initiatory

adjective

ini·​tia·​to·​ry i-ˈni-sh(ē-)ə-ˌtȯr-ē 

1

: constituting a beginning

initiatory proceedings

2

: tending or serving to initiate

initiatory rites

Examples of initiatory in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Under the stars of cardinal and initiatory Aries, Jupiter’s energy is renewed and redirected. — Gala Mukomolova, refinery29.com, 29 Dec. 2021

Fearing an imminent barbaric invasion, Candelaria flees from her father and a chaotic, brutal regime, while undertaking an initiatory trip to unveil the truth about love and this menace. — Emilio Mayorga, Variety, 2 Oct. 2021

Virgins should also be required to recite Burning Man’s 10 Principles during this initiatory moment. — Samantha Krukowski, Fortune, 5 Sep. 2017

Word History

First Known Use

circa 1615, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Rhymes for initiatory

• accusatory
• admonitory
• ambulatory
• amendatory
• celebratory
• circulatory
• combinatory
• commendatory
• compensatory
• condemnatory
• confirmatory
• confiscatory