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
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
This ability to interfere with maritime traffic has the potential to significantly drive up oil prices and exert global economic pressure without initiating a full-scale conflict, demonstrating Tehran's leverage over this crucial energy corridor.
—
Amir Daftari, MSNBC Newsweek, 13 June 2025
The investment bank initiated coverage of the thermal management stock with an overweight rating and a $125 per share price target, implying about 29% upside from Thursday's $97.07 close.
—Brian Evans, CNBC, 13 June 2025
In 2018, Trump pulled out of the Iran nuclear deal and initiated new sanctions on the regime to cripple its economy.
—Mostafa Salem, CNN Money, 13 June 2025
These systems can plan, reason, reflect and even initiate tasks without waiting for human direction.
—Dhivya Nagasubramanian, Forbes.com, 12 June 2025
See All Example Sentences for initiate
Amir Daftari, MSNBC Newsweek, 13 June 2025
The investment bank initiated coverage of the thermal management stock with an overweight rating and a $125 per share price target, implying about 29% upside from Thursday's $97.07 close.
—Brian Evans, CNBC, 13 June 2025
In 2018, Trump pulled out of the Iran nuclear deal and initiated new sanctions on the regime to cripple its economy.
—Mostafa Salem, CNN Money, 13 June 2025
These systems can plan, reason, reflect and even initiate tasks without waiting for human direction.
—Dhivya Nagasubramanian, Forbes.com, 12 June 2025
See All Example Sentences for initiate
Recent Examples of Synonyms for initiate
Verb
-
In spite of his ability to carry the ball forward — a point of difference from his fellow midfielders — Willock has never quite established himself as integral, at least in part because of his struggles with injury.—
Chris Waugh,
New York Times,
6 June 2025
-
The science transparency rule in the first Trump administration was intended to limit the EPA’s ability to consider epidemiologic studies like those that established the health harms from exposure to secondhand smoke and to PM2.5, fine particles often from pollution.—
H. Christopher Frey,
The Conversation,
5 June 2025
Verb
-
Though Starlink may be off the table for many domestic fliers, at least in the short term, United has introduced new ways for travelers to distract themselves in recent weeks.—
Will McCurdy,
PC Magazine,
7 June 2025
-
Other apps have introduced similar height filters (though Tinder remains the most popular among them — at least 14% of American adults have used it, per Pew Research Center).—
Scottie Andrew,
CNN Money,
7 June 2025
Verb
-
Meanwhile, Martens will inaugurate his tenure at Margiela with an Artisanal collection due to be unveiled on July 9 at 7.30 p.m. After presenting his first couture collection for Valentino in January, Alessandro Michele is sitting out this season.—
Joelle Diderich,
Footwear News,
2 June 2025
-
In March 2025, Turkey and Azerbaijan inaugurated a new gas pipeline connecting Nakhichevan to Turkey’s gas grid, and thus reduced Nakhichevan’s decades-old reliance on Iranian energy.—
Zaur Shiriyev,
Foreign Affairs,
26 May 2025
Verb
-
Celebrities have been able to leverage the opportunity of direct-to-consumer to launch a number of major businesses, and Arnett, Hayes and Bateman are just the latest in a long line of stars to do so.—
Alex Weprin,
HollywoodReporter,
10 June 2025
-
The collaboration launched with a dinner at the RHS Chelsea Flower Show in May and shifts into full gear this month with bespoke guest experiences and products.—
Samantha Conti,
Footwear News,
10 June 2025
Verb
-
Octo-hires often get inducted into a position when a company catfishes them, refusing to disclose the full responsibilities of the role.—
Bryan Robinson,
Forbes.com,
5 June 2025
-
In the end, Rhodes officially inducts the four magicians into The Eye and becomes their handler for all future performances.—
Caroline Blair,
People.com,
5 June 2025
Verb
-
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,
9 June 2025
-
The governor’s messages illustrate the complex political situation the weekend’s events have created for California’s leaders, and for immigrants’ rights advocates.—
Jessica Garrison,
Los Angeles Times,
8 June 2025
Verb
-
For Pinterest Ads Manager, install the Pinterest tag.—
Paul Ross,
Forbes.com,
5 June 2025
-
Trim trees; install storm shutters, accordion shutters, and/or impact glass; seal outside wall openings.—
Gabe Hauari,
USA Today,
4 June 2025
Verb
-
While an official cause of death was not disclosed, the beloved musical auteur, who helped pioneer the studio-as-instrument, influencing generations of musicians in pop and beyond, was revealed, in early 2024, to be living with a neurocognitive disorder akin to dementia.—
Madison Bloom,
Pitchfork,
11 June 2025
-
Goldman Sachs pioneered the concept with its Returnship program, which launched in 2008.—
Christine Michel Carter,
Forbes.com,
10 June 2025
Cite this Entry
“Initiate.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/initiate. Accessed 20 Jun. 2025.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share