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
None of the arrests of the four individual plaintiffs in this case, on the other hand, were made in immediate anticipation of commencing removal proceedings, much less executing a final order of removal.
—
New York Times, 2 Dec. 2025
Rollins humorously acknowledged his need to change his current diet before commencing the intensive physical preparations for his comeback.
—Andrew Ravens, MSNBC Newsweek, 26 Nov. 2025
The event will take place on Thursday, December 4 in Los Angeles, commencing with an intimate cocktail reception and awards ceremony.
—Marcus Jones, IndieWire, 12 Nov. 2025
Hands-down one of the most disgusting movies ever made (a compliment), the film finds the indefatigable slasher, who was decapitated at the end of Terrifier 2, reattaching his head and commencing his ritual slaughters.
—Declan Gallagher, Entertainment Weekly, 31 Oct. 2025
Hours ahead of the judge’s deadline, the White House budget office announced reductions in force (RIFs) were commencing after days of threats.
—Zach Schonfeld, The Hill, 10 Oct. 2025
The rebate checks were issued for three consecutive years, commencing in 1999.
—Robert Goulder, Forbes.com, 8 Sep. 2025
Subsequently, Liddell highlights the importance of entrepreneurs commencing their journey with clear goals in place.
—Nia Bowers, USA Today, 3 Sep. 2025
The county was warned of this conflict and ignored pleas to investigate before commencing the audit of whether the money was spent improperly.
—Sacbee.com, 4 Aug. 2025
New York Times, 2 Dec. 2025
Rollins humorously acknowledged his need to change his current diet before commencing the intensive physical preparations for his comeback.
—Andrew Ravens, MSNBC Newsweek, 26 Nov. 2025
The event will take place on Thursday, December 4 in Los Angeles, commencing with an intimate cocktail reception and awards ceremony.
—Marcus Jones, IndieWire, 12 Nov. 2025
Hands-down one of the most disgusting movies ever made (a compliment), the film finds the indefatigable slasher, who was decapitated at the end of Terrifier 2, reattaching his head and commencing his ritual slaughters.
—Declan Gallagher, Entertainment Weekly, 31 Oct. 2025
Hours ahead of the judge’s deadline, the White House budget office announced reductions in force (RIFs) were commencing after days of threats.
—Zach Schonfeld, The Hill, 10 Oct. 2025
The rebate checks were issued for three consecutive years, commencing in 1999.
—Robert Goulder, Forbes.com, 8 Sep. 2025
Subsequently, Liddell highlights the importance of entrepreneurs commencing their journey with clear goals in place.
—Nia Bowers, USA Today, 3 Sep. 2025
The county was warned of this conflict and ignored pleas to investigate before commencing the audit of whether the money was spent improperly.
—Sacbee.com, 4 Aug. 2025
Recent Examples of Synonyms for commencing
Verb
-
Paramount+ Essential subscribers will be able to stream the show beginning Monday.—
Jordan Freiman,
CBS News,
11 Jan. 2026
-
After beginning as an unpaid intern with the Cleveland Cavaliers and landing a position as an assistant with Cleveland’s G League affiliate in Canton, Ohio, Skeeter’s career path also took him through Atlanta just like Lee.—
Roderick Boone,
Charlotte Observer,
11 Jan. 2026
Verb
-
So commences a night of harrowing encounters and trauma both physical and mental, starting with Ron and Mike’s trip to meet Oliver at a bar after one of his shows.—
Ben Rosenstock,
Vulture,
10 Nov. 2025
-
Place water and rum in a small microwave-safe bowl and microwave on HIGH until starting to bubble, about 1 minute.—
Amanda Holstein,
Southern Living,
9 Nov. 2025
Verb
-
Per his release, the rapper must follow strict guidelines for the next five years, such as no alcohol, drug testing, and federal supervision when opening bank accounts.—
Alejandra Gularte,
Vulture,
9 Jan. 2026
-
But a landmark land claims settlement in 1980 exempted Maine from federal Indian gaming laws, which has prevented the tribes from opening casinos on their lands.—
Center Square,
The Washington Examiner,
9 Jan. 2026
Verb
-
As of mid-October, the NHTSA said the carmaker was aware of nine fires originating from vehicles that received remedy software in last year's recall.—
Natalie Neysa Alund,
USA Today,
4 Nov. 2025
-
How to see Taurid meteor showers Both the southern and northern Taurid meteor showers — originating from Comet Encke’s debris trail — will peak over California in November.—
Sacbee.com,
Sacbee.com,
2 Nov. 2025
Verb
-
But that changed in 2022 in a decision arising from another case involving a juvenile offender from San Diego.—
Teri Figueroa,
San Diego Union-Tribune,
11 Jan. 2026
-
The court challenges kept that situation from ever arising.—
Andy Rose,
CNN Money,
9 Jan. 2026
Verb
-
That included winning three of the last six Super Bowls while appearing in five of them, while also reaching the AFC Championship Game for seven consecutive seasons.—
Jesse Newell,
New York Times,
7 Jan. 2026
-
Wright has played at least one game with eight teams since making his NFL debut by appearing in three outings with Pittsburgh in 2020.—
Arkansas Online,
Arkansas Online,
7 Jan. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Commencing.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/commencing. Accessed 13 Jan. 2026.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share