Definition of initiatenext
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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 In preparation for the high temperatures, Mayor Zohran Mamdani has initiated a Heat Emergency Plan. Amethyst Martinez, USA Today, 30 June 2026 Traffic is expected to be impacted in Midtown Manhattan as the city initiates shuttle bus corridors and closes streets around Penn Station for fans going to MetLife Stadium, which FIFA calls New York New Jersey Stadium. Mark Prussin, CBS News, 30 June 2026 Goldman Sachs initiates Liftoff Mobile as buy Goldman said the mobile app optimization company has more room to run. Michael Bloom, CNBC, 29 June 2026 Families should promptly notify their relevant carriers to initiate the claims process, particularly in complex cases. William Jones, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 29 June 2026 See All Example Sentences for initiate
Recent Examples of Synonyms for initiate
Verb
  • Organizations considering a pilot should establish measurable outcomes upfront and track productivity, engagement, turnover, customer satisfaction, operational performance, and financial impact over time.
    Johnny C. Taylor Jr, USA Today, 30 June 2026
  • The state has not yet begun reporting its results, but protocols were established in 2021.
    Susanne Rust Follow, Los Angeles Times, 30 June 2026
Verb
  • Instead of doubling down on a flawed system, policymakers can make gradual changes by introducing new tax categories in the existing framework and imposing taxes that correspond to the alcoholic content of that category.
    Adam Hoffer, Chicago Tribune, 5 July 2026
  • In its opening match, Cape Verde introduced itself with a draw against mighty Spain.
    Tim Rohan, NBC news, 4 July 2026
Verb
  • Art as cult fodder, marginalia, obscurantism—Duchamp inaugurated all of this.
    Sebastian Smee, The Atlantic, 29 June 2026
  • The Vatican Museums last week inaugurated a major restoration of Raphael’s Loggia, an epic fresco cycle decorating a 213-foot-long corridor in the Apostolic Palace, where the pope lives.
    News Desk, Artforum, 29 June 2026
Verb
  • The pyrotechnics were launched from eight barges on the Potomac River and spots in West Potomac Park.
    Bart Jansen, USA Today, 5 July 2026
  • Videos of the pyrotechnics display show the pitch filling with tall showers of sparks and dense smoke as dozens of fireworks launched upward.
    Melissa Gomez, Los Angeles Times, 5 July 2026
Verb
  • He was inducted into the College Football Hall of Fame in 2022.
    PJ Green, Kansas City Star, 29 June 2026
  • More Cuts As iHeart CEO Bob Pittman is being inducted into the Radio Hall of Fame, the company is making cuts that have left many stations with no talent beyond the pre-recorded material supplied by larger markets.
    Richard Wagoner, Daily News, 29 June 2026
Verb
  • Both men argue Los Angeles should consider creating a dedicated anti-squatter task force to help law enforcement distinguish legitimate tenant disputes from cases involving criminal conduct.
    Stepheny Price, FOXNews.com, 5 July 2026
  • The relaxed fit keeps air circulating while the long skirt design creates an effortless silhouette.
    Aashna Gheewalla, PEOPLE, 5 July 2026
Verb
  • In addition, city officials can now require owners to install security measures to help protect vacant buildings from further deterioration or trespassing.
    Brian Maass, CBS News, 2 July 2026
  • It is sold as a barebones vehicle, requiring customers to purchase and install common features like speakers and a center console.
    Charles Singh, USA Today, 1 July 2026
Verb
  • John Coltrane is another influential figure in the history of jazz, known for his pioneering innovations on the saxophone, notably his ability to create a complex, rapid-fire approach to chord progressions.
    Noe Padilla, USA Today, 2 July 2026
  • Kentucky and North Carolina are pioneering new excise taxes on prediction market operators' fees, aiming to close the tax advantage.
    Nathan Goldman, Forbes.com, 1 July 2026

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Cite this Entry

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

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