as in beginning
the point at which something begins
there was a large turnout at the commencement of the conference, but the numbers dwindled as it progressed
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Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of commencement
Police say Rodney Hinton Jr. struck the deputy with his car May 1 as the deputy was directing traffic for the University of Cincinnati commencement.
—
Erin Glynn, The Enquirer, 3 July 2025
However, the university warns that many frequently reach capacity during commencement events, and guests are encouraged to have backup parking plans in other garages.
—Brandi D. Addison, Austin American Statesman, 2 July 2025
If a debtor is found to have fraudulently transferred assets in the one year prior to the commencement of a bankruptcy case (either voluntary or involuntary), the court is required under Bankruptcy Code 727 to deny the debtor's discharge.
—Jay Adkisson, Forbes.com, 2 July 2025
American Baptist commencement ceremony May 15 features Civil Rights hero and former American Baptist president Bernard Lafayette, who celebrates theme of ABC community members passing the torch.
—Liam Adams, The Tennessean, 2 July 2025
See All Example Sentences for commencement
Erin Glynn, The Enquirer, 3 July 2025
However, the university warns that many frequently reach capacity during commencement events, and guests are encouraged to have backup parking plans in other garages.
—Brandi D. Addison, Austin American Statesman, 2 July 2025
If a debtor is found to have fraudulently transferred assets in the one year prior to the commencement of a bankruptcy case (either voluntary or involuntary), the court is required under Bankruptcy Code 727 to deny the debtor's discharge.
—Jay Adkisson, Forbes.com, 2 July 2025
American Baptist commencement ceremony May 15 features Civil Rights hero and former American Baptist president Bernard Lafayette, who celebrates theme of ABC community members passing the torch.
—Liam Adams, The Tennessean, 2 July 2025
See All Example Sentences for commencement
Recent Examples of Synonyms for commencement
Noun
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The Ticket Act, which is currently being considered in the United States Senate, requires ticket sellers to clearly and prominently disclose at the beginning of the transaction.—
Beck Andrew Salgado,
Austin American Statesman,
30 July 2025
-
Cowan's organization received $150,000 in federal funds since the beginning of the year before his grant was canceled.—
Bianca Flowers,
USA Today,
29 July 2025
Noun
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The team will promote left-hander Carson Whisenhunt from Triple-A Sacramento to make his major-league debut with a home start against the Pittsburgh Pirates.—
Andrew Baggarly,
New York Times,
28 July 2025
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Like so many comedians, Lehrer got his start by going to Harvard.—
Bethy Squires,
Vulture,
28 July 2025
Noun
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Since its inception in 1994, New Faces has been regarded as a premier launchpad, helping to propel the careers of dozens of comedy’s biggest stars — among them, Kevin Hart, Amy Schumer, Ali Wong, Jo Koy, and Kumail Nanjiani.—
Matt Grobar,
Deadline,
21 July 2025
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Practically since its inception, the project has faced fierce opposition from local officials in the resort town, who cite concerns that beachgoers would lose a pristine ocean view if the turbines were visible from shore.—
Christine Condon,
Baltimore Sun,
20 July 2025
Noun
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At the onset of Russia's full-scale war against Ukraine, Aliyev believed Moscow would win quickly and reestablish its dominance across the post-Soviet space.—
Brendan Cole,
MSNBC Newsweek,
25 July 2025
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Researchers have shown, in mice, that targeting these molecules with a vaccine can delay or prevent the onset of cancers.—
Knowable Magazine,
Smithsonian Magazine,
16 July 2025
Noun
-
Gilmour Space sounded an optimistic note after the launch as well.—
Mike Wall,
Space.com,
30 July 2025
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Ever since the launch of the first fragrance in 1982, Biagiotti has had a successful perfume business, including the Roma and the Forever lines, among others, and licensed to Angelini Group in 2014 after 20 years with Procter & Gamble.—
Luisa Zargani,
Footwear News,
30 July 2025
Cite this Entry
“Commencement.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/commencement. Accessed 4 Aug. 2025.
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