commencement

noun

com·mence·ment kə-ˈmen(t)s-mənt

Synonyms of commencement

: an act, instance, or time of commencing

They awaited the commencement of the trial.

: the ceremonies or the day for conferring degrees or diplomas

A Nobel Prize winner will speak at the commencement.

: the period of activities at this time

Commencement will kick off with a family reception followed by a banquet.

Examples of commencement in a Sentence

A poet will speak at the commencement. there was a large turnout at the commencement of the conference, but the numbers dwindled as it progressed

Recent Examples on the Web

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.

El-Sayed graduated from the University of Michigan with a degree in biology and political science and delivered the commencement speech. — Caroline Blair, PEOPLE, 5 Aug. 2026 Shoutouts Georgia Tech President Ángel Cabrera speaks during the spring 2026 commencement ceremony in May. — Adam Beam, AJC.com, 5 Aug. 2026 Crist, for example, was given a distinguished alumni award June 5 at commencement ceremonies held by the Antelope Valley College. — Pat Maio, Daily News, 31 July 2026 Universities become lifelong partners in human development rather than institutions that conclude their work at commencement. — David Rosowsky, Forbes.com, 21 July 2026 See All Example Sentences for commencement

Word History

Etymology

see commence

First Known Use

13th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler

The first known use of commencement was in the 13th century

See more words from the same century

Browse Nearby Words

commence

commencement

commend

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Cite this Entry

Style

“Commencement.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/commencement. Accessed 8 Aug. 2026.

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Kids Definition

commencement

noun

com·mence·ment kə-ˈmen(t)s-mənt

: an act, instance, or time of commencing

: the ceremonies or the day for presenting degrees or diplomas to graduates of a school or college

commencement

noun

Synonyms of commencement

Examples of commencement in a Sentence

Word History

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

Kids Definition

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