Synonyms for Commence

Updated 2026-10-14 · Synonyms List editorial team

Quick answer: To commence means to begin or start an action or event. This versatile word appears often in formal contexts, legal documents, and official announcements where precision is key. You can use it to signal the start of a meeting, a journey, or a new project with clear authority.

Closest Synonyms for Commence

begin: The most common synonym, used in everyday speech. Example: The movie began with a scene of rain.
start: A direct alternative implying the initial moment of action. Example: She started her shift early this morning.
initiate: Suggests starting something that requires effort or planning. Example: He initiated the project with a meeting.
commencement: Noun form referring to the act of starting. Example: The commencement of the trial was delayed.
set out: Implies beginning a journey or task with purpose. Example: They set out for the city at dawn.
get going: Informal phrase meaning to start moving or acting. Example: Lets get going before the rain stops.
kick off: Casual term often used for sports or events. Example: The match will kick off in ten minutes.
break ground: Specific to starting construction or building projects. Example: They broke ground on the new school.
undertake: Means to start and commit to doing a task. Example: She undertakes the challenge with confidence.
launch: Used for starting products, campaigns, or vehicles. Example: The company launched a new website today.
open: Refers to starting a place or event for public access. Example: The store opens at eight am daily.

Formal Synonyms for Commence

inaugurate: Used for officially starting ceremonies or terms. Example: The new president will inaugurate his term.
instigate: Means to cause an event to start, often deliberately. Example: The report instigated a major investigation.
set in motion: Describes a process where one action triggers another, as if setting in motion a chain of events.
get under way: Indicates that something has started and is now progressing, like a ship getting under way to sail.
set off: Commonly used for trips or journeys, marking the point where one sets off from a location.
break the seal: Metaphorical for officially beginning something after it was closed or restricted, often used in ceremonies.
get rolling: To start moving forward after a delay, such as getting rolling on the homework before bed.
take the first step: To commence an effort by doing one necessary action, like taking the first step toward fitness.

Informal Synonyms for Commence

get started: Casual way to say begin an activity. Example: Lets get started on this homework.
kick things off: Relaxed phrase for starting a group activity. Example: We will kick things off with a game.
hit the ground: Slang for starting work immediately. Example: The team hit the ground running yesterday.
get moving: Encouraging phrase to start doing something. Example: Time to get moving for the trip.
spring into: Means to start action quickly and energetically. Example: They sprang into action when the bell rang.
get on with: Used when starting a task you must finish. Example: Lets get on with the cleanup now.
set the wheels: Metaphor for starting a process in motion. Example: She set the wheels in motion for the sale.
get cracking: British slang for starting work urgently. Example: Time to get cracking on this report.
give it a go: Means to try starting something new. Example: You should give it a go if you like.
put in motion: Means to start a chain of events. Example: He put the plan in motion last night.

Stronger and Weaker Words

initiation: stronger, formal noun for the beginning process
begun: weaker, past participle used after has or had
trigger: stronger, suggests causing something to happen suddenly

Antonyms for Commence

end
stop
finish
conclude
terminate
cease
halt
close
abort

How to Pick the Right Synonym

Choosing the correct synonym depends on the tone you wish to convey and the specific context of your sentence. If you are writing a legal document or a formal announcement, use words like commence or inaugurate to maintain authority. For casual conversations or creative writing, prefer simpler terms like begin or kick off to sound natural. Always consider the audience and the level of formality required before selecting your final word.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the best synonym for commence in formal writing?

The best synonym for commence in formal writing is often inaugurate or initiate. These words maintain the official tone required in legal documents or business reports while clearly indicating that an action or event is starting.

Can I use commence in casual conversation?

While possible, using commence in casual conversation sounds unnatural to most native speakers. It is better to choose simpler alternatives like start or begin when talking to friends or family, as commence is primarily reserved for formal contexts.

What is the difference between begin and commence?

Begin and commence mean the same thing regarding starting an action, but commence is much more formal. You would see commence in news articles or contracts, whereas begin is common in everyday speech and less rigid situations.

Are there any strong synonyms for commence?

Yes, words like launch and initiate are stronger than commence because they imply more energy or a deliberate effort to start something. Launch is often used for products or events, while initiate suggests starting a process or procedure.