commence

[kuh-mens] / kəˈmɛns /

VERB

start action

Synonyms

STRONGEST

begin inaugurate initiate launch take up

STRONG

arise open originate

WEAK

come into being come into existence embark on enter upon get cracking get going get one's feet wet get show on road hit the ground running jump into kick off lead off start the ball rolling tear into

Antonyms

STRONGEST

close complete conclude end finish stop

WEAK

cease

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

Now, writers are poised to commence another round of bargaining with the major studios on a new three-year film and TV contract.

From Los Angeles Times • Mar. 14, 2026

The report is said to have included instructions to use "undisclosed investigation methods" and then "commence observations".

From BBC • Mar. 5, 2026

Allowing Summers to commence a dignified retirement while continuing to hold honorifics risks signaling that there are ultimately few consequences at the very top in higher education.

From Salon • Feb. 28, 2026

The bank said it will commence a new $1.5 billion share buyback imminently.

From The Wall Street Journal • Feb. 24, 2026

The inoculations of those who have not yet suffered the disease shall commence shortly.

From "The Astonishing Life of Octavian Nothing, Traitor to the Nation, Volume II: The Kingdom on the Waves" by M.T. Anderson

Vocabulary lists containing commence

Bud, Not Buddy

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Essential English Vocabulary, List 1

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List 8

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