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 Zedwell responded by asking to include a redevelopment break clause in the new lease that would entitle them to terminate the lease at 6 months’ notice at any time once the new lease has commenced. — Zac Ntim, Deadline, 15 Oct. 2026 Three weeks before filming was to commence on Bad Lieutenant, Abel Ferrara‘s pitch-dark 1992 crime masterpiece, the director had a problem. — Seth Abramovitch, HollywoodReporter, 14 Oct. 2026 This is to commence with an examination of God as cause, in order, then, to discern the nature of the effect that is the image of God. — The Christian Science Monitor, Christian Science Monitor, 9 Oct. 2026 Every belt buckle looks freshly yanked off the rack; every speck of signage resembles something painted 45 minutes before filming commenced that day. — Michael Phillips, Variety, 8 Oct. 2026 See All Example Sentences for commence

Recent Examples of Synonyms for commence

Verb

By adjusting the distance between the tips, the team could stretch or compress the molecular structure, changing the voltage at which the current enhancement began.

— Rupendra Brahambhatt, Interesting Engineering, 24 Oct. 2026
She eventually was promoted over to the ice cream machine—and began to grow fond of the adrenaline-like rush that can come with working in a restaurant.

— Preston Fore, Fortune, 24 Oct. 2026

Definition of begin

Verb

Charlotte has many more chances to right its wrongs, of course, starting with home games Saturday and Monday.

— Scott Fowler, Charlotte Observer, 24 Oct. 2026
And one health care consultancy that finds doctors and mental health care for wealthy families charges retainers starting at $30,000 for 50 hours.

— Molly A. Wallace, Fortune, 24 Oct. 2026

Definition of start

Verb

So a quick look at where an app supposedly originated may not tell the whole story.

— Kurt Knutsson, FOXNews.com, 23 Oct. 2026
Two flights from the United States arrived in Port-au-Prince’s Toussaint Louverture International Airport on Friday as well, originating from Washington Dulles International Airport.

— Jacqueline Charles, Miami Herald, 23 Oct. 2026

Definition of originate

Verb

When the opportunity arises to work in person, however, Chater welcomes it.

— Lily Moayeri, SPIN, 21 Oct. 2026
But because New Mexico was not part of the settlement, the state's data privacy case that arose from Meta's Cambridge Analytica scandal proceeded to trial in September.

— Jonathan Vanian, CNBC, 21 Oct. 2026

Definition of arise

Verb

Shifts among Latino voters, who represent sizable portions of the electorate in both states, and Trump’s sagging approval rating appear to be driving Democrats’ strength in redder areas.

— Nicholas Wu, semafor.com, 23 Oct. 2026
His death appeared to be the first fatality involving a horse carriage in Central Park since the rides began.

— Arkansas Online, Arkansas Online, 23 Oct. 2026

Definition of appear

Cite this Entry

Style

“Commence.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/commence. Accessed 28 Oct. 2026.

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Synonyms of commence

verb

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