as in first
coming before all others in time or order
you've resolved my initial complaint, but now I have a new question
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of initial
Sj McShane, Martha Stewart, 16 Apr. 2026
Construction began on the Automated People Mover in 2019, with an initial target opening date in 2023.
—Clara Harter, Los Angeles Times, 16 Apr. 2026
Alexandra Harrell, Sourcing Journal, 15 Sep. 2025
The lawyer tells you to initial every page.
—Howie Carr, Boston Herald, 31 Aug. 2025
See All Example Sentences for initial
Adjective
This practice will promote an initial surge in root and foliage development.
—Sj McShane, Martha Stewart, 16 Apr. 2026
Construction began on the Automated People Mover in 2019, with an initial target opening date in 2023.
—Clara Harter, Los Angeles Times, 16 Apr. 2026
Verb
The Ecuadorian interdisciplinary artist and fashion designer launched her label, Soak (aka her initials backward), in 2021.
—Alexandra Harrell, Sourcing Journal, 15 Sep. 2025
The lawyer tells you to initial every page.
—Howie Carr, Boston Herald, 31 Aug. 2025
See All Example Sentences for initial
Recent Examples of Synonyms for initial
Adjective
-
The first offset was the development of nuclear weapons, which secured American dominance over a Soviet Union that could rely on mass mobilization.—
Gideon Lewis-Kraus,
New Yorker,
15 Apr. 2026
-
System sales to China fell to 19% of overall sales in the first quarter, compared to 36% in the December quarter.—
Arjun Kharpal,
CNBC,
15 Apr. 2026
Verb
-
Modern interpretations from scholars at institutions like Cornell Law and the Congressional Research Service say the majority, if not all, of the acting Cabinet heads would need to sign on with the vice president to put Section 4 into action.—
Isa Almeida,
Oklahoman,
8 Apr. 2026
-
The committee’s goal is to have at least one sign on each of the 18 holes at the Oaks North golf course, but would be happy to double that.—
Elizabeth Marie Himchak,
San Diego Union-Tribune,
8 Apr. 2026
Adjective
-
The original cost was $510,000 but that's gone up by an additional $75,000 due to import tariffs and taxes.—
James Taylor,
CBS News,
17 Apr. 2026
-
Due to building restrictions, the team stuck with the original footprint but were able to extend the height 15 feet, making way for more gracious guest rooms.—
Hannah Martin,
Architectural Digest,
16 Apr. 2026
Verb
-
The Pentagon originally endorsed the ROTOR Act in December after the Senate passed the legislation.—
Olivia Rinaldi,
CBS News,
15 Apr. 2026
-
And, for the record, Wendy's endorses the practice of dipping salty fries into sweet Frostys.—
Bob Vitale,
USA Today,
15 Apr. 2026
Adjective
-
Many of the leaders from the first event will stay put for the inaugural Global Progressive Mobilization, held at the same venue later on Saturday.—
ABC News,
ABC News,
17 Apr. 2026
-
Attending that inaugural festival was then-teenage Jeff Horowitz who, after that cruise, would make an annual father-son trip to Ebertfest, Ebert’s terrestrial film festival in Champaign-Urbana, Illinois.—
Brian Welk,
IndieWire,
16 Apr. 2026
Verb
-
In 1931, a junior advertising executive at P&G, Neil McElroy, authored an influential internal memo urging the company to reshuffle its management to include teams dedicated to managing specific brands.—
Alexander Coolidge,
USA Today,
15 Apr. 2026
-
Much of what’s included in the agenda packets, however, are things like contracts and scans of documents not initially authored by the county, meaning the county can’t create them to be ADA-compliant from the start.—
Molly Morrow,
Chicago Tribune,
15 Apr. 2026
Verb
-
Earle was among the first influencers signed to major podcast deals on the network, alongside fellow influencer Madeline Argy, who continues to host Pretty Lonesome for the network.—
Madison E. Goldberg,
PEOPLE,
14 Apr. 2026
-
The car was in the lot, and office manager Jessica Smith said Gregg signed the paperwork willingly.—
Liz Crawford,
CBS News,
14 Apr. 2026
Adjective
-
Francisco also owns eight top-25 finishes, including her maiden college victory at March’s Gators Invitational with her mother, Maria, in attendance.—
Edgar Thompson,
The Orlando Sentinel,
16 Apr. 2026
-
Regional Electric Ground Effect Nautical Transport (REGENT) has completed the maiden flight of Squire, an autonomous variant of the company's Wing-in-Ground Effect Seaglider aircraft that's being pitched to the US military for logistical duty.—
David Szondy
April 13,
New Atlas,
13 Apr. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Initial.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/initial. Accessed 18 Apr. 2026.
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