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Definitions

commencement

[kuh-mens-muhnt] / kəˈmɛns mənt /
NOUN
ceremony marking the beginning of stage
Synonyms
STRONGEST
convocation dawning graduation initiation kickoff onset outset
STRONG
admission alpha birth bow celebration countdown dawn genesis opener opening services start
WEAK
curtain-raiser proem starting point tee off
Antonyms
STRONGEST
conclusion end ending finish
STRONG
death
WEAK
cessation completion stop

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.

“I think that the market is actually correctly looking through the commencement of the war,” said Chris Grisanti, chief market strategist and a portfolio manager at MAI Capital Management.

From MarketWatch • Mar. 2, 2026

He added that "lots of stuff has to be done this year in order to enable the actual commencement of building".

From BBC • Feb. 13, 2026

He said the site's existing planning permission had been awarded a lawful commencement notice over a decade ago, so it remained valid.

From BBC • Jan. 20, 2026

About a month after her commencement speech, she was pitching a Harker student for a check.

From The Wall Street Journal • Dec. 15, 2025

You will rejoice to hear that no disaster has accompanied the commencement of an enterprise which you have regarded with such evil forebodings.

From "Frankenstein" by Mary Shelley

From Roget's 21st Century Thesaurus, Third Edition Copyright © 2013 by the Philip Lief Group.