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

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 This is to commence with an examination of God as cause, in order, then, to discern the nature of the effect that is the image of God. — The Christian Science Monitor, Christian Science Monitor, 9 Oct. 2026 Every belt buckle looks freshly yanked off the rack; every speck of signage resembles something painted 45 minutes before filming commenced that day. — Michael Phillips, Variety, 8 Oct. 2026 The group then commenced writing lyrics for their song, alternating between singing and rapping adorably. — Hannah Dailey, Billboard, 7 Oct. 2026 At a New Year’s Eve ball at the Chelsea School of Art in 1961, Saville, in his mid-30s and long married, was thunderstruck at the sight of the 23-year-old Pauline Boty, and the two commenced an affair. — Sean Wilentz, Rolling Stone, 6 Oct. 2026 See All Example Sentences for commence

Recent Examples of Synonyms for commence

Verb

Years ago, Maximilian Schnell left his job and his life in Paris and began a nomadic lifestyle on his bicycle.

— Georg Szalai, HollywoodReporter, 17 Oct. 2026
Tesla began taking $50,000 reservations—or $250,000 for one of 1,000 limited Founders Series cars—and targeted a 2020 launch.

— Bilin Lin, Fortune, 17 Oct. 2026

Definition of begin

Verb

Personal loans are available through our affiliate, Achieve Personal Loans (NMLS#227977) and are originated by Cross River Bank, Delaware Branch, an equal housing lender.

— Carson Brunson, CNBC, 12 Oct. 2026
Wimmer says Schlingheider has evaded his questions about where the image originated.

— Jess Weatherbed, The Verge, 12 Oct. 2026

Definition of originate

Verb

Zacharia had little time to prepare for the briefing, which can be a challenging joust with the press in which a press secretary needs to advocate on behalf of the administration and improvise quickly when tricky topics arise.

— Michael Birnbaum The Washington Post, Arkansas Online, 14 Oct. 2026
Pope Leo, who is fully conscious and already walking around, remains contactable and will likely be able to liaise with church officials, should any pertinent issues arise during his hospital stay.

— Tiago Ventura, Time, 14 Oct. 2026

Definition of arise

Verb

Companies appearing on the Norrsken/100 included those working on overhauling and strengthening grid capacity and transforming renewables storage.

— Sophie Dembinski, Fortune, 16 Oct. 2026
When appearing on The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon last week, the Canadian pop singer teased the single.

— Charisma Madarang, Rolling Stone, 16 Oct. 2026

Definition of appear

Cite this Entry

Style

“Commence.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/commence. Accessed 20 Oct. 2026.

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Synonyms of commence

verb

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