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 Chilean Cobalt has identified a need for approximately $325 million to complete its plan of operations, which includes proving feasibility, commencing production, and generating saleable products. Quartz Intelligence Newsroom, Quartz, 2 Apr. 2025 Before Emmerich’s exit, the option to the game were re-upped and talks with Jason Momoa commenced. Anthony D'alessandro, Deadline, 7 Apr. 2025 The filing indicates that the company has not commenced any operations and has not generated any revenues. Quartz Intelligence Newsroom, Quartz, 3 Apr. 2025 Standalone or not, the race to the top is just commencing. Dr. Sai Balasubramanian, M.d., J.d., Forbes.com, 31 Mar. 2025 See All Example Sentences for commence
Recent Examples of Synonyms for commence
Verb
  • Earlier this month, the Administration began the process of cancelling the Social Security numbers of immigrants who were in the country lawfully.
    Jonathan Blitzer, New Yorker, 20 Apr. 2025
  • Max subscription plans begin at $9.99 a month with ads while ad-free subscriptions cost $16.99 a month.
    Anthony Robledo, USA Today, 20 Apr. 2025
Verb
  • Bobby manages to save Chimney, who falls ill and starts coughing up blood while responding to the lab blaze.
    Taijuan Moorman, USA Today, 23 Apr. 2025
  • Vásquez has chosen the brown tops in two of his three road starts and lost both.
    Kevin Acee, San Diego Union-Tribune, 22 Apr. 2025
Verb
  • The criminal gang originated in a Venezuela prison and has slowly spread both north and south in recent years.
    Dalia Faheid, CNN Money, 24 Apr. 2025
  • With approximately 77% of U.S. toy imports originating from China, coupling Hunyuan 3D with consumer-grade 3D printers offers a potential workaround for American buyers, highlighting how technology firms can creatively bypass political constraints to deliver value globally.
    Vivian Toh, Forbes.com, 24 Apr. 2025
Verb
  • In that maelstrom, several patients were given doses of sedatives that ultimately killed them, and Fink’s account revolves around those decisions and the criminal allegations that arose after the crisis.
    Heather Hansman, The Atlantic, 22 Apr. 2025
  • Montgomery County Public Schools, where the issue being contested arose, did not reply to TIME’s request for comment.
    Solcyré Burga, Time, 22 Apr. 2025
Verb
  • These concerns appeared to strike a chord—at least in part—with U.S. District Court Judge Claudia Wilken, who brought up the issue several times during this week’s fairness hearing over whether to grant the settlement’s final approval.
    Daniel Libit, Sportico.com, 11 Apr. 2025
  • After the risk assessment, the brothers will appear at independent parole board hearings on June 13, Newsom said.
    Emily Shapiro, ABC News, 11 Apr. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Commence.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/commence. Accessed 28 Apr. 2025.

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