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
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
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
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
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
Recent Examples of Synonyms for commencing
Verb
-
With Mack under contract, re-signing Oweh becomes a clear priority for Chargers general manager Joe Hortiz ahead of the free-agent negotiation period beginning Monday.—
Senior Editor,
Los Angeles Times,
8 Mar. 2026
-
Citizens are eligible for Social Security payments beginning at 62 years old.—
Asher Notheis,
The Washington Examiner,
8 Mar. 2026
Verb
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As Kansas coach Bill Self barked orders from the sideline inside T-Mobile Center, the tide was starting to turn.—
Shreyas Laddha,
Kansas City Star,
13 Mar. 2026
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Senior Republicans under pressure from conservative activists and GOP primary challengers are starting to take notice.—
W. James Antle III,
The Washington Examiner,
13 Mar. 2026
Verb
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The hospitality industry should prioritize structuring and opening its data so AI can access it, Llewellyn said.—
Sydney Goh,
CNBC,
11 Mar. 2026
-
In fact, Maplewood is in the process of opening a public house in west suburban Glen Ellyn as its second location.—
Robert Channick,
Chicago Tribune,
11 Mar. 2026
Verb
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After originating the project through her company Joy Coalition, Gorman Wettels packaged The Bell Jar with Eilish and Polley and brought Plan B and StudioCanal on board.—
Ryan Gajewski,
HollywoodReporter,
11 Mar. 2026
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Mining and metals accounted for roughly 11% of global scope 1 and 2 greenhouse gas emissions in 2024, with a large majority originating from Asia, highlighting the sector’s role as both a major emitter and a linchpin of the clean energy transition.—
Natasha Bracken,
semafor.com,
10 Mar. 2026
Verb
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Even with financial advisers helping Americans prepare both boomers and heirs for the largest wealth transfer in history, more disputes are arising, data show.—
Medora Lee,
USA Today,
8 Mar. 2026
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The combination of weak hiring and increasing inflationary pressures arising from the war creates a nightmare for the Federal Reserve, which must decide whether to cut interest rates to help the job market or hold off to help keep a lid on prices.—
Paul Wiseman,
Fortune,
6 Mar. 2026
Verb
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Desert gold and brown-eyed primrose are appearing near Ashford Mill, along with sand verbena and fivespot.—
Cierra Morgan,
Los Angeles Times,
11 Mar. 2026
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He’s spent the past three seasons with the team, appearing in 46 games (10 starts).—
Alex Zietlow,
Charlotte Observer,
11 Mar. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Commencing.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/commencing. Accessed 14 Mar. 2026.
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