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

Examples Sentences

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Recent Examples of commence Bertone is now registering requests of interest for a production schedule that will commence at the beginning of 2026. —

Martin Lerma, Robb Report, 4 Nov. 2024 Other procedures like lawsuits and recounts exist to check or challenge election outcomes, but those typically cannot commence until certification occurs. —

Phoebe Petrovic, ProPublica, 30 Oct. 2024 Okay, so the holiday season hasn't exactly commenced just yet. —

Wendy Vazquez, Southern Living, 4 Nov. 2024 Its other businesses commenced layoffs last year, as the company prioritizes the quality over the quantity of its content. —

Amala Balakrishner, CNBC, 31 Oct. 2024 See all Example Sentences for commence

Recent Examples of Synonyms for commence

Verb

Determined to bring Franck back, Elsa begins trying to do the aliens’ bidding, which adds a slight ticking-clock quality to the narrative.

Bilge Ebiri, Vulture, 8 Nov. 2024
Yet much about Jupiter remains a mystery, even as NASA’s robotic probe Juno begins its ninth year orbiting this strange planet.

Benjamin Roulston, Discover Magazine, 7 Nov. 2024