initiate

verb

i-ˈni-shē-ˌāt How to pronounce initiate (audio)
Definition of initiatenext
1
as in to establish
to be responsible for the creation and early operation or use of no one knows who initiated written language

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in to introduce
to impart knowledge of a new thing or situation to initiated the new recruits in the unspoken laws of military conduct

Synonyms & Similar Words
3
as in to inaugurate
to put into an office or welcome into an organization with special ceremonies initiated her as Surgeon General before an army of reporters and photographers

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

Synonym Chooser

How is the word initiate different from other verbs like it?

Some common synonyms of initiate are begin, commence, inaugurate, start, and usher in. While all these words mean "to take the first step in a course, process, or operation," initiate implies taking a first step in a process or series that is to continue.

initiated diplomatic contacts

How does the word begin relate to other synonyms for initiate?

Begin, start, and commence are often interchangeable, with begin, opposed to end, being the most general.

begin a trip
began dancing

How is commence related to other words for initiate?

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

commence firing
commenced a conversation

When would inaugurate be a good substitute for initiate?

The meanings of inaugurate and initiate largely overlap; however, inaugurate suggests a beginning of some formality or notion of significance.

the discovery of penicillin inaugurated a new era in medicine

Where would start be a reasonable alternative to initiate?

While the synonyms start and initiate are close in meaning, start, opposed to stop, applies especially to first actions, steps, or stages.

the work started slowly

How are the words usher in and inaugurate related as synonyms of initiate?

Usher in is somewhat less weighty than inaugurate.

ushered in a period of economic decline

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 initiate The defense is expected to continue arguing that the incident stemmed from a confrontation initiated by Arielle. —Stepheny Price, FOXNews.com, 1 Apr. 2026 The flight crew initiated bomb threat protocol after hearing the threat and diverted the plane to Detroit Metro Airport, where it was isolated for a full security check, according to an FBI affidavit filed with the complaint. —Eric Henderson, CBS News, 1 Apr. 2026 Goldman Sachs initiates Caris Life Sciences as buy Goldman says the oncology diagnostics company is firing on all cylinders. —Michael Bloom, CNBC, 1 Apr. 2026 ESafety would decide on whether to initiate court action against any platform by midyear. —Rod McGuirk The Associated Press, Arkansas Online, 1 Apr. 2026 See All Example Sentences for initiate
Recent Examples of Synonyms for initiate
  1. establish
  2. introduce
  3. inaugurate
  4. launch
  5. induct
  6. create
  7. install
  8. pioneer
Verb
  • The Korean’s quartet of assists was one shy of the MLS single-game record set by Lionel Messi last year, and established a new high for LAFC.
    — Josh Gross, Daily News, 5 Apr. 2026
  • Year one established the foundation.
    — Aaron Segal, Kansas City Star, 4 Apr. 2026
Definition of establish
Verb
  • The spa was introduced in 2005, and in the same year, Silica, a clinic hotel aimed at housing those visiting for psoriasis treatment, was opened.
    — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 5 Apr. 2026
  • While many people have been introduced to English choral services through the angelic voices of the choristers in flowing robes and Elizabethan ruffs who sing at royal weddings and carol services, choirs perform every day in much more humble settings.
    — ABC News, ABC News, 5 Apr. 2026
Definition of introduce
Verb
  • Federal employees receive 11 of the days off per calendar year, plus an additional day when a new president is inaugurated.
    — Amaris Encinas, USA Today, 2 Apr. 2026
  • The decision to inaugurate the first urban Six Senses property in Rome was partially driven by the owner’s love of all things Italian and is part of a new drive to bring sanctuaries to bigger cities.
    — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 31 Mar. 2026
Definition of inaugurate
Verb
  • In January, Grok launched new Business and Enterprise plans aimed at corporations.
    — Will McCurdy, PC Magazine, 5 Apr. 2026
  • The main lagoon was the first to open, and the property’s line of skincare launched in 1995, which can be tested from the swim-up face mask kiosk in the center of the main lagoon.
    — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 5 Apr. 2026
Definition of launch
Verb
  • The rescue dog from Huntington Beach, California, who worked as a dedicated therapy dog comforting veterans, was a five-time dog surfing world champion and was inducted into the Surfers' Hall of Fame in 2024, according to the Surfers' Hall of Fame website.
    — Saman Shafiq, USA Today, 31 Mar. 2026
  • Heat owner Micky Arison was inducted into Hall as part of the shrine’s 2025 class.
    — Ira Winderman, Sun Sentinel, 31 Mar. 2026
Definition of induct
Verb
  • The creation of this content included the use of AI based on templates created, reviewed and edited by journalists in the newsroom.
    — STAR-TELEGRAM WEATHER BOT, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 4 Apr. 2026
  • The avalanche descended approximately 400 vertical feet down a face of Perry’s Peak, creating a debris field about 100 feet wide, the report said.
    — Ethan Baron, Mercury News, 4 Apr. 2026
Definition of create
Verb
  • Most homeowners purchase and install new flooring in the spring or summer, so the best time to buy flooring for discounts is in the late fall or early winter.
    — Dan Simms, USA Today, 2 Apr. 2026
  • The Kane County Health Department has partnered with community organizations to install publicly accessible naloxone dispensing boxes, making the life-saving medication easier to obtain quickly and discreetly.
    — Mike Danahey, Chicago Tribune, 2 Apr. 2026
Definition of install
Verb
  • Deep-blue Massachusetts pioneered the voluntary stretch codes, which reduce carbon emissions and energy use beyond base-code requirements.
    — The Editorial Board, Chicago Tribune, 30 Mar. 2026
  • The United States will be in a far stronger position to win the artificial intelligence race if government works with, rather than against, the companies pioneering frontier technology.
    — Editorial Board, Washington Post, 29 Mar. 2026
Definition of pioneer

Browse Nearby Words

initials
initiate
initiated
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Cite this Entry

“Initiate.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/initiate. Accessed 5 Apr. 2026.

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More from Merriam-Webster on initiate

Nglish: Translation of initiate for Spanish Speakers

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