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

Synonyms & Similar Words

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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 Graduates leave Gas South Arena during Emory University's commencement ceremony in 2024. — Zachary Hansen, AJC.com, 3 Sep. 2026 Graduates at the University of Arizona and University of Central Florida booed mentions of AI during commencement speeches last spring. — Lisa Eadicicco, CNN Money, 2 Sep. 2026 With the acclaim came the awards, the invitations to give commencement speeches, the honorary degrees, the chance to perform before thousands of fans at big-time sports events. — Corky Siemaszko, NBC news, 25 Aug. 2026 In May, college graduates entering a workforce where the technology is the primary reason for job cuts met commencement speakers hailing the AI revolution—including former Google CEO Eric Schmidt at the University of Arizona—with boos. — Jason Dressel, Fortune, 10 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for commencement
Recent Examples of Synonyms for commencement
  1. beginning
  2. start
  3. inception
  4. onset
  5. launch
Noun
  • Novelty is also being rewarded, and that is something Abundantia has factored in from the beginning.
    — Jesse Whittock, Deadline, 7 Oct. 2026
  • The cutting edge facade is just the beginning of the sophisticated design of the hotel, both inside and out.
    — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 6 Oct. 2026
Definition of beginning
Noun
  • Bell is off to a fantastic start but will need to finish strong.
    — Charles Baggarly, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 3 Oct. 2026
  • That said, only seven teams in the Super Bowl era have rebounded from an 0-3 start to make the playoffs.
    — Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Times, 3 Oct. 2026
Definition of start
Noun
  • The backstory Since its inception in 1970, IHG’s upper luxury hotel and resort brand has focused on creating a timeless take on modern luxury in its properties while offering intuitive service with an emphasis on innovation.
    — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 1 Oct. 2026
  • Matthews has been with the Royals since the franchise’s inception in 1969, called his 8,000th game last week and won the Baseball Hall of Fame’s Ford Frick Award.
    — Pete Grathoff, Kansas City Star, 1 Oct. 2026
Definition of inception
Noun
  • Onishchenko told the state news agency TASS that the onset of cold weather would likely prevent transmission.
    — Tim Lister, CNN Money, 4 Oct. 2026
  • Piotr Swat | Lightrocket | Getty Images On Friday, BioMarin announced five-year data from a Phase 3 trial for the drugs Pombiliti and Opfolda to treat late-onset Pompe disease, or LOPD.
    — Anna Rodin, CNBC, 2 Oct. 2026
Definition of onset
Noun
  • Thirteen satellites and counting The latest launch also shows how a common spacecraft architecture can support a growing constellation.
    — Aamir Khollam, Interesting Engineering, 3 Oct. 2026
  • An invite-only beta version of the Room418 app will launch this fall ahead of a commercial launch, featuring a slate of licensed horror content.
    — Jesse Whittock, Deadline, 2 Oct. 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 9 Oct. 2026.

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