Synonym Chooser

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

Some common synonyms of inaugurate are begin, commence, initiate, start, and usher in. While all these words mean "to take the first step in a course, process, or operation," inaugurate suggests a beginning of some formality or notion of significance.

the discovery of penicillin inaugurated a new era in medicine

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

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 inaugurate?

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

commence firing
commenced a conversation

When is it sensible to use initiate instead of inaugurate?

The words initiate and inaugurate are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, initiate implies taking a first step in a process or series that is to continue.

initiated diplomatic contacts

Where would start be a reasonable alternative to inaugurate?

In some situations, the words start and inaugurate are roughly equivalent. However, start, opposed to stop, applies especially to first actions, steps, or stages.

the work started slowly

How do usher in and inaugurate relate to one another?

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 inaugurate Sontag inaugurated an ad-feminam tradition that has continued ever since, and every Arbus show needs, somehow, to clear the air. Max Norman, New Yorker, 13 June 2025 Breeze Airways inaugurated direct flights on June 12 from Orlando and Tampa to the Southernmost City, according to the Monroe County Tourist Development Council. Miami Herald, 13 June 2025 Within 10 days, President-elect Donald Trump would be inaugurated. Jaweed Kaleem, Los Angeles Times, 5 June 2025 Lee could be inaugurated as early as Wednesday – and faces a host of issues waiting to be tackled. Jessie Yeung, CNN Money, 3 June 2025 See All Example Sentences for inaugurate
Recent Examples of Synonyms for inaugurate
Verb
  • And the state Riley Act, also passed in 1933, required California local governments to establish a building department and inspect new construction.
    Rong-Gong Lin II, Los Angeles Times, 29 June 2025
  • For this historic journey, Kipyegon utilized male pacers to help establish the pace of the race.
    Katelyn Hutchison, Forbes.com, 29 June 2025
Verb
  • The ministry said he was set to be inducted into the Southern Gospel Music Association Hall of Fame this fall.
    Bob Smietana, NPR, 1 July 2025
  • In 2014, The Whispers were inducted into the National Rhythm and Blues Hall of Fame.
    Ilana Kaplan, People.com, 28 June 2025
Verb
  • Autonomous Decision Making Agents can initiate nudges, recommend remediation or enroll users into adaptive coaching paths without needing admin intervention—saving time and scaling response. 4.
    Uzair Ahmed, Forbes.com, 10 July 2025
  • During the 19th century, the U.S. initiated three wars against the Seminoles in Florida.
    Daniel S. Murphree, The Orlando Sentinel, 10 July 2025
Verb
  • The mayor could install one of his cronies who has no experience in running a large transit agency like the CTA.
    Chicago Tribune, Chicago Tribune, 29 June 2025
  • Trim trees; install storm shutters, accordion shutters, and/or impact glass; seal outside wall openings.
    Jeanine Santucci, USA Today, 29 June 2025
Verb
  • Originally launched in 1989 as a handbag and wallet supplier, the company has grown to successfully launch everything from diaper bags to long-haul trunk suitcases—all with quality, durability, and functionality at the forefront.
    Amelia McBride, Travel + Leisure, 5 July 2025
  • Only 11% of Candidly customers have launched the student loan retirement match in connection with secure 2.0.
    Brit Morse, Fortune, 5 July 2025
Verb
  • According to the lawsuit, Thomas was introduced by women's swimming head coach Mike Schnur to the women's swimmers during a team meeting in Fall 2019 as their incoming teammate.
    Jackson Thompson, FOXNews.com, 2 July 2025
  • Derived from textile waste, the new material offers 50 percent lower carbon emissions than virgin polyester, and will be introduced into the supply chain for products like apparel.
    Kate Nishimura, Footwear News, 1 July 2025
Verb
  • At Evans High School, Children’s Home Society of Florida and the University of Central Florida pioneered the state’s first Community Partnership School in 2012.
    Andry Sweet, The Orlando Sentinel, 6 July 2025
  • Thorium was pioneered in America decades ago, but has been taken up by China to great success.
    Suwanna Gauntlett Upjohn, Forbes.com, 4 July 2025
Verb
  • This card asks you to retreat, reflect, and create space for healing.
    Meghan Rose, Glamour, 1 July 2025
  • Patil and Lindell are now working to create probiotic supplements to increase the amount of the beneficial microbes in people's guts to help protect against harms from PFAS.
    Pilar Arias, FOXNews.com, 1 July 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Inaugurate.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/inaugurate. Accessed 13 Jul. 2025.

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