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
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
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
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
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
Recent Examples of Synonyms for commencing
Verb
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Also called The Mother Road, Route 66 stretches almost 2,500 miles and spans eight states, beginning in Chicago, Illinois, and ending in Santa Monica, California.—
Kathleen Wong,
USA Today,
15 Feb. 2026
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But this outlook is beginning to change.—
Hadley Meares,
HollywoodReporter,
14 Feb. 2026
Verb
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Where to Shop First at the Thrift Store Both experts recommend starting with the categories that carry higher retail prices when purchased new.—
Gabi De la Rosa,
Southern Living,
5 Feb. 2026
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With Angelichio's hiring, McCarthy's coaching staff is starting to come together just over one week after he was introduced as the new head coach of the Steelers.—
Mike Darnay,
CBS News,
5 Feb. 2026
Verb
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As a first step of the project, De Giglio wanted to bring back the authentic barber experience, opening the Barberia of Eredi Zucca barber shop in Milan with a full range of products encompassing grooming, hair care, body care, skin care, tools and accessories.—
Sandra Salibian,
Footwear News,
10 Feb. 2026
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Shares fell almost 4% before the opening bell.—
Dee-Ann Durbin,
Fortune,
10 Feb. 2026
Verb
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Related Stories The Broadway cast is led by Tony nominee Louis McCartney, who stars as Henry Creel after originating the role in London’s West End.—
Kennedy French,
Variety,
10 Feb. 2026
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To ensure the fairness and credibility of our readers’ poll, any votes originating from the same IP address that exceed 20 submissions will be excluded from the final tally.—
Baltimore Sun staff,
Baltimore Sun,
10 Feb. 2026
Verb
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Espinoza focused a large part of Friday’s hearing on problems arising at Campus Kilpatrick, which now houses all of the girls in the county’s custody.—
Jason Henry,
Daily News,
8 Feb. 2026
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In 2025, California’s job market lost jobs for the first time in a calendar year since 2020, a period that was marred by massive disruptions arising from the COVID-19 pandemic.—
George Avalos,
Mercury News,
7 Feb. 2026
Verb
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Potential jurors expressed a range of opinions on social media during jury selection questioning, with some appearing concerned about the companies’ impact on society, their children and their older parents.—
CNN.com Wire Service,
Mercury News,
11 Feb. 2026
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The images and videos show a person wearing gloves, a mask, khakis, sneakers and a backpack, appearing to tamper with the camera at Guthrie’s front door on the morning of her disappearance.—
Liz Kreutz,
NBC news,
10 Feb. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Commencing.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/commencing. Accessed 15 Feb. 2026.
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