an act or instance of commencing; beginning

the commencement of hostilities.

the ceremony of conferring degrees or granting diplomas at the end of the academic year.

the day on which this ceremony takes place.

noun

cessation , completion , end , ending , finish , stop

noun

admission , alpha , birth , bow , celebration , convocation , countdown , curtain-raiser , dawn , dawning , genesis , graduation , initiation , kickoff * , onset , opener , opening , outset , proem , services , start , starting point , tee off , inauguration , inception , incipience , incipiency , launch , leadoff , origination , beginning , nascence , nascency , origin , spring , kickoff