COMMENCE Synonyms: 94 Similar and Opposite Words

Q: How is the word 'commence' different from other verbs like it?

Some common synonyms of commence are begin , inaugurate , initiate , start , and usher in . While all these words mean "to take the first step in a course, process, or operation," commence can be more formal or bookish than begin or start . // commence firing // commenced a conversation

Q: How does the word 'begin' relate to other synonyms for 'commence'?

Begin , start , and commence are often interchangeable, with begin , opposed to end , being the most general. // begin a trip // began dancing

Q: Where would 'inaugurate' be a reasonable alternative to 'commence'?

The words inaugurate and commence are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, inaugurate suggests a beginning of some formality or notion of significance. // the discovery of penicillin inaugurated a new era in medicine

Q: When is 'initiate' a more appropriate choice than 'commence'?

In some situations, the words initiate and commence are roughly equivalent. However, initiate implies taking a first step in a process or series that is to continue. // initiated diplomatic contacts

Q: When could 'start' be used to replace 'commence'?

The synonyms start and commence are sometimes interchangeable, but start , opposed to stop , applies especially to first actions, steps, or stages. // the work started slowly

Q: How do 'usher in' and 'inaugurate' relate to one another, in the sense of 'commence'?

Usher in is somewhat less weighty than inaugurate . // ushered in a period of economic decline

commence

verb

kə-ˈmen(t)s

Definition of commence

as in to begin

to take the first step in (a process or course of action) commence the festivities

Synonyms & Similar Words

Relevance

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

as in to start

to come into existence the games commenced early in the morning

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

Synonym Chooser

How is the word commence different from other verbs like it?

Some common synonyms of commence are begin, inaugurate, initiate, start, and usher in. While all these words mean "to take the first step in a course, process, or operation," commence can be more formal or bookish than begin or start.

commence firing

commenced a conversation

How does the word begin relate to other synonyms for commence?

Begin, start, and commence are often interchangeable, with begin, opposed to end, being the most general.

begin a trip

began dancing

Where would inaugurate be a reasonable alternative to commence?

The words inaugurate and commence are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, inaugurate suggests a beginning of some formality or notion of significance.

the discovery of penicillin inaugurated a new era in medicine

When is initiate a more appropriate choice than commence?

In some situations, the words initiate and commence are roughly equivalent. However, initiate implies taking a first step in a process or series that is to continue.

initiated diplomatic contacts

When could start be used to replace commence?

The synonyms start and commence are sometimes interchangeable, but start, opposed to stop, applies especially to first actions, steps, or stages.

the work started slowly

How do usher in and inaugurate relate to one another, in the sense of commence?

Usher in is somewhat less weighty than inaugurate.

ushered in a period of economic decline

Example Sentences

Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

Recent Examples of commence The launch of the new Highlander Battery Electric Vehicle will also commence in Georgetown starting in September. — Olivia Cyrus, Louisville Courier Journal, 23 June 2026 Following its submission to the Oval Office, a 15-day public comment period will commence, closing on July 12. — Kaelan Deese, The Washington Examiner, 26 June 2026 Carlson, whose rights Anaheim traded to Carolina four days before the free agent signing period commenced, joins a defense corps that includes Victor Hedman, who is one year younger and has played five more career regular season games. — Tom Layberger, Forbes.com, 2 July 2026 Early-stage discussions of regulation have also commenced in Brazil, Canada, China, Ecuador, Ghana, India, Peru, Norway, the United Kingdom and the remainder of the European Union. — Jennifer Bringle, Footwear News, 29 June 2026 See All Example Sentences for commence

Recent Examples of Synonyms for commence

Verb

Friends of both Swift and the Kansas City Chiefs football star tight end began arriving mid-afternoon in a steady stream of SUVs.

— Brendan Morrow, USA Today, 4 July 2026
Nunez said investigators planned to interview an employee who was working at the business when the blaze began.

— Sacbee.com, Sacbee.com, 4 July 2026

Definition of begin

Verb

Available cruises on Legend currently start at $773 per person based on double occupancy, including taxes and fees, according to Royal Caribbean’s website.

— Nathan Diller, USA Today, 6 July 2026
El Niño is expected to prolong an existing unrelated marine heat wave that would otherwise typically start fading between October and December, scientists say.

— Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Times, 6 July 2026

Definition of start

Verb

The species, which originated in Africa and continues to spread throughout Sacramento and Yolo counties, can carry dengue, Zika, yellow fever and chikungunya, diseases that can be life-threatening to humans.

— Reeti Malhotra, Sacbee.com, 1 July 2026
Many common surnames, such as Carpenter or Baker, originated from occupations passed down through generations, reflecting how closely people’s identities were tied to their work.

— Tim Bajarin, Forbes.com, 1 July 2026

Definition of originate

Verb

Many issues will arise, and an HITL is a critical and necessary step in the AI coding process.

— Expert Panel®, Forbes.com, 1 July 2026
While saying goodbye to its original Idaho store may have been difficult, married owners Ashley Ferguson and David Aboud previously told the Idaho Statesman that the move came after issues arose with the property owner.

— Shannon Tyler, Idaho Statesman, 1 July 2026

Definition of arise

Verb

The 36-year-old Spaniard breaks Roger Federer’s record by appearing in a 66th consecutive Grand Slam singles tournament, continuing a run that started at the 2002 French Open.

— Assistant Sports Editor, Los Angeles Times, 3 July 2026
Actress Mariska Hargitay, who joined Swift courtside at Madison Square Garden during Game 4 of the NBA Finals, appears to have one notable gap in her Broadway schedule.

— Bryan West, USA Today, 3 July 2026

Definition of appear

Cite this Entry

Style

“Commence.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/commence. Accessed 7 Jul. 2026.

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Synonyms of commence

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