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 Robots take court The second edition of WHRG, which has commenced in Beijing, has showcased a new test for humanoid robots, with Galbot machines competing against human athletes in an autonomous tennis match during the event’s opening ceremony. — Jijo Malayil, Interesting Engineering, 24 Aug. 2026 In the days following the discovery of Zywicki's body and the confirmation of her identity, a nationwide search commenced, with everyday people joining to help in the search. — Adam Harrington, CBS News, 23 Aug. 2026 The updates are being paid for by King Charles and appear to have commenced in mid-January, according to The Sun. — Emma Banks, InStyle, 21 Aug. 2026 The girls volleyball season opens across the state Monday, however, and Mitchell can’t wait for her senior year to commence. — Jeff Vorva, Chicago Tribune, 20 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for commence

Recent Examples of Synonyms for commence

Verb

The administration did cripple Iran's nuclear program in 2025 with bombing strikes on various facilities, but since this war began, there's been no effective action taken against its nuclear program.

— Dana Taylor, USA Today, 28 Aug. 2026
Since Tiffany’s attacks began, Crowley has moved in Hong’s general direction, emphasizing his requirements—using exclusively renewable energy to power new data centers, building them with union labor—for developers to receive the tax breaks.

— Dan Kaufman, New Yorker, 28 Aug. 2026

Definition of begin

Verb

To improve chances of a timely reply, patients should start messages by greeting their doctor by name, ideally including both first and last names.

— Paul Hsieh, Forbes.com, 31 Aug. 2026
And then Joe Milton started putting it together and had two outstanding preseason games.

— Jon Machota, New York Times, 31 Aug. 2026

Definition of start

Verb

Fonseca Porto Siroco Extra Dry White Port Crisp as a new dollar bill with delicate floral and bitter notes, this bottling takes its name from the Mediterranean wind that originates in North Africa.

— Joseph Hernandez, Bon Appetit Magazine, 26 Aug. 2026
Curry originated the iconic role in the first production of Rocky Horror staged at London’s Royal Court Theatre.

— Chris Murphy, Vanity Fair, 26 Aug. 2026

Definition of originate

Verb

The same evaluation process may hold promise for other forms of childhood dementia that arise from single-gene mutations.

— Mike McRae August 26, New Atlas, 26 Aug. 2026
The Manhattan Federal Court action filed by the British former socialite in December argued that new information arising in related lawsuits and the government’s trove of investigative files on Epstein proved her imprisonment was unlawful.

— Molly Crane-Newman, New York Daily News, 25 Aug. 2026

Definition of arise

Verb

However, for the rest of the game, Brianna Turner and Cheyenne Parker-Tyus are closer to centers; Turner has offensive limitations while Hammon doesn’t appear to trust Parker-Tyus’ defense.

— Sabreena Merchant, New York Times, 28 Aug. 2026
While this figure appears to add a bright spot to an otherwise weak employment report, the underlying cause is far from encouraging.

— , CNBC, 28 Aug. 2026

Definition of appear

Cite this Entry

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“Commence.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/commence. Accessed 1 Sep. 2026.

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Synonyms of commence

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Synonyms of commence

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