commencement
1. [ noun ] an academic exercise in which diplomas are conferred
Synonyms: commencement_ceremony graduation graduation_exercise commencement_exercise
Related terms: exercise baccalaureate graduate
2. [ noun ] the time at which something is supposed to begin
Synonyms: beginning start outset first kickoff showtime get-go offset starting_time
Examples:

"they got an early start" "she knew from the get-go that he was the man for her"

Related terms: end middle point threshold birth incipiency terminus_a_quo begin begin originate inaugurate
3. [ noun ] the act of starting something
Synonyms: beginning start
Examples:

"he was responsible for the beginning of negotiations"

Related terms: finish change_of_state constitution first_step debut installation kickoff initiation Creation inauguration resumption attack startup icebreaker housing_start face-off jumping-off_point jump_ball attack groundbreaking scrum accession occupation activation begin begin begin start originate start start begin begin
Similar spelling:   communicant
  communicate
  commonsense
  common_camas