initiative

adjective ini·tia·tive \ i-ˈni-shə-tiv also -shē-ə-tiv \

|Updated on: 11 Aug 2018

Examples: initiative in a Sentence

Definition of initiative

: of or relating to initiation : introductory, preliminary

Examples of initiative in a Sentence

Luther's daring initiative thoughts did indeed come from above, but he owed them to no man or age. —Junius B. Remensnyder, What the World Owes Luther, 1917
Many writers maintain that there is a rule of International Law forbidding the commencement of war without a declaration of war. But such rule, in fact, does not exist, for a great many wars take place without an initiative declaration of war. —Lassa Oppenheim, International Law, 1906

Recent Examples of initiative from the Web

The girl of now initiative highlights women’s success stories in various fields.

— amber elliott, Houston Chronicle, "I dream of caftans," 23 May 2018
The girl of now initiative highlights women’s success stories in various fields.

— amber elliott, Houston Chronicle, "I dream of caftans," 23 May 2018
The girl of now initiative highlights women’s success stories in various fields.

— amber elliott, Houston Chronicle, "I dream of caftans," 23 May 2018
The girl of now initiative highlights women’s success stories in various fields.

— amber elliott, Houston Chronicle, "I dream of caftans," 23 May 2018
The girl of now initiative highlights women’s success stories in various fields.

— amber elliott, Houston Chronicle, "I dream of caftans," 23 May 2018
The girl of now initiative highlights women’s success stories in various fields.

— amber elliott, Houston Chronicle, "I dream of caftans," 23 May 2018
The girl of now initiative highlights women’s success stories in various fields.

— david taylor, Houston Chronicle, "Home builder finding success in Cleveland market," 12 Mar. 2018

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'initiative.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

Origin and Etymology of initiative

see ¹initiate

NEW! Time Traveler

First Known Use: 1795

in the meaning defined above

See Words from the same year

initiative

noun ini·tia·tive \ i-ˈni-shə-tiv also -shē-ə-tiv \

Definition of initiative

1 : an introductory step

took the initiative in attempting to settle the issue

2 : energy or aptitude displayed in initiation of action : enterprise

showed great initiative

3 a : the right to initiate legislative action

b : a procedure enabling a specified number of voters by petition to propose a law and secure its submission to the electorate or to the legislature for approval — compare referendum 1

— on one's own initiative

: at one's own discretion : independently of outside influence or control

See initiative defined for English-language learners

See initiative defined for kids

Examples of initiative in a Sentence

… on the day before their Club Med flight she took the initiative of telephoning Franco from work, ostensibly to tell him that she had really admired his new place … —John Barth, Atlantic, March 1995
Following initiatives begun before the First World War, thirty-four states instituted or expanded workers' compensation laws in the 1920s. —Mary Beth Norton et al., A People and a Nation, 1988
Since the social victim has been oppressed by society, he comes to feel that his individual life will be improved more by changes in society than by his own initiative. —Shelby Steele, Harper's, June 1988
If you want to meet her, you're going to have to take the initiative and introduce yourself.
The company has the opportunity to seize the initiative by getting its new products to the market before its competitors.
The governor has proposed a new initiative to improve conditions in urban schools.

Recent Examples of initiative from the Web

Twenty-five states have already enacted such an initiative, and Pennsylvania lawmakers are weighing similar action.

— jan hefler, Philly.com, "$18,000 in tuition and 1,200 hours of study for a license to braid hair? New Jersey lawmakers say no," 13 July 2018
The European Union has launched a decadelong quantum research initiative, and China is said to be investing heavily in the field.

— gabriel popkin, Science | AAAS, "Updated: Quantum physics gets attention—and brighter funding prospects—in Congress," 27 June 2018
Parents often faulted Chang for not doing enough to include them in the development of new initiatives and not being transparent enough about how decisions were made.

— james vaznis, BostonGlobe.com, "With Chang out, parents ponder future," 23 June 2018
Changing through the years, the center today focuses on issues of tolerance, diversity and respect for cultural differences through exhibits, programs, initiatives and educational programs.

— michael candelaria, OrlandoSentinel.com, "Maitland Neighborhood Guide," 21 June 2018
And the third would drastically reduce the threshold for any referendum (but would not address the powers of initiative and recall).

— josh baugh, San Antonio Express-News, "PAC aims to raise more than $1 million for anti-charter amendment campaign," 20 June 2018
Christine Nairn, who came out as gay in a December 2017 blog post, said nights supporting LGBTQ initiatives and rights serve a critical purpose.

— jordan culver, Pro Soccer USA, "Orlando Pride set for ‘Pride in Our City’ match against Sky Blue FC," 15 June 2018
However, some enterprising young Nigerians have seized the initiative and are looking to cash in on the vacuum created by the sold out official Nike jerseys.

— stephanie busari, cnn and damilola odutayo, CNN, "It's official! Nigeria is the most stylish team at the World Cup," 13 June 2018
Oregon has no political contribution limits, which has allowed public employee unions to pour tens of millions of dollars into influencing political races, ballot initiatives and legislation over the last decade.

— hillary borrud, OregonLive.com, "Will pending Supreme Court decision weaken unions' political power in Oregon?," 13 June 2018

Origin and Etymology of initiative

see ¹initiate

NEW! Time Traveler

First Known Use: 1793

in the meaning defined at sense 1

See Words from the same year

initiative Synonyms

Synonyms

action, aggressiveness, ambition, drive, enterprise, go, hustle;

Near Antonyms

inactivity, inertia, passivity;

diffidence, faintheartedness, timidity;

hesitation, reluctance;

indolence, laziness, lethargy;

ambitiousness, killer instinct, overambitiousness;

assertiveness, self-reliance;

energy, hardihood, pep, vigor, vitality;

INITIATIVE Defined for English Language Learners

initiative

noun

Definition of initiative for English Language Learners

the initiative : the power or opportunity to do something before others do
: the energy and desire that is needed to do something
: a plan or program that is intended to solve a problem

INITIATIVE Defined for Kids

initiative

noun ini·tia·tive \ i-ˈni-shə-tiv \

Definition of initiative for Students

1 : a first step or movement

I took the initiative and called first.

2 : energy shown in getting action started

He's a person of great initiative.

Law Dictionary

initiative

noun ini·tia·tive \ i-ˈni-shə-tiv, -shē-ə-tiv \

legal Definition of initiative

1 : the especially introductory series of steps taken to cause a desired result

the deposing party would ordinarily be required to take the initiative in arranging a deposition
—Andrews v. Bradshaw, 895 P.2d 973 (1995)

2 a : the right to initiate legislative action

b : a procedure enabling a specified number of voters by petition to propose a law and secure its submission to the electorate or to the legislature for approval — see also referendum

— on oneʼs own initiative

: at one's own discretion : independently of outside influence, suggestion, or control