1
as in began
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 started
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 commenced
Officials then searched the children’s home and commenced an air and ground search.
—
Sam Gillette, PEOPLE, 7 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
And when sunrise was artificially delayed by three hours, the rate of the finches' singing intensified and commenced sooner compared with non-delayed sunrises.
—Michele Laufik, Martha Stewart, 31 Dec. 2025
The video shows fans getting ready outside, preparing for their idol's last show of the over tour that commenced in September 2021 and spanned more than 170 dates.
—Anthony Robledo, USA Today, 27 Dec. 2025
Then, losses suffered at another of World War II’s bloodiest campaigns, the Normandy invasion that commenced with D-Day on June 6, 1944, led to a need for reinforcements like Buford.
—Graham Womack, Sacbee.com, 25 Dec. 2025
And so, shortly after his startling, spirit-lifting victory in the primary last spring, the gentle flood of inquiries commenced.
—Literary Hub, 7 Nov. 2025
Recent Examples of Synonyms for commenced
Verb
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The protest comes amid ongoing unrest in Iran, where demonstrations that began over economic grievances have spread nationwide, evolving into a direct challenge to Iran's clerical leadership.—
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Using products by celeb-favorite skin care brand iS Clinical, Flores began by cleansing Williams' skin with the lightweight Cleansing Complex before spraying his skin with a Copper Firming Mist.—
Verb
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The year started with a four-day streak of 70-degree highs; however, Oklahoma will soon see temperatures dip a bit into the mid-50s and 60s at the start of next week, with some parts of the state expecting snow.—
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Sean Kuraly had a goal and an assist, Tanner Jeannot had two assists, and the Boston Bruins started a five-game homestand with a 4-1 win over the Calgary Flames on Thursday night.—
Verb
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Republicans have also launched a congressional investigation into the fire response.—
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Following the tragic incident, a family friend, Ella Mackrell, launched a GoFundMe to help bring the teen’s body home, as well as cover expenses related to travel, lodging and the funeral.—
Verb
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Read along to find out about where the viral social media trend originated from.—
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Those roles originated at the Booth Theatre on Broadway by Mandy Patinkin and Bernadette Peters, respectively.—
Verb
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Pruneyard Cinemas opened to a lot of fanfare in 2018, but its owners have been running uphill — and losing ground — since the COVID-19 pandemic shutdowns.—
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The business initially opened as a supply store, then added a taproom and eventually a restaurant.—
Verb
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However, speculation of their breakup arose in early 2024 when the two wiped their Instagrams of each other.—
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The original postponement announcement stated NASA was monitoring a medical concern that arose Wednesday afternoon.—
Verb
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The 19-year-old, who had completed three semesters of college before the incident, appeared in court on Monday and was appointed a public defender, CNN reported.—
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Ezeiruaku, 22, was a second-round draft pick out of Boston College in 2025 and appeared in all 17 games as a rookie, including nine starts.—
Verb
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There was also the possibility of the Panthers activating interior offensive lineman Chandler Zavala ahead of Saturday’s game.—
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Years later, in June 2023, the FBI and the Department of Justice said there was no credible evidence of foul play in his death, according to a DOJ report.—
Cite this Entry
“Commenced.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/commenced. Accessed 20 Jan. 2026.
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