SINCE 1828
initiative
adjective
ini·tia·tive
| \ i-ˈni-shə-tiv also -shē-ə-tiv
\
\
Definition of initiative
(Entry 1 of 2)
: of or relating to initiation : introductory, preliminary
initiative
noun
ini·tia·tive
| \ i-ˈni-shə-tiv also -shē-ə-tiv
\
\
Definition of initiative (Entry 2 of 2)
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
3a
: 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
on one's own initiative
: at one's own discretion : independently of outside influence or control
Keep scrolling for more
Synonyms for initiative
Synonyms: Noun
action, aggressiveness, ambition, drive, enterprise, go, hustle
Visit the Thesaurus for More
Examples of initiative in a Sentence
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, 1906Noun
… 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 on the Web: Adjective
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. — 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 2018Recent Examples on the Web: Noun
And here’s another takeaway: Maybe ballot initiatives on political reform are promising. — Lee Drutman, Vox, "One big winner last night: political reform," 7 Nov. 2018 Here’s a breakdown of 10 critical measures and initiatives on ballots this November. — Cady Drell, Marie Claire, "Environmental Measures on the 2018 Midterm Election Ballots You Should Know About," 18 Oct. 2018 The fourth-generation Arizona resident is also planning to set forth initiatives for tuition-free community college, investments in renewable energy, and tighter gun legislation. — Isabella Gomez, Teen Vogue, "David Garcia Could Be the First Latinx Governor of Arizona in 44 Years," 29 Aug. 2018 Trump’s history of harsh rhetoric targeting minorities also taints standard-fare GOP initiatives such as cutting food stamps and imposing work requirements on Medicaid and other social services. — Annie Linskey, BostonGlobe.com, "President Trump’s racially charged words dovetail with harsh policies," 9 July 2018 Arizona is one of three states where the billionaire’s NextGen Climate Action group pushed ballot initiatives for higher renewable energy standards. — Washington Post, "Renewable energy push in sunny Arizona draws political fight," 6 July 2018 The booster club raises money through initiatives such as the pancake breakfast to support student-athletes and coaches. — David Anderson, The Aegis, "Family entertainment abounds in Bel Air on July 4," 4 July 2018 The council has until Aug. 10 to place the initiative on the November ballot. — Phil Diehl, sandiegouniontribune.com, "Mansion owner taking sand squabble to ballot box," 4 July 2018 New for this year Fresh initiatives for this year include Smile boxes, which are available in select cities (New York City, Los Angeles, London, Tokyo and Milan). — Ian Paul, PCWorld, "Amazon Prime Day 2018: Everything you need to know about Amazon's shopping extravaganza," 2 July 2018These 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.
Keep scrolling for more
Keep scrolling for more
More Definitions for initiative
initiative
noun
English Language Learners Definition of 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
See the full definition for initiative in the English Language Learners Dictionary
initiative
noun
ini·tia·tive
| \ i-ˈni-shə-tiv
\
\
Kids Definition of initiative
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.
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)
2a
: 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
the court may reduce a sentence on its own initiative — Ghrist v. People, 897 P.2d 809 (1995)
Keep scrolling for more
Comments on initiative
What made you want to look up initiative? Please tell us where you read or heard it (including the quote, if possible).
Test Your Vocabulary
Original Meanings Quiz
-
- Which of the following is the earliest known sense of the word awe?
Can you spell these 10 commonly misspelled words?
TAKE THE QUIZ
Test Your Knowledge - and learn some interesting things along the way.
TAKE THE QUIZLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridgedWords at Play
Ask the Editors
Word Games
-
Original Meanings Quiz
A quiz for the pedantic and those annoyed by them!
Take the quiz -
A Green Quiz
How many questions can you answer about the word "green"?
Take the quiz -
Spell It
Can you spell these 10 commonly misspelled words?
Take the quiz -
Citation
Do you know the person or title these quotes describe?
Play the game
Share initiative
Resources for initiative