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 next

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 Your inspiration can commence here—at the beginning of the alphabet. —

Stephanie Kasulka, Parents, 7 Feb. 2025 President Donald Trump and his administration have pledged to commence mass deportations of people who are in the country illegally. —

Sharon Bernstein, Sacramento Bee, 29 Jan. 2025 Their An Evening with Jagged Edge: 25 Years of ‘J.E. Heartbreak’ anniversary tour, produced by Live Nation Urban, commences on Wednesday, Mar. 26 in Dallas. —

Mya Abraham, VIBE.com, 4 Feb. 2025 Davis’ final touchdown at Arrowhead Stadium was supposed to be the dagger in the Chiefs’ hopeful return to the AFC Championship, as there were just 13 seconds left on the fourth-quarter clock when the Bills’ kickoff commenced. —

Scott Thompson, Fox News, 3 Feb. 2025 See all Example Sentences for commence

Recent Examples of Synonyms for commence

Verb

Negotiations for a new contract had begun in July, followed by mediation sessions in September, but no agreement was reached.

— Julia Fomby, Twin Cities, 7 Feb. 2025
Criticism of Gascón first began in January, after writer Sarah Hagi shared screenshots of Gascón’s purported past posts on X, which have been translated by Google.

— Kalhan Rosenblatt, NBC News, 7 Feb. 2025