#1 commencement n. [beginning, first, outset, get-go, start, kickoff, starting time, showtime, offset] the time at which something is supposed to begin; "they got an early start"; "she knew from the get-go that he was the man for her". wn
#2 commencement n. [commencement exercise, commencement ceremony, graduation, graduation exercise] an academic exercise in which diplomas are conferred. wn
#3 commencement n. [beginning, start] the act of starting something; "he was responsible for the beginning of negotiations". wn
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