
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Despite higher oil prices, US shale executives are complaining that the market volatility arising from the conflict in the Middle East isn’t making their job any easier.—
David Wethe,
Bloomberg,
23 Apr. 2026
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Sticking to a regular cleaning schedule, like once or every week, also helps prevent smells from arising in the tub.—
Ashlyn Needham,
Southern Living,
18 Apr. 2026
Verb
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While appearing on SiriusXM’s Andy Cohen Live alongside The Devil Wears Prada 2 costars Anne Hathaway, Emily Blunt and Stanley Tucci, the Oscar-winning actress, 76, opened up about a potential future collaboration with her Only Murders in the Building costar Martin Short.—
Deirdre Durkan,
PEOPLE,
21 Apr. 2026
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Irving’s Astoria became an international hit, with editions appearing in Britain and Germany and France.—
Literary Hub,
Literary Hub,
21 Apr. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Commencing.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/commencing. Accessed 27 Apr. 2026.
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