1
as in to begin
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 to start
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 commence
The most critical portion of the test will take place on Saturday, when cryogenic fuel loading of the rocket's two main stages will commence.
—
Josh Dinner, Space.com, 27 Jan. 2026
An outspoken state senator is scheduled to make remarks Sunday at the International Servant Leaders Museum in Morton Grove, coming as Black History Month commences.
—Pioneer Press, Chicago Tribune, 27 Jan. 2026
The screenplay will be written by Emmy and Golden Globe nominee and 2025 Humanitas Prize winner Kim Rosenstock with an eye to commence production this year.
—Anthony D'alessandro, Deadline, 27 Jan. 2026
Yet another trial is expected to commence in the Northern District of California later this year that involves Meta, TikTok, YouTube and Snap.
—Stephen Desaulniers,jonathan Vanian, CNBC, 27 Jan. 2026
See All Example Sentences for commence
Josh Dinner, Space.com, 27 Jan. 2026
An outspoken state senator is scheduled to make remarks Sunday at the International Servant Leaders Museum in Morton Grove, coming as Black History Month commences.
—Pioneer Press, Chicago Tribune, 27 Jan. 2026
The screenplay will be written by Emmy and Golden Globe nominee and 2025 Humanitas Prize winner Kim Rosenstock with an eye to commence production this year.
—Anthony D'alessandro, Deadline, 27 Jan. 2026
Yet another trial is expected to commence in the Northern District of California later this year that involves Meta, TikTok, YouTube and Snap.
—Stephen Desaulniers,jonathan Vanian, CNBC, 27 Jan. 2026
See All Example Sentences for commence
Recent Examples of Synonyms for commence
Verb
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What began as a performance became a collective release.—
Michelle Edgar,
Daily News,
27 Jan. 2026
-
What began in Tehran late December in response to the collapse in currency and economic conditions quickly took on a political character -- with crowds on the streets openly calling for regime change.—
Somayeh Malekian,
ABC News,
27 Jan. 2026
Verb
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On Saturday night and early Sunday, forecasters expect wind and snow that could lead to blizzard conditions before the storm starts to move to sea.—
Arkansas Online,
Arkansas Online,
31 Jan. 2026
-
The team announced Thursday night that Ian Cunningham, 40, who started his career as a personnel assistant with the Baltimore Ravens, is their new general manager.—
D. Orlando Ledbetter,
AJC.com,
30 Jan. 2026
Verb
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Early slayers often originate between realms—people who have been near death and pulled back, or have the markings of potential vampires, or who are born at times of the year when the veil between worlds is thin.—
Literary Hub,
Literary Hub,
28 Jan. 2026
-
Quayle said that among passengers originating in Chicago, United gets 50% while American gets 31%.—
Ted Reed,
Forbes.com,
27 Jan. 2026
Verb
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The idea arose when, as a result of Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine, Western artists began to write and create art about the preconditions and reasons behind Russia’s actions.—
Literary Hub,
Literary Hub,
29 Jan. 2026
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This time around, aside from warding off mental demons that arose from her crash, Shiffrin, at 30, must also fight the indignities of age.—
Sean Gregory,
Time,
29 Jan. 2026
Verb
-
Video footage that appeared to be taken at the scene captured loud blasts and the sky glowing following explosions that began around midnight and lasted about two hours in the area of Diori Hamani International Airport.—
Arkansas Online,
Arkansas Online,
31 Jan. 2026
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In June, she was invited to appear before the Federal Trade Commission as a panelist to explain the harms of PGM from a consumer fraud perspective.—
Mia Cathell,
The Washington Examiner,
31 Jan. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Commence.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/commence. Accessed 3 Feb. 2026.
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