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 Goldberg said Hegseth told the group that the strikes against the Houthis would commence at 1:45 p.m. ET. Caitlin Yilek, CBS News, 24 Mar. 2025 In 2025, his final year as an active in-ring competitor, Cena is set to embark on a farewell tour consisting of roughly 36 dates, commencing with the January 6th Netflix premiere of Raw and concluding in December. Thomas G. Moukawsher, Newsweek, 21 Mar. 2025 The strikes commenced approximately two hours after Goldberg received the information. Daniel R. Depetris, Newsweek, 25 Mar. 2025 Under-the-radar talks about them joining Loewe commenced last October, the same sources said. Miles Socha, WWD, 24 Mar. 2025 See All Example Sentences for commence
Recent Examples of Synonyms for commence
Verb
  • Following news of his death, multiple tributes began to pour in for him on his last Instagram post.
    Ingrid Vasquez, People.com, 9 Apr. 2025
  • What begins as a simple quest soon transforms into a life-changing adventure, forcing Alex to reevaluate her priorities.
    Veronica Villafañe, Forbes.com, 9 Apr. 2025
Verb
  • School officials are required to report whether an active student with a visa has enrolled within a month of classes starting.
    Clara-Sophia Daly, Miami Herald, 10 Apr. 2025
  • Hacks: Season Four Premiere Date, Episode Release Schedule The first two episodes of Hacks season four are available to stream on Max starting Thursday, April 10.
    Rudie Obias, HollywoodReporter, 10 Apr. 2025
Verb
  • The Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon TV series originated a couple of years ago when Sony regained the rights to the books through a first-look deal with Vertigo and tapped Ning to adapt it as part of an overall deal.
    Nellie Andreeva, Deadline, 10 Apr. 2025
  • Now, analysis of the covers reveals the distant lands — and animals — where the chemises originate.
    Irene Wright, Miami Herald, 9 Apr. 2025
Verb
  • Taking the time to prepare now ensures that when the opportunity to sell a business arises, the business is in a position to attract serious buyers and command the highest possible price.
    Lien De Pau, Forbes.com, 9 Apr. 2025
  • But some conservationists are expressing wide ranging concern about the unintended consequences that could arise as researchers continue to try and resurrect versions of extinct animals.
    Karissa Waddick, USA Today, 9 Apr. 2025
Verb
  • Khalil is due to appear before an immigration judge for a removal proceeding on April 8.
    Armando Garcia, ABC News, 1 Apr. 2025
  • Based in Los Angeles, his articles have appeared in the Wall Street Journal, Los Angeles Times, Harvard Business Review, Esquire and on National Public Radio.
    R. Daniel Foster, Forbes.com, 1 Apr. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Commence.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/commence. Accessed 15 Apr. 2025.

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