as in first
coming before all others in time or order
you've resolved my initial complaint, but now I have a new question
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Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of initial
River Valley Democrat-Gazette, arkansasonline.com, 16 Sep. 2024
Billingsley read aloud, and then initialed next to, sentences explaining his right to remain silent and his right to have an attorney present, among others.
—Alex Mann, Baltimore Sun, 18 July 2024
Daniel Taylor, New York Times, 28 July 2025
During these conversations, my students expressed views that reaffirmed their initial survey choices, finding that AI wasn’t great for first drafts, but potentially useful in the pre- or post-writing stages of brainstorming and editing.
—Piers Gelly
july 28, Literary Hub, 28 July 2025
See All Example Sentences for initial
Adjective
According to the report, Terry read and initialed the waiver of rights form but was unwilling to submit to the test.
—River Valley Democrat-Gazette, arkansasonline.com, 16 Sep. 2024
Billingsley read aloud, and then initialed next to, sentences explaining his right to remain silent and his right to have an attorney present, among others.
—Alex Mann, Baltimore Sun, 18 July 2024
Verb
So the lawyers got involved, Marinakis dug in his heels, and once the initial anger had subsided, the charm offensive began to persuade Gibbs-White to stay.
—Daniel Taylor, New York Times, 28 July 2025
During these conversations, my students expressed views that reaffirmed their initial survey choices, finding that AI wasn’t great for first drafts, but potentially useful in the pre- or post-writing stages of brainstorming and editing.
—Piers Gelly
july 28, Literary Hub, 28 July 2025
See All Example Sentences for initial
Recent Examples of Synonyms for initial
Adjective
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The project is the first to enlist youth to do this monitoring.—
Madeline Heim,
jsonline.com,
24 July 2025
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With the first two episodes already having so much drama, the rest of the summer is sure to be eventful.—
Dina Kaur,
AZCentral.com,
24 July 2025
Adjective
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The original vision was to phase out the Flintstones theme, but overwhelming public affection and nostalgia changed their minds.—
Tiffany Acosta,
AZCentral.com,
25 July 2025
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My original intent was that people would partner with us.—
Stephanie Kuzydym,
The Courier-Journal,
25 July 2025
Adjective
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Lizzie Shapiro wins inaugural Janet Pierson Champion Award, named after longtime SXSW Film director.—
Michael Barnes,
Austin American Statesman,
23 July 2025
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Soon South Milwaukee will be filled with sasquatch calls – or at least what locals think a sasquatch call sounds like – during a contest at the inaugural Samtemberfest, Sat.—
Erik S. Hanley,
jsonline.com,
23 July 2025
Verb
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Others endorse the proposal, including the Independent Women’s Forum, a conservative nonprofit based in Virginia.—
Cathy Bussewitz,
Chicago Tribune,
22 July 2025
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Biden ultimately dropped out and endorsed his vice president, Kamala Harris, as the Democratic nominee less than four weeks later on July 21, 2024.—
Joey Garrison,
USA Today,
22 July 2025
Verb
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Other newsletters across the country include NC Local, authored by Catherine Komp.—
Corey Hutchins,
The Conversation,
23 July 2025
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On Monday, Senate Bill 5, authored by Senator Charles Perry, was introduced during the 89th Texas Legislature’s special session.—
Marley Malenfant,
Austin American Statesman,
22 July 2025
Adjective
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The largest cruise ship in the world is set to make its maiden voyage in August.—
Theo Burman,
MSNBC Newsweek,
18 July 2025
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For the maiden voyage of Luminara, the third superyacht in the Ritz-Carlton collection, a fleet of bold-faced names—including Tom Brady, Sofia Vergara, Colman Domingo, Janelle Monáe and Martha Stewart—recently enjoyed a two-day trip to Malta.—
Forbes.com,
Forbes.com,
18 July 2025
Verb
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Brown County in April signed a $90,000 federal contract to house federal detainees at a rate of $70 per person per day — up to $63,000 — and $27 per hour for transportation and guards — up to $27,000.—
Sophie Carson,
jsonline.com,
24 July 2025
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Residents can sign a pledge to participate in the Lights Out Louisville program, which calls for business and homeowners to cut down on artificial light usage at night, while also drawing shades, curtains and blinds after dark to help prevent bird strikes.—
Leo Bertucci,
The Courier-Journal,
24 July 2025
Adjective
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Just as Russia has declined in its military might since the break-up of the Soviet Union a generation ago, Grossfeld says, its status as one of the globe’s foremost space powers has likewise slipped away.—
Kevin Holden Platt,
Forbes.com,
23 July 2025
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But all that nuttiness took place a long time ago, under the influence, and, according to the world’s foremost Ozzy authority, such is not really the case.—
Erik Hedegaard,
Rolling Stone,
22 July 2025
Cite this Entry
“Initial.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/initial. Accessed 2 Aug. 2025.
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