initial 1 of 2

Definition of initialnext

initial

2 of 2

verb

Example Sentences

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.
Recent Examples of initial
Adjective
Balogun matched Landon Donovan in 2010 for the second-most goals by an American in a World Cup, behind only Bert Patenaude's four in the initial tournament in 1930. CBS News, 2 July 2026 Yet this initial wave primarily benefited land and capital owners, often worsening conditions for the labor force. Barney Krishnan, Forbes.com, 1 July 2026
Verb
The lawyer tells you to initial every page. Howie Carr, Boston Herald, 31 Aug. 2025 The documents largely amount to a memorandum of understanding, with the two countries’ foreign ministers initialling a peace agreement, and Aliyev and Pashinyan signing a joint declaration to pursue a lasting peace. Brady Knox, The Washington Examiner, 19 Aug. 2025 See All Example Sentences for initial
Recent Examples of Synonyms for initial
Adjective
  • Kimpton also always gets a guide on the first day of a trip to show her the sights.
    Nathan Diller, USA Today, 30 June 2026
  • That came in the spring of 2025, about 11 months after his dad had been sacked as coach, when Pochettino, the new manager, gave the younger Berhalter his first national team call-up.
    Kevin Baxter, Los Angeles Times, 30 June 2026
Verb
  • Liccardo has focused on working across the aisle since being elected in 2024 and said that having Timmons and Salazar sign on will help the legislation move forward.
    Grace Hase, Mercury News, 1 July 2026
  • She is expected to sign on with CNN competitor MS NOW, according to people familiar with her plans who were not authorized to comment publicly.
    Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Times, 1 July 2026
Adjective
  • All that to say, a glass of rye whiskey, one of the oldest drinks in America and the original base of many of our earliest cocktails like Manhattans and Old Fashioneds, is an easy way to honor the scrappy American spirit.
    Mary Walrath-Holdridge, USA Today, 4 July 2026
  • Here, the material can be charged earlier by light or another energy source, stored in the dark, and then used later to power a chemical reaction after the original energy input has been expended.
    New Atlas, New Atlas, 3 July 2026
Verb
  • Gray is endorsed by Kansas City’s branch of the Democratic Socialists of America, and represents the insurgent left flank of the Democratic Party in the race.
    Jack Harvel, Kansas City Star, 29 June 2026
  • In his speech, Nasrallah endorsed a decades-old death warrant placed on Rushdie by Iranian religious leaders in response to his 1988 novel The Satanic Verses.
    Zac Ntim, Deadline, 28 June 2026
Adjective
  • The Scottish original earned a Michelin Bib Gourmand and the inaugural Michelin Service Award before crossing the Atlantic.
    Lanee Lee, Forbes.com, 30 June 2026
  • The union, which formed in 2021 and includes roughly 150 curators, conservators, educators, and public programmers, ratified its inaugural contract, for a two-and-a-half-year span, in 2023.
    News Desk, Artforum, 30 June 2026
Verb
  • Assembly Majority Leader Cecilia Aguiar-Curry authored the proposal in Assembly Bill 65.
    June 24, CBS News, 25 June 2026
  • Assembly Bill 1729, authored by Assemblymember Alex Lee, D-San Jose, would require state departments to establish telework policies that articulate to employees why they are needed for in-person work.
    William Melhado, Sacbee.com, 23 June 2026
Adjective
  • The Pharaohs have often underperformed on the world stage, but the game against Australia presents Egypt with a real chance to win its maiden knockout fixture.
    Ben Church, CNN Money, 3 July 2026
  • Despite the advantage, Antonelli’s results in the last two races have put his maiden title bid under a bit of pressure.
    Yara Elshebiny, Forbes.com, 29 June 2026
Verb
  • Stock Chart IconStock chart icon The discussions at the Swiss resort of Bürgenstock marked the first negotiations since Washington and Tehran signed a memorandum of understanding last week to end their conflict and extend a shaky ceasefire for at least 60 days.
    Lee Ying Shan, CNBC, 22 June 2026
  • In 1643, Connecticut signed one of the first laws requiring local officials to assist in capturing enslaved runaways.
    Calista Oetama, Hartford Courant, 22 June 2026

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Initial.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/initial. Accessed 5 Jul. 2026.

More from Merriam-Webster on initial

Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!

More from Merriam-Webster