COMMENCING Synonyms: 94 Similar and Opposite Words

commencing

verb

present participle of commence

as in beginning

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

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

as in starting

to come into existence the games commenced early in the morning

Synonyms & Similar Words

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 commencing Amanda Pedersen Giske / NTB/AFP via Getty Images The Norway squad touched down to a traditional water cannon salute before commencing their homecoming parade in the capital. — Reuters, NBC news, 14 July 2026 Following Samsung's typical pattern, pre-orders for the new devices, including the Z Fold 8, Z Flip 8, and the innovative Z Fold 8 Wide, are anticipated to open immediately on July 22, with sales likely commencing around Friday, August 7. — David Phelan, Forbes.com, 8 July 2026 Work on the plan to remake Fifth Avenue is seen commencing in 2028 and will extend from Bryant Park to Central Park. — David Moin, Footwear News, 22 June 2026 The genial ginger singer-songwriter returned to North America June 13 with a run commencing at State Farm Stadium in Glendale, Arizona. — Melissa Ruggieri, USA Today, 14 June 2026 This is the phase of the project that’s now commencing. — Joseph Howlett, Scientific American, 8 May 2026 The Competition and Markets Authority sought comments from interested parties last month — a first step towards commencing a deeper examination of a deal that will reshape the global media landscape. — Jake Kanter, Deadline, 6 May 2026 Wickens found time to reflect on his best season yet and career as a whole, amid the weeks-long party that has been commencing in the East Midlands city of Lincoln, after the club won League One in style with 103 points. — Eduardo Tansley, New York Times, 4 May 2026 Earlier this year, the company announced a publishing administration partnership with 16-time Grammy Award-winner — and Variety’s Hitmakers 2025 songwriter of the year — Bruno Mars, commencing upon the completion of his current deal with BMG/Warner Chappell. — Andrew Flanagan, Variety, 28 Apr. 2026

Recent Examples of Synonyms for commencing

Verb

Search and rescue efforts are only just beginning, and these first hours are filled with uncertainty, but also with hope.

— Melanie Goodfellow, Deadline, 27 Aug. 2026
Grannell has made other threats this year, beginning five months ago, according to the account of an FBI special agent that is described in a criminal complaint.

— Emerson Clarridge, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 26 Aug. 2026

Definition of beginning

Verb

From travel dresses to a lightweight sweater, here are 14 items from Quince’s Workwear Edit that would look great on you on your next flight, starting at $20.

— Jasmine Gomez, Travel + Leisure, 30 Aug. 2026
Keep scrolling to shop comfy travel outfits worth packing, with standout staples starting at just $15.

— Jill Layton, PEOPLE, 30 Aug. 2026

Definition of starting

Verb

Floods originating from a glacial lake struck the same valley in 2025, while an ice and rock avalanche occurred elsewhere in the area in 2024.

— Sibi Arasu, Los Angeles Times, 27 Aug. 2026
In Japan, Utopai East assembled a team dedicated to originating and adapting Japanese IP for global audiences, working with local creators, producers and studios while forming ties across the country’s live-action and anime sectors.

— Naman Ramachandran, Variety, 27 Aug. 2026

Definition of originating

Verb

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
Criticizing the problems of inflation and issues arising from the war is not consistent with the slogans of some.

— Emily Hallas, The Washington Examiner, 21 Aug. 2026

Definition of arising

Verb

Russia's surprise return to the table sparked dismay among European officials, who opposed appearing with Siluanov in the traditional G20 photo, which was ultimately taken without the Russian minister.

— Anniek Bao, CNBC, 1 Sep. 2026
Malört also found its way into the food menu, appearing in beef chili dogs, Nutella churros and sausage pizza slices.

— Eva Remijan-Toba, Chicago Tribune, 31 Aug. 2026

Definition of appearing

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commences

commencing

commend

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Style

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

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Synonyms of commencing

verb

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