commence

[kuh-mens] / kəˈmɛns /

VERB

start action

Synonyms

STRONGEST

begin inaugurate initiate launch take up

STRONG

arise open originate

WEAK

come into being come into existence embark on enter upon get cracking get going get one's feet wet get show on road hit the ground running jump into kick off lead off start the ball rolling tear into

Antonyms

STRONGEST

close complete conclude end finish stop

WEAK

cease

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

Law enforcement agencies should commence a snap review of "leadership structures" and "information sharing arrangements" between teams responsible for counter-terrorism, the inquiry found.

From Barron's • Apr. 30, 2026

After several delays, his trial is due to commence in August.

From BBC • Apr. 29, 2026

Before the uprising can commence, the General has to unify the Polish nobility and peasantry to accumulate the muscle needed to beat back Mother Russia.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 28, 2026

Tesla said on Wednesday it was on track to commence "volume production" of both its Cybercab and Tesla Semi this year, after reporting first-quarter profits of $477 million.

From Barron's • Apr. 24, 2026

“Attention all compound residents. Commence emergency lockdown procedure, effective until five o’clock a.m. I repeat, commence emergency lockdown procedure, effective until five o’clock a.m.”

From "Allegiant" by Veronica Roth

Vocabulary lists containing commence

Bud, Not Buddy

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Essential English Vocabulary, List 1

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List 8

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