ini·tia·tive
i-ˈni-shə-tiv 
also -shē-ə-tiv
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 sense 1
: of or relating to initiation : introductory, preliminary
Examples of initiative in a Sentence
Noun
… 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.
Adjective
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
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.
Adjective
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 on the Web
Matt Schoenfeldt, National Review, 21 June 2025
To address past lifeguard shortages and build a stronger pipeline, the Chicago Park District launched several recruitment initiatives in late 2023, including the Lifeguard Explorers Training Program targeting teens and young adults on the South and West sides, with stipends and free certification.
—The Editorial Board, Chicago Tribune, 20 June 2025
Justin Wm. Moyer, Washington Post, 9 Nov. 2022
The initiative also spurred groups on both sides of the debate, including the anti-initiative National Restaurant Association, to open their pockets.
—Justin Wm. Moyer, Washington Post, 9 Nov. 2022
See All Example Sentences for initiative
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Noun
For 16 years, with a brief respite during President Trump’s first term, the military drifted into a laboratory for progressive priorities -- diversity quotas, climate initiatives, and gender policies that sapped readiness and lethality.
—Matt Schoenfeldt, National Review, 21 June 2025
To address past lifeguard shortages and build a stronger pipeline, the Chicago Park District launched several recruitment initiatives in late 2023, including the Lifeguard Explorers Training Program targeting teens and young adults on the South and West sides, with stipends and free certification.
—The Editorial Board, Chicago Tribune, 20 June 2025
Adjective
The initiative also spurred groups on both sides of the debate, including the anti-initiative National Restaurant Association, to open their pockets.
—Justin Wm. Moyer, Washington Post, 9 Nov. 2022
The initiative also spurred groups on both sides of the debate, including the anti-initiative National Restaurant Association, to open their pockets.
—Justin Wm. Moyer, Washington Post, 9 Nov. 2022
See All Example Sentences for initiative
Cite this Entry
“Initiative.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/initiative. Accessed 5 Jul. 2025.
Copy CitationLegal Definition
initiative
noun
ini·tia·tive
i-ˈni-shə-tiv, -shē-ə-tiv
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)
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
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