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
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of commence
Her tennis coverage will commence later in January, in Melbourne.
—
Brian Steinberg, Variety, 6 Jan. 2026
In 2012, whiskey production commenced at the distillery, with bottles hitting the market a few years later.
—Jonah Flicker, Robb Report, 4 Jan. 2026
After a friend called emergency services, which commenced a search, crews found two additional bodies in the area.
—Austin Turner, CBS News, 3 Jan. 2026
The latest round of protests commenced on Sunday, started by shopkeepers angry over economic turmoil brought about by the collapse of the Iranian rial.
—Brady Knox, The Washington Examiner, 2 Jan. 2026
See All Example Sentences for commence
Recent Examples of Synonyms for commence
Verb
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On the plane, Dick clutches the slingshot and begins sweating and muttering to himself before becoming unresponsive.—
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Numerous reports and videos of thundersnow in downtown Chicago began to roll in after midnight local time.—
Verb
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Amazon quietly discounted dozens of top picks from Stewart’s collection, including Dutch ovens, knife sets, oven mitts, and more, with prices starting at just $8 and discounts going for up to 60 percent off.—
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The second-round pick in the 2025 NFL Draft wasn’t the Saints’ guy to start the season.—
Verb
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The project originated from a news story and took shape during a residency at the Museum of Imagined Futures.—
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Fannie Mae and Freddie, which are in government conservatorship, do not originate home loans.—
Verb
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Cultural, linguistic, and value-based assimilation challenges arise, potentially altering national identities and eroding civilizational confidence.—
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The original postponement announcement stated NASA was monitoring a medical concern that arose Wednesday afternoon.—
Verb
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These encounters appear to act like a refueling system, delivering fresh gas that can keep the black hole quietly active for long periods.—
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The video also appeared to depict the officers did not take immediate steps to ensure that Good received emergency medical care after the shooting took place.—
Cite this Entry
“Commence.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/commence. Accessed 13 Jan. 2026.
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