COMMENCED Synonyms: 96 Similar and Opposite Words

commenced

verb

past tense of commence

as in began

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

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

as in started

to come into existence the games commenced early in the morning

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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 commenced Jeon gave birth just before filming commenced and felt concerned about what the movie would require of her. — David Canfield, HollywoodReporter, 23 Oct. 2026 The evening commenced with cocktails and hors d’oeuvres as literary and fashion insiders arrived at the private members club. — Brianna J. Heath, Footwear News, 16 Oct. 2026 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 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 The group then commenced writing lyrics for their song, alternating between singing and rapping adorably. — Hannah Dailey, Billboard, 7 Oct. 2026 At a New Year’s Eve ball at the Chelsea School of Art in 1961, Saville, in his mid-30s and long married, was thunderstruck at the sight of the 23-year-old Pauline Boty, and the two commenced an affair. — Sean Wilentz, Rolling Stone, 6 Oct. 2026 The mountain, known to the Indigenous inhabitants of the region as the Six Grandfathers, was considered sacred, and construction commenced over the vehement objections of Native Americans. — Encyclopedia Britannica, 29 Sep. 2026 Circle has commenced a search for its next CFO with the assistance of an executive search firm. — Sheryl Estrada, Fortune, 28 Sep. 2026

Recent Examples of Synonyms for commenced

Verb

The latest push to end the practice began in June after an 18-year-old Indian tourist, Romanch Mahajan, died after jumping from a runaway carriage.

— Arkansas Online, Arkansas Online, 23 Oct. 2026
Trump’s push to rename geographic landmarks began on his first day back in office.

— Bilin Lin, Fortune, 23 Oct. 2026

Definition of began

Verb

Then Patrick Mahomes started to look healthier, and Kenneth Walker III took off on what appears to be, through five games, an MVP-level campaign.

— Scott Chasen, Kansas City Star, 26 Oct. 2026
Whereas Friday’s game was over by halftime, this game was just getting started.

— Charlotte Observer, Charlotte Observer, 25 Oct. 2026

Definition of started

Verb

Russia launched more than 20 attacks on Ukraine's Dnipropetrovsk region overnight into Sunday, using drones and an aerial bomb, according to local authorities.

— Arkansas Online, Arkansas Online, 26 Oct. 2026
According to Ukrainian authorities, over 153 Russian Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs) were launched at Ukraine from Russia, mainly targeting large department stores and warehouses.

— Sophie Tanno, CNN Money, 25 Oct. 2026

Definition of launched

Verb

In 2009, when the meatpacking plants that gave the area its name still operated, The Standard, commissioned by hotelier Andre Balasz, opened to immediate buzz.

— Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 24 Oct. 2026
Proceedings opened this week in a case that’s shone a spotlight on Japan’s treatment of juvenile suspects.

— Hanako Montgomery, CNN Money, 24 Oct. 2026

Definition of opened

Verb

When the opportunity arose to become the head coach at Southern, Faulk didn’t hesitate even though he already had been diagnosed with Parkinson’s.

— Steve Henson, Los Angeles Times, 23 Oct. 2026
Early warning signs arose in February 2023, when SpaceX President and COO Gwynne Shotwell confirmed reports that Musk’s company was taking steps to block Ukraine’s military from using Starlink with drones.

— Jeremy Hsu, ArsTechnica, 23 Oct. 2026

Definition of arose

Verb

Anderson said the man appeared to have died of natural causes and that no foul play was suspected.

— Alene Tchekmedyian, Los Angeles Times, 26 Oct. 2026
Nigeria's Health Minister Muhammad Pate said Friday that the woman's infection appeared closely related to Kenya's first case, while cautioning that this did not necessarily establish the transmission route.

— Arkansas Online, Arkansas Online, 26 Oct. 2026

Definition of appeared

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commence

commenced

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Style

“Commenced.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/commenced. Accessed 27 Oct. 2026.

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Synonyms of commenced

verb

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