1
2
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 Scientific organizations also initiated studies within Vietnam during the war, finding widespread destruction of mangroves, economic losses of rubber and timber plantations, and harm to lakes and waterways. Pamela McElwee, The Conversation, 28 Apr. 2025 The Trump Administration revoked visas from students, including some with green cards who were permanent residents, and initiated deportation proceedings. Jill Lepore, New Yorker, 28 Apr. 2025 Despite the various ways Francis initiated reforms and made appointments, there is still a long way to go until women are given greater roles and responsibility in the church. Christopher Lamb, CNN Money, 26 Apr. 2025 Continue similar pruning and fertilizing after more growth through August to have a sizeable plant with multiple stems by fall when the flowering process is initiated. Tom MacCubbin, The Orlando Sentinel, 26 Apr. 2025 See All Example Sentences for initiate
Recent Examples of Synonyms for initiate
Verb
  • In August, 2019, Barr established an interagency task force called Vulcan, through which the D.O.J. would collaborate with foreign law enforcement to systematically target the gang’s leadership.
    Danielle Mackey, New Yorker, 18 Apr. 2025
  • The Pentagon established several timelines for capabilities to be delivered starting with early 2026 to those delivered after 2030.
    Mike Stone and Marisa Taylor, USA Today, 18 Apr. 2025
Verb
  • To that end, the show creators introduced Catherine O’Hara as Joel’s therapist Gail in the first episode of Season 2.
    Eliana Dockterman, Time, 21 Apr. 2025
  • Narrated by Brendan Fraser, the stunning feature film introduces Leo, a handsome sea lion pup who’s learning how to navigate life alongside his mother, Luna.
    Ryan Schwartz, TVLine, 19 Apr. 2025
Verb
  • Later this year, the company will inaugurate L’Isle-d’Espagnac, a leather goods workshop in Charente, while Loupes in Gironde, and Charleville-Mézières in Ardennes, will open in 2026 and 2027, respectively.
    Kevin Rozario, Forbes.com, 17 Apr. 2025
  • Bukele first offered to house violent U.S. criminals shortly after Trump was inaugurated.
    Michelle Stoddart, ABC News, 14 Apr. 2025
Verb
  • Trader Joe's and its popular mini tote bags In April, Trader Joe's launched its mini canvas tote bags just in time for Easter.
    Jennifer Borresen, USA Today, 25 Apr. 2025
  • Their off-Earth chase was brief: Shenzhou 20 launched atop a Long March 2F rocket from Jiuquan Satellite Launch Center in northwest China today at 5:17 a.m. EDT (0917 GMT; 5:17 p.m. Beijing time).
    Mike Wall, Space.com, 24 Apr. 2025
Verb
  • Tracks from any of the approximately 400 legends will be eligible, including judge Lionel Richie, who was inducted into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame in 2022.
    Anthony Robledo, USA Today, 23 Apr. 2025
  • Tight end Antonio Gates, a former Charger, will officially be inducted into the Hall of Fame on Aug. 2, alongside cornerback Eric Allen, defensive end Jared Allen and wide receiver Sterling Sharpe.
    Ryan Canfield, FOXNews.com, 23 Apr. 2025
Verb
  • The debris – space rocks known as meteoroids – collides with Earth's atmosphere at high speed and disintegrates, creating fiery and colorful streaks in the sky, according to NASA.
    Eric Lagatta, USA Today, 22 Apr. 2025
  • The creation of this content included the use of AI based on templates created, reviewed and edited by journalists in the newsroom.
    CA WILDFIRE BOT, Sacbee.com, 22 Apr. 2025
Verb
  • Any Android user can install AVG’s free mobile antivirus, which combines a substantial collection of security features with many, many upsell opportunities.
    PC Magazine, PC Magazine, 16 Apr. 2025
  • The following month, as immigrants were crossing from Mexico, Abbott announced the state would install a 1,000-foot strip of buoys to prevent river crossings.
    Anna Giaritelli, The Washington Examiner, 16 Apr. 2025
Verb
  • Additionally, the large cloud service providers today have pioneered many of their AI capabilities through their cloud suites, meaning that this is the easiest way customers can access and take advantage of these tools.
    Dr. Sai Balasubramanian, M.D., Forbes.com, 25 Apr. 2025
  • The White Lotus season 3 star recently shared his thoughts on the upcoming TV project, which reboots the book series' story with a new cast after he and lead actors Daniel Radcliffe, Rupert Grint, and Emma Watson pioneered the novels' first adaptation on the big screen across eight films.
    Joey Nolfi, EW.com, 25 Apr. 2025

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Initiate.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/initiate. Accessed 2 May. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on initiate

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

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