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 In 2003, after numerous studies and debates, the base finally closed and cleanup commenced to eliminate any remaining environmental contamination. Juan J. Arroyo, Rolling Stone, 12 Mar. 2025 North Korea’s show of military might came on the day the U.S. and South Korea commenced their annual Freedom Shield joint military drills. Washington Examiner Staff, Washington Examiner - Political News and Conservative Analysis About Congress, the President, and the Federal Government, 12 Mar. 2025 On the heels of the class actions the FTC commenced an investigation against MGM to determine if MGM’s data security practices violated consumer protection laws including the Gramm-Leach-Bliley Act and the Fair Credit Reporting Act. Steve Weisman, Forbes, 12 Mar. 2025 Rubio said if and once Moscow agrees to this preliminary agreement, the real negotiations can commence. Caitlin McFall, Fox News, 11 Mar. 2025 See All Example Sentences for commence
Recent Examples of Synonyms for commence
Verb
  • Desir had won 24 consecutive matches to begin the season.
    Alex Kushel, Sun Sentinel, 28 Mar. 2025
  • With production set to begin on April 14, the series is scheduled to air this summer, showcasing M6’s commitment to homegrown, binge-worthy storytelling.
    Jamie Lang, Variety, 27 Mar. 2025
Verb
  • Spencer Torkelson, who was rumored to start the season at Triple-A, homered in the top of the seventh to draw Detroit within one run.
    Dan Freedman, Forbes.com, 30 Mar. 2025
  • Nobody talks, nobody starts telling these kids at 12 and 13, respect.
    Ron Estes, MSNBC Newsweek, 29 Mar. 2025
Verb
  • The Friday earthquake originated near Mandalay, Myanmar’s second-largest city of about 1.5 million, from rubbing tectonic plates along the Sagaing fault, which runs through the center of the country.
    Stephanie Yang, Los Angeles Times, 31 Mar. 2025
  • The History of the Hot Brown The dish originated in the 1920s, when flocks of patrons gathered to refuel at the hotel restaurant following The Brown’s popular dinner dances, which drew 1,200 guests nightly.
    Robin Roenker, Southern Living, 29 Mar. 2025
Verb
  • Fluoridation was initially smeared as a communist plot against America, Hayes said, and then later fears arose of possible links to cancer, which were refuted through extensive scientific research.
    Brett Kelman, CNN Money, 29 Mar. 2025
  • And that reluctance and confusion arises, in part, because of just how random the death penalty can be.
    Brenna Ehrlich, Rolling Stone, 29 Mar. 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
  • Both feature an Annunciation, in which an angel appears and announces that Mary, a virgin who is engaged to Joseph, is to have a son by God.
    Judith Shulevitz, The Atlantic, 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 8 Apr. 2025.

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