initiative

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

|Updated on: 14 Jul 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.

— 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

Giorgi, embracing the initiative and the risks, even managed to win the first set.

— christopher clarey, New York Times, "A Calm Serena Williams Claims Her Spot in the Wimbledon Semifinals," 10 July 2018
More broadly, Chinese commentators have suggested Beijing also could disrupt diplomatic work over North Korea’s nuclear and missile programs or other initiatives.

— joe mcdonald, The Seattle Times, "How China could hurt US once it ran out of imports to tax," 10 July 2018
More broadly, Chinese commentators have suggested Beijing also could disrupt diplomatic work over North Korea’s nuclear and missile programs or other initiatives.

— San Antonio Express-News, "China’s options to hit US go beyond imports," 9 July 2018
Many cities have nurtured book clubs and literacy initiatives to build and bind communities.

— christopher johnston, The Christian Science Monitor, "Cleveland uses literature to empower youth, overcome social divides," 9 July 2018
The conference offers the SOF community a place to interact with industry and to collaborate on the challenges, initiatives and way-ahead in delivering the most cutting-edge capabilities into the hands of SOF operators.

— lucinda shen, Fortune, "Northrop Grumman Investigates Worker For Allegedly Attending Charlottesville Rally," 6 July 2018
In her new position Barnes will continue to represent Park as an ambassador in its government relations and business development initiatives.

— mará rose williams, kansascity, "Former KC Mayor Kay Barnes is Park University's new bridge to the community," 3 July 2018
Lee suggested residents follow the department’s social media pages to stay updated on incidents, events and initiatives.

— rafael guerrero, Naperville Sun, "Naperville car burglaries more than doubled in June vs. same month last year," 3 July 2018
The Technology Drive building where the center is going is owned by the Harford County government and until recently was managed by Harford Community College for educational and job training programs and technology transfer initiatives.

— david anderson, The Aegis, "National additive manufacturing research center coming to Aberdeen," 3 July 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