COMMENCED Synonyms: 96 Similar and Opposite Words

commenced

verb

past tense of commence

as in began

to take the first step in (a process or course of action) commence the festivities

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

as in started

to come into existence the games commenced early in the morning

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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 commenced After a study to map its sprawling network of rooms commenced in 2022, a nuclear bunker in northern Italy will transform into a Cold War museum scheduled to open in part next year. — Andy Battaglia, ARTnews.com, 7 Aug. 2026 Energy Fuels has commenced a commercial-scale expansion at its White Mesa Mill in Utah, aiming to produce significant volumes of heavy rare earth oxides. — David Blackmon, Forbes.com, 4 Aug. 2026 Work commenced on the record three months after Drewchin welcomed the arrival of her first child, Nova, a period in which she was consumed with the reality and potentialities of being a new parent. — Colin Joyce, Pitchfork, 20 July 2026 Scott’s trial commenced on June 1, 2004, in Redwood City after Judge Alfred Delucchi approved a change of venue from Modesto due to the media scrutiny. — Declan Gallagher, Entertainment Weekly, 18 July 2026 Salvage operations commenced immediately but accomplished little, and the wreck gradually disappeared into the sediment of the Solent. — Encyclopedia Britannica, 15 July 2026 Jockeying has already commenced in the state for the person who might take up the mantle of Senate Democratic nominee, including among those who didn't secure the gubernatorial nomination. — Barbara Sprunt, NPR, 8 July 2026 On Thursday, the star and producer revealed that production has commenced on Fast Forever, which is set for a March 17, 2028 premiere, the 11th and final chapter in the $7 billion action franchise that launched with 2001’s The Fast and the Furious. — Glenn Garner, Deadline, 4 July 2026 The special day commenced at Bay Village City Hall and concluded with a celebratory pizza party at the local police station. — Janey Wetzel, PEOPLE, 4 July 2026

Recent Examples of Synonyms for commenced

Verb

The tour, which began in 1999, showcases Slamdance titles to different audiences around the country, expanding their reach beyond the traditional film hubs of Los Angeles and New York.

— Savannah Sicurella, AJC.com, 7 Aug. 2026
Years earlier at her former lab in Ohio, chromosomes in mouse eggs and embryos began dividing in bizarre ways, creating the kinds of genetic errors that can lead to Down syndrome and other chromosomal disorders.

— Sandee LaMotte, CNN Money, 7 Aug. 2026

Definition of began

Verb

Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department detectives have launched an investigation after a man was found dead in Santa Clarita on Sunday morning.

— Dean Fioresi, CBS News, 10 Aug. 2026
Before Rick Jackson launched his surprise bid for the highest political office in Georgia earlier this year, some people in Alabama already knew his name.

— Riley Bunch, AJC.com, 10 Aug. 2026

Definition of launched

Verb

The meticulous renovation of Gresham Palace, which opened as a Four Seasons in 2006, set the bar high for the numerous other restoration jobs currently underway.

— Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 4 Aug. 2026
In July, Boots opened its second beauty-only store in Bristol, a big university city in southwest England.

— Samantha Conti, Footwear News, 4 Aug. 2026

Definition of opened

Verb

Communicate why the dispute arose, what stage the proceedings have reached, what the litigation means for your business and what stakeholders can expect next.

— Alona Karpinska, Forbes.com, 7 Aug. 2026
When fears about the future of Social Security arose in 1986, Schneider said a trust fund was established investing money paid into it in long-term United States Treasury Bills.

— Steve Sadin, Chicago Tribune, 7 Aug. 2026

Definition of arose

Verb

Despite the death of his biggest star and his own close call, Knight appeared to believe nothing would change in the business after Tupac’s murder.

— Andy Rose, CNN Money, 10 Aug. 2026
Aerial footage showed a large law enforcement presence on Sunset Boulevard, which appeared to be closed off to traffic.

— Dean Fioresi, CBS News, 10 Aug. 2026

Definition of appeared

Verb

There was a small bathroom with glass doors and a shower, a mini-bar, closet, desk, lounge chair and large doors that open onto the street.

— Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 4 Aug. 2026
Two Plössl eyepieces provided different magnifications, and there was also a red-dot finderscope and a manual equatorial mount with slow-motion cables.

— Damian Peach, Space.com, 4 Aug. 2026

Definition of was

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“Commenced.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/commenced. Accessed 11 Aug. 2026.

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Synonyms of commenced

verb

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