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
Relevance
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
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of initiate
The weather service will initiate alert procedures when the heat index is expected to exceed 105 to 110 degrees depending on local climate for at least two consecutive days.
—
Miami Herald Archives, Miami Herald, 1 Aug. 2025
The Trump Administration has initiated mass layoffs across a number of federal agencies in recent months, including the Department of Health and Human Services, the Department of Agriculture, and the Department of Veterans Affairs, among others.
—Chantelle Lee, Time, 1 Aug. 2025
Tsunami watch: Stay prepared A tsunami watch is initiated when a distant earthquake occurs, raising the possibility of a tsunami.
—Ca Weather Bot, Sacbee.com, 30 July 2025
Numerous recalls have been initiated in 2025 due to the potential for damaged products, foodborne illness, contamination and undeclared food allergens.
—Anna Commander, MSNBC Newsweek, 30 July 2025
See All Example Sentences for initiate
Miami Herald Archives, Miami Herald, 1 Aug. 2025
The Trump Administration has initiated mass layoffs across a number of federal agencies in recent months, including the Department of Health and Human Services, the Department of Agriculture, and the Department of Veterans Affairs, among others.
—Chantelle Lee, Time, 1 Aug. 2025
Tsunami watch: Stay prepared A tsunami watch is initiated when a distant earthquake occurs, raising the possibility of a tsunami.
—Ca Weather Bot, Sacbee.com, 30 July 2025
Numerous recalls have been initiated in 2025 due to the potential for damaged products, foodborne illness, contamination and undeclared food allergens.
—Anna Commander, MSNBC Newsweek, 30 July 2025
See All Example Sentences for initiate
Recent Examples of Synonyms for initiate
Verb
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The plan is the department's effort to establish a clear vision while seeking community input to create a roadmap for the department over the next five years.—
Jade Jackson,
IndyStar,
24 July 2025
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While people had always moved between the U.S.-Mexico border, migration increased exponentially after the U.S. government, facing a labor shortage in World War II, established the Bracero program, which brought millions of Mexican contract workers to the U.S.—
Jimmy Patino,
San Diego Union-Tribune,
23 July 2025
Verb
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Understand First, Criticize Second When Volkov introduced himself to Dennett and immediately criticized his work, there were no hard feelings between them.—
Theodore McDarrah,
Forbes.com,
25 July 2025
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For the third consecutive year, POP MART pulled out all the stops at San Diego Comic-Con, offering fans an exclusive look at upcoming collections and introducing a few surprise releases featuring new collaborations with Star Wars and Hot Wheels.—
Devin Robertson,
MSNBC Newsweek,
25 July 2025
Verb
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Colton was among the roughly 1,500 people convicted in the Jan. 6 riot at the U.S. Capitol and pardoned by Trump on the same day he was inaugurated for his second term in office.—
Rosalio Ahumada,
Sacbee.com,
17 July 2025
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Conversely, under Trump, the average weekly paycheck buys 1% more today than when he was inaugurated in January.—
E.J. Antoni,
Boston Herald,
13 July 2025
Verb
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In 2015, Milwaukee County launched a Housing First Initiative, providing housing without preconditions.—
Ethan Hylton,
IndyStar,
30 July 2025
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Rice University, a private Tier 1 research institution in Houston, is launching an ambitious plan to grow student enrollment and financial aid, as part of a strategic expansion approved by the school's board of trustees to focus on opportunity and academic excellence, officials announced Monday.—
Lily Kepner,
Austin American Statesman,
30 July 2025
Verb
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As part of this year’s festivities, four players will also be inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame on Saturday, including Chargers legendary tight end Antonio Gates.—
Mark J. Burns,
Forbes.com,
28 July 2025
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Former Marlins manager Jim Leyland, who led the franchise to its first World Series title in 1997, was inducted into the Hall in 2024.—
Kaitlyn Pohly,
Miami Herald,
25 July 2025
Verb
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Complete the Look Banana Republic Factory Linen-Blend Quilted Jumpsuit A set of coveralls like this linen-blend style can create a stylish no-fuss outfit.—
Rylee Johnston,
People.com,
27 July 2025
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To bring Rocky to life, the directors opted for practical effects over CGI, creating a Rocky puppet.—
Wesley Stenzel,
EW.com,
26 July 2025
Verb
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During the July 25-28 road closure, crews will also install a high-friction surface treatment, which increases pavement friction even when wet weather makes the road slick, Woodrum said.—
Leo Bertucci,
Louisville Courier Journal,
23 July 2025
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Trim trees; install storm shutters, accordion shutters, and/or impact glass; seal outside wall openings.—
Gabe Hauari,
USA Today,
23 July 2025
Verb
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In August, Grenier will feature pioneering South Florida chef Dean Max’s Glazed Black Grouper ($52) on the Burlock Coast menu.—
Ben Crandell,
Sun Sentinel,
30 July 2025
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Joining in 2013 to help launch Plimsoll, Holmes is credited with pioneered a new genre of natural-history storytelling, shaping a slate the company says helped define its global identity.—
Alex Ritman,
Variety,
28 July 2025
Cite this Entry
“Initiate.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/initiate. Accessed 7 Aug. 2025.
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