inaugurate

verb

in·​au·​gu·​rate i-ˈnȯ-gyə-ˌrāt How to pronounce inaugurate (audio)
-gə-ˌrāt
inaugurated; inaugurating
Synonyms of inauguratenext

transitive verb

1
: to induct into an office with suitable ceremonies
2
a
: to dedicate ceremoniously : observe formally the beginning of
inaugurate a new school
b
: to bring about the beginning of
an event that inaugurated a new era in history
inaugurator
i-ˈnȯ-gyə-ˌrā-tər How to pronounce inaugurate (audio)
-gə-ˌrā-
noun

Synonyms of inaugurate

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begin, commence, start, initiate, inaugurate, usher in mean to take the first step in a course, process, or operation.

begin, start, and commence are often interchangeable.

begin, opposed to end, is the most general.

begin a trip
began dancing

start, opposed to stop, applies especially to first actions, steps, or stages.

the work started slowly

commence can be more formal or bookish than begin or start.

commence firing
commenced a conversation

initiate implies taking a first step in a process or series that is to continue.

initiated diplomatic contacts

inaugurate suggests a beginning of some formality or notion of significance.

the discovery of penicillin inaugurated a new era in medicine

usher in is somewhat less weighty than inaugurate.

ushered in a period of economic decline

Examples of inaugurate in a Sentence

They inaugurated the new headquarters with a brief ceremony. inaugurated the college's athletic program for women
Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
In June 2024, Khalid bin Salman inaugurated the Saudi Arabian National Defense University, which aims to become a modern military educational institution. — Brady Knox, The Washington Examiner, 29 July 2026 School’s Out was inaugurated in 2000, and has since attracted several sponsors, including Nordstrom, United Airlines, Jensen Partners, Dixon Advisory, Mono Monkey and more. — Kaleigh Werner, Footwear News, 28 July 2026 Shocked by the appearance of Frank in the high beams of Dennis’ Range Rover, Dennis inaugurated the chaos that is Frank by accidentally backing over Charlie (Charlie Day), breaking both his legs. — Dennis Perkins, Entertainment Weekly, 28 July 2026 Kosher restaurants sprouted up, rabbis openly celebrated the High Holidays, and the United Arab Emirates inaugurated its first public synagogue. — Rachel Chason, Washington Post, 25 July 2026 See All Example Sentences for inaugurate

Word History

Etymology

Latin inauguratus, past participle of inaugurare, literally, to practice augury, from in- + augurare to augur; from the rites connected with augury

First Known Use

1606, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of inaugurate was in 1606

Browse Nearby Words

inaugural
inaugurate
inauguration
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Inaugurate.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/inaugurate. Accessed 4 Aug. 2026.

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Kids Definition

inaugurate

verb
in·​au·​gu·​rate in-ˈȯ-g(y)ə-ˌrāt How to pronounce inaugurate (audio)
inaugurated; inaugurating
1
: to introduce into office with suitable ceremonies : install
inaugurate a president
2
: to celebrate the opening of
inaugurate a new gym
3
: to bring into being or action
inaugurate a new plan
inaugurator
-ˌrāt-ər How to pronounce inaugurate (audio)
noun

More from Merriam-Webster on inaugurate

Nglish: Translation of inaugurate for Spanish Speakers

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