Find Synonyms

commence Synonyms

Another word for commence

Choosing another word for commence depends on context, so the 10 synonyms and similar words below are separated across 2 exact definitions and ranked by match strength.
JUMP TO:

• verb (Context 1)

To begin or start something, or to come into operation or existence (especially of a formal process, event, or undertaking).

Usage Example

"The graduation ceremony will begin promptly at ten o'clock in the main auditorium."

Strongest
begin
start
initiate
Strong
inaugurate
launch
open
instigate
embark on
Weak
kick off

• verb (Context 2)

To receive an academic degree at a university convocation or graduation ceremony.

Usage Example

"More than five hundred students are expected to graduate at the university this spring."

Strongest
graduate

Opposites of commence

The opposite of commence shifts depending on context. Common opposites include:

conclude
terminate
cease
end
finish
halt
stop
discontinue
See all opposites of commence

• Nearby Words

commemoration
commemorative
commemoratively
commence
commencement
commend
commendable

Cite this Entry

Wordmom. (2026). Synonyms for Commence. In Wordmom Thesaurus. Retrieved Nov 5, 2026, from https://wordmom.com/synonyms/commence
Built for writers, students, and competitive word game players, Wordmom combines an uncluttered English dictionary and thesaurus with fast, pattern-based word finders so you can verify definitions, synonyms, and high-scoring tile plays in one place.
Word Games & Solvers
Word FinderScrabble Word FinderWords With Friends CheatWordle SolverAnagram Solver
Dictionary & Reference
DictionarySynonymsAntonymsWords
Community
Contact UsEditorial PolicyPrivacy PolicyTerms and Conditions
© 2016–2026 Wordmom Network. All rights reserved. Made with for word lovers everywhere.
Disclaimer: SCRABBLE® is a registered trademark. All intellectual property rights in and to the game are owned in the U.S.A. and Canada by Hasbro Inc., and throughout the rest of the world by J.W. Spear & Sons Limited of Maidenhead, Berkshire, England, a subsidiary of Mattel Inc. Mattel and Spear are not affiliated with Hasbro. Words With Friends® is a registered trademark of Zynga Inc. Wordle® is a registered trademark of The New York Times Company. Other referenced game titles and tournament lexicon codes (including NASPA NWL and WESPA/HarperCollins CSW) are trademarks of their respective owners. Wordmom is an independent reference utility for educational and entertainment purposes and is not affiliated with, sponsored by, or endorsed by Hasbro, Mattel, Spear, Zynga, The New York Times Company, NASPA, WESPA, or HarperCollins Publishers. All game names are referenced strictly under nominative fair use to indicate compatibility.