Synonyms of initiative

initiative

noun

i-ˈni-shə-tiv 

as in ambition

readiness to engage in daring or difficult activity

the sentry showed remarkable initiative and uncommon bravery in foiling the terrorist attack

Synonyms & Similar Words

• ambition
• action
• enterprise
• drive
• spirit
• aggressiveness
• vigor
• hustle
• energy
• go
• gumption
• grit
• spunk
• assertiveness
• killer instinct
• starch
• pluck
• self-reliance
• vitality
• ambitiousness
• pep
• hardihood
• overambitiousness
• snap

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• inertia
• passivity
• reluctance
• inactivity
• hesitation
• timidity
• diffidence
• lethargy
• laziness
• indolence
• faintheartedness

Example Sentences

Recent Examples of initiative

Yarmosky was one of the 10 artists who participated in the 2026 Tribeca Festival Artist Awards Program, an initiative sponsored by Chanel in which visual artists gift one of their artworks to one of the festival’s winning filmmakers. — Leigh Anne Miller, ARTnews.com, 21 July 2026

The city credited her for playing a royal in strengthening intergovernmental partnerships, leading major negotiations, improving operational efficiencies and guiding Saratoga through complex policy, budget and emergency management initiatives. — Nollyanne Delacruz, Mercury News, 21 July 2026

But when multiple changes are occurring simultaneously and continually, the greatest opportunity is no longer found solely in managing each initiative more effectively. — Tony Gambill, Forbes.com, 21 July 2026

Denim brands of all sizes face challenges when introducing new materials and scaling sustainability initiatives. — Angela Velasquez, Footwear News, 21 July 2026

Phrases Containing initiative

• on one's own initiative