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
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 commencing
Flexjet has become the official private aviation supplier for Formula 1 in a new multi-year agreement, commencing with the British Grand Prix.
—
Doug Gollan,
Forbes.com,
1 July 2026
Work on the plan to remake Fifth Avenue is seen commencing in 2028 and will extend from Bryant Park to Central Park.
—
David Moin,
Footwear News,
22 June 2026
The genial ginger singer-songwriter returned to North America June 13 with a run commencing at State Farm Stadium in Glendale, Arizona.
—
Melissa Ruggieri,
USA Today,
14 June 2026
This is the phase of the project that’s now commencing.
—
Joseph Howlett,
Scientific American,
8 May 2026
The Competition and Markets Authority sought comments from interested parties last month — a first step towards commencing a deeper examination of a deal that will reshape the global media landscape.
—
Jake Kanter,
Deadline,
6 May 2026
Wickens found time to reflect on his best season yet and career as a whole, amid the weeks-long party that has been commencing in the East Midlands city of Lincoln, after the club won League One in style with 103 points.
—
Eduardo Tansley,
New York Times,
4 May 2026
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
Doug Gollan,
Forbes.com,
1 July 2026
Work on the plan to remake Fifth Avenue is seen commencing in 2028 and will extend from Bryant Park to Central Park.
—
David Moin,
Footwear News,
22 June 2026
The genial ginger singer-songwriter returned to North America June 13 with a run commencing at State Farm Stadium in Glendale, Arizona.
—
Melissa Ruggieri,
USA Today,
14 June 2026
This is the phase of the project that’s now commencing.
—
Joseph Howlett,
Scientific American,
8 May 2026
The Competition and Markets Authority sought comments from interested parties last month — a first step towards commencing a deeper examination of a deal that will reshape the global media landscape.
—
Jake Kanter,
Deadline,
6 May 2026
Wickens found time to reflect on his best season yet and career as a whole, amid the weeks-long party that has been commencing in the East Midlands city of Lincoln, after the club won League One in style with 103 points.
—
Eduardo Tansley,
New York Times,
4 May 2026
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
Recent Examples of Synonyms for commencing
Verb
-
While veterans jockey for new contracts during free agency, young players are getting their tryout opportunities with NBA summer league games beginning this week.
-
With the hot stretch just beginning, officials continue to emphasize one message for anyone spending time indoors or outside.
Verb
-
Now, Democrat Xavier Becerra and Republican Steve Hilton present a stark choice to voters in the race to be the next governor at a moment when public support for the state’s generous safety net is starting to fray.
-
In the last 20 minutes before kick, droves of fans have made their way into the stadium and the energy is starting to pick up.
Verb
-
The main level features a large great room framed by floor-to-ceiling glass and retractable doors opening directly to the terrace and lake.
-
Months after opening a $267 million replacement next door, Miami-Dade has struggled to find a buyer for the one built nearly 100 years ago.
Verb
-
Storms involve complex flows originating over a wide region and evolving in complicated ways.
-
The concept of entrepreneurship, originating with Jean-Baptiste Say, has evolved through four distinct generations.
Verb
-
Because the state court never entered a charging order, there was no such restraint, lien, or enforcement mechanism arising from the application itself.
-
The painting has undergone extensive restoration, removing overpainting by other hands and revealing imagery that, experts say, may have articulated a message of religious tolerance in a moment of social tensions arising partly from a refugee crisis.
Verb
-
The Emmy-winning host and executive producer of Last Week Tonight with John Oliver has landed a guest role on General Hospital, appearing in a three-episode arc that'll air on July 2, 3 and 6 on ABC.
-
The Germans began putting pressure on Paraguay from the start of the extra period, including a possible penalty when Nick Woltemade’s shot was blocked by Gustavo Gómez, appearing to hit his arm.
Cite this Entry
“Commencing.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/commencing. Accessed 3 Jul. 2026.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
