1
as in begins
to take the first step in (a process or course of action) commence the festivities
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in starts
to come into existence the games commenced early in the morning
Synonyms & Similar Words
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 commences Falling back to the pack and seven points shy of San Jose, which won 4-1 at BMO Stadium on Sunday, LAFC has seen its recent MLS stumbles coincide with advancing to a two-leg CONCACAF Champions Cup semifinal, which commences Wednesday at BMO Stadium and ends May 6 in Toluca, Mexico. —
Josh Gross, Daily News, 24 Apr. 2026 The new pact commences on January 2027 after Butterworth’s current deal with Paramount wraps up at the end of the year. —Anthony D'alessandro, Deadline, 24 Apr. 2026 But the Passover Seder also commences the 50-day historical journey to Mount Sinai, the metaphorical site where the Jewish people received the Torah, the laws and traditions that gave shape to their journey, their culture and societal structure. —Michael Pfleger, Chicago Tribune, 29 Mar. 2026 All changes take effect June 18 except for Cartagena, which commences June 11. —Vinod Sreeharsha, Miami Herald, 12 Mar. 2026 If the sales go through and drilling eventually commences, large portions of the trail could, in theory, become unusable, forcing a reroute to keep it viable as a recreation setting. —Alex Heard, Outside, 4 Mar. 2026 The strike will last until the union and the school district come to an agreement, which could mean hours or several days after the picket commences Thursday morning. —Jennah Pendleton, Sacbee.com, 3 Mar. 2026 The first set of intercontinental playoffs take place at the end of this year and the second phase commences in February 2027. —Emily Olsen, New York Times, 2 Mar. 2026 Sifford, who is currently the retailer’s vice chairman of the board, will fulfill the CEO responsibilities while the company commences a search for a permanent successor. —Stephen Garner, Footwear News, 25 Feb. 2026
Josh Gross, Daily News, 24 Apr. 2026 The new pact commences on January 2027 after Butterworth’s current deal with Paramount wraps up at the end of the year. —Anthony D'alessandro, Deadline, 24 Apr. 2026 But the Passover Seder also commences the 50-day historical journey to Mount Sinai, the metaphorical site where the Jewish people received the Torah, the laws and traditions that gave shape to their journey, their culture and societal structure. —Michael Pfleger, Chicago Tribune, 29 Mar. 2026 All changes take effect June 18 except for Cartagena, which commences June 11. —Vinod Sreeharsha, Miami Herald, 12 Mar. 2026 If the sales go through and drilling eventually commences, large portions of the trail could, in theory, become unusable, forcing a reroute to keep it viable as a recreation setting. —Alex Heard, Outside, 4 Mar. 2026 The strike will last until the union and the school district come to an agreement, which could mean hours or several days after the picket commences Thursday morning. —Jennah Pendleton, Sacbee.com, 3 Mar. 2026 The first set of intercontinental playoffs take place at the end of this year and the second phase commences in February 2027. —Emily Olsen, New York Times, 2 Mar. 2026 Sifford, who is currently the retailer’s vice chairman of the board, will fulfill the CEO responsibilities while the company commences a search for a permanent successor. —Stephen Garner, Footwear News, 25 Feb. 2026
Recent Examples of Synonyms for commences
Verb
-
By Thursday through Saturday, highs are expected to reach near 90 degrees, marking a return to more summer-like conditions just as May begins.— Lissette Gonzalez, CBS News, 27 Apr. 2026
-
Unfortunately for her, Steve’s more than ready for the attack, and what begins as a perfect friendship, devolves into an all-out feud.— Denise Petski, Deadline, 27 Apr. 2026
Verb
-
Add reserved sauce and cook, stirring often, until sauce starts to cling to chicken and green beans, 1–2 minutes.— Nina Moskowitz, Bon Appetit Magazine, 22 Apr. 2026
-
Better care for patients starts with better conditions for workers.— Christopher Marte, New York Daily News, 21 Apr. 2026
Verb
-
Sandy, rocky soil and extreme heat will never phase ice plant, which originates from Africa.— Brandee Gruener, Southern Living, 18 Apr. 2026
-
That’s where the concept for this dessert actually originates.— Karla Walsh, Better Homes & Gardens, 18 Apr. 2026
Verb
-
Conflict arises when Jonas’ character turns one of his jam session partner’s tunes into a hit.— Jack Smart, PEOPLE, 18 Apr. 2026
-
If the right moment arises, however, Miller isn’t afraid to let some emotion fly.— Justice delos Santos, Mercury News, 16 Apr. 2026
Verb
-
Their relationship is fascinating, and Guardiola often appears at the end of his tether, but the manager finally recognises that Cherki’s creative talents are worth indulging.— Sam Lee, New York Times, 23 Apr. 2026
-
There appears to be no such thing as rock bottom for the Mets.— James O'Connell, New York Daily News, 22 Apr. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Commences.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.grautoblog.com/thesaurus/commences. Accessed 28 Apr. 2026.
Copy Citation
Love words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
