as in beginning
the point at which something begins
there was a large turnout at the commencement of the conference, but the numbers dwindled as it progressed
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
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 commencement
One is an essay for a gathering of poet laureates; the other is a commencement address for their Maine High School.
—
Lisa Kennedy, Variety, 3 Feb. 2025
The district recently announced dates and locations for several summer 2025 commencement ceremonies.
—Marcus D. Smith, Sacramento Bee, 1 Feb. 2025
Photos from set began pouring online following the commencement of principal photography in the U.K. beginning late September.
—Natalie Oganesyan, Deadline, 28 Dec. 2024
In photographs obtained and shared by The U.S. Sun, the former television host attended the commencement ceremony at Florida International University, using a mobility scooter among the crowd.
—Demicia Inman, VIBE.com, 20 Dec. 2024
See All Example Sentences for commencement
Lisa Kennedy, Variety, 3 Feb. 2025
The district recently announced dates and locations for several summer 2025 commencement ceremonies.
—Marcus D. Smith, Sacramento Bee, 1 Feb. 2025
Photos from set began pouring online following the commencement of principal photography in the U.K. beginning late September.
—Natalie Oganesyan, Deadline, 28 Dec. 2024
In photographs obtained and shared by The U.S. Sun, the former television host attended the commencement ceremony at Florida International University, using a mobility scooter among the crowd.
—Demicia Inman, VIBE.com, 20 Dec. 2024
See All Example Sentences for commencement
Recent Examples of Synonyms for commencement
Noun
-
For example, in the experiment, oaths were more effective when they were placed at the end, just before participants reported their income, rather than at the very beginning of the game.—
IESE Business School,
Forbes,
7 Mar. 2025
-
Like Thomas [Bangalter] did help us at the very beginning on a couple of things, doing pre-mastering.—
Seth Abramovitch,
The Hollywood Reporter,
7 Mar. 2025
Noun
-
After nine starts, five sacks and 22 tackles last season, Bosa commanded more than $36 million of the Chargers’ salary cap in 2025, the largest cap hit for any edge rusher in the league, according to Overthecap.com.—
Thuc Nhi Nguyen,
Los Angeles Times,
6 Mar. 2025
-
Mittelstadt had a strong postseason for Colorado and got off to a good start this season, but his game has since taken a downturn.—
Peter Baugh,
The Athletic,
6 Mar. 2025
Noun
-
This program has provided life-saving HIV/AIDS care to low-income countries since 2003, and has saved more than 26 million lives since its inception.—
Omer Awan,
Forbes,
12 Mar. 2025
-
Over the past nearly 20 years since its inception, BlizzCon has inspired us to innovate, push the boundaries of creativity, and deliver once-in-a-lifetime moments.—
Jennifer Maas,
Variety,
11 Mar. 2025
Noun
-
Cowart’s mother, Faye Cowart, has early onset Alzheimer’s and struggles with being in a new place.—
Alicia Victoria Lozano,
NBC News,
4 Mar. 2025
-
Exercise increases core temperature, leading to a more rapid decline in temperature post-exercise, hastening sleep onset and deepening sleep.—
Jesse Pines,
Forbes,
4 Mar. 2025
Noun
-
If successful, Starship's reusability could significantly reduce the cost per launch.—
Scott Neuman,
NPR,
8 Mar. 2025
-
This marked the second consecutive test flight that ended in Starship—the largest space launch system ever built—exploding in flight.—
Tommy Tuberville,
Newsweek,
7 Mar. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Commencement.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/commencement. Accessed 17 Mar. 2025.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share