1
as in begins
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 starts
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 commences
The first leg of the annual championship commences this Saturday, January 3, and wraps up on Saturday, January 17.
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Rachel Cormack, Robb Report, 2 Jan. 2026
Hickey’s expectations come as Wall Street readies for the new trading year, which commences with Friday’s opening bell.
—Alex Harring, CNBC, 29 Dec. 2025
Thus commences a nearly five minute-long sequence in which delivery trucks arrive and a crowd of nearly 100 Others proceed to re-stock the store.
—Reia Li, AZCentral.com, 9 Dec. 2025
Still thinking about Gael, Nathan proceeds to get loaded at the club with Kizzi and commences a marathon making-out session.
—Rafaela Bassili, Vulture, 2 Dec. 2025
As Yellow Sophie stands as lookout, Blue Sophi commences the bag search, leaving no stone (or sock or pant leg) unturned.
—Dalton Ross, Entertainment Weekly, 27 Nov. 2025
The show is nearing the end of its eight-episode run, which commences on December 10, 2025.
—Griff Griffin, MSNBC Newsweek, 26 Nov. 2025
Just last week, the Facchino Family began demolishing structures at its 13-acre property at 1655 Berryessa Road before construction commences on a new mixed-income neighborhood near the BART Station.
—Devan Patel, Mercury News, 29 Oct. 2025
Here, for now, are three pressing questions as the offseason commences.
—Matt Gelb, New York Times, 11 Oct. 2025
Recent Examples of Synonyms for commences
Verb
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The mission now begins final checkout activities.—
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As the pooch chews on the glove, the battery is suddenly damaged and begins to smoke.—
Verb
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Planning your Sunday Sunday starts drier, but another cold front moves through late in the day.—
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The waterfront views steal the show, especially as boats drift by and the light starts to change.—
Verb
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Air fryers work by circulating hot air, which originates at the bottom of the fryer.—
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Analysts note the Lone Star State refineries are particularly equipped to process the heavy type of crude that originates from Venezuela, once imports start flowing.—
Verb
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In the story, there is a lot of comedy that naturally arises from tragic moments, from dark, depressing moments.—
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In the decades since, analytical philosophers have produced all manner of models meant to explain how consciousness arises.—
Verb
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The 25-year-old Chiefs receiver appears in a separate photo posted to the same Instagram account.—
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With a high-stakes battle for the 2026 midterms looming, the Evergreen State appears poised to join the trend of states using congressional redistricting for partisan advantage.—
Cite this Entry
“Commences.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/commences. Accessed 14 Jan. 2026.
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