commencement

noun

kə-ˈmen(t)s-mənt How to pronounce commencement (audio)
Definition of commencementnext
as in beginning
the point at which something begins there was a large turnout at the commencement of the conference, but the numbers dwindled as it progressed

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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 commencement Ben Affleck gave the commencement speech at her graduation from the Ivy League, with Bruce Willis, older sister Rumer, and Willis’s wife Emma Heming Willis in attendance for Scout’s milestone moment. — Bailey Bujnosek, InStyle, 6 Aug. 2026 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 See All Example Sentences for commencement
Recent Examples of Synonyms for commencement
  1. beginning
  2. start
  3. inception
  4. onset
  5. launch
Noun
  • That kind of visceral reaction has been baked into Paranormal Activity from the beginning.
    — Dave Quinn, PEOPLE, 26 Aug. 2026
  • The beginning of the advertisement focuses on Miestowski reaching for the driver in a golf bag.
    — Mark Harris OutKick, FOXNews.com, 25 Aug. 2026
Definition of beginning
Noun
  • He was scheduled to throw over the weekend with El Paso but was held back after tweaking his back while working between starts.
    — Jeff Sanders, San Diego Union-Tribune, 25 Aug. 2026
  • Then the Valkyries really pressed their advantage with a prolific scoring start to the fourth, pushing the lead to 14 points midway through the period.
    — Christian Babcock, Mercury News, 25 Aug. 2026
Definition of start
Noun
  • This month marks the 50th anniversary of the inception of the first stock index fund.
    — Bob Carlson, Forbes.com, 23 Aug. 2026
  • From its inception, Veterans Stadium was intended to be a monument for the people of Long Beach, living and dead.
    — Kate Raphael, Los Angeles Times, 23 Aug. 2026
Definition of inception
Noun
  • Unlike many conditions catalogued under the umbrella term of dementia, childhood dementias are often caused by mutations in a single gene that happen to trigger similar mechanisms responsible for adult-onset neurodegeneration.
    — Mike McRae August 26, New Atlas, 26 Aug. 2026
  • That isolation was compounded because he was diagnosed just as the country locked down at the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic, Bullock said.
    — Theresa Braine, New York Daily News, 20 Aug. 2026
Definition of onset
Noun
  • The launch is the inaugural step in Shiseido’s bigger strategy of building a credible reputation in fragrances for Max Mara, as executives teased other launches are on the way.
    — Sandra Salibian, Footwear News, 21 Aug. 2026
  • This is good energy for choosing a launch date, booking space, outlining a talk, or setting time for practice.
    — Tarot.com, Chicago Tribune, 21 Aug. 2026
Definition of launch

Browse Nearby Words

commenced
commencement
commencements
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Cite this Entry

“Commencement.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/commencement. Accessed 28 Aug. 2026.

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