inaugural 1 of 2

adjective

i-ˈnȯ-gyə-rəl How to pronounce inaugural (audio)
Definition of inauguralnext
as in first
coming before all others in time or order the inaugural event in the city's week long festival honoring the sailing ships

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

inaugural

2 of 2

noun

as in inauguration
the process or an instance of being formally placed in an office or organization attended the inaugurals of the city's last three mayors

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

Example Sentences

Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Recent Examples of inaugural
Adjective
The inaugural series encompasses five super-premium bottles—sold individually—and includes the oldest-ever single malt released under a Diageo house brand. — David Thomas Tao, Forbes.com, 7 July 2026 Aptly christened Pioneer One, the inaugural PY60 is centered on efficiency, autonomy, and simplicity. — Rachel Cormack, Robb Report, 7 July 2026
Noun
If fundraising is Global’s plan with its pair of inaugurals, leaving its A380 parked at JFK for four days between flights is an odd choice. — Edward Russell, CNN Money, 9 May 2025 Not So Glamorous Speaking of which, inaugurals are theoretically supposed to be glamorous. — Elisabeth Bumiller, New York Times, 21 Jan. 2025 See All Example Sentences for inaugural
Recent Examples of Synonyms for inaugural
  1. first
  2. inauguration
  3. initial
  4. original
  5. maiden
  6. foremost
Adjective
  • The Kings led 28-22 at the end of the first quarter and carried a 55-48 advantage into the halftime break.
    — Jason Anderson, Sacbee.com, 7 July 2026
  • Tehran has paused fragile negotiations with the US aimed at reaching a lasting deal to end their conflict during the multi-day funeral for Khamenei, who was killed in a US-Israeli strike in February, on the first day of the war.
    — Lex Harvey, CNN Money, 7 July 2026
Definition of first
Noun
  • Meloni was reportedly the sole European leader to receive an invitation to Trump’s January 2025 inauguration.
    — Sophia Mandt, The Washington Examiner, 6 July 2026
  • Its flags hung at President Abraham Lincoln’s inauguration and draped his casket.
    — Karissa Waddick, USA Today, 4 July 2026
Definition of inauguration
Adjective
  • Since its initial meeting of 27 college baseball coaches in June 1945, Association members have broadened to include NCAA Division I, II, and III, NAIA, NJCAA, Pacific Association Division, High School, Youth and Travel.
    — Gary Bedore, Kansas City Star, 2 July 2026
  • Balogun matched Landon Donovan in 2010 for the second-most goals by an American in a World Cup, behind only Bert Patenaude's four in the initial tournament in 1930.
    — CBS News, CBS News, 2 July 2026
Definition of initial
Adjective
  • All that to say, a glass of rye whiskey, one of the oldest drinks in America and the original base of many of our earliest cocktails like Manhattans and Old Fashioneds, is an easy way to honor the scrappy American spirit.
    — Mary Walrath-Holdridge, USA Today, 4 July 2026
  • Here, the material can be charged earlier by light or another energy source, stored in the dark, and then used later to power a chemical reaction after the original energy input has been expended.
    — New Atlas, New Atlas, 3 July 2026
Definition of original
Adjective
  • The Pharaohs have often underperformed on the world stage, but the game against Australia presents Egypt with a real chance to win its maiden knockout fixture.
    — Ben Church, CNN Money, 3 July 2026
  • Despite the advantage, Antonelli’s results in the last two races have put his maiden title bid under a bit of pressure.
    — Yara Elshebiny, Forbes.com, 29 June 2026
Definition of maiden
Adjective
  • Forbes Business Council is the foremost growth and networking organization for business owners and leaders.
    — Krutarth Shah, Forbes.com, 7 July 2026
  • Some of the world’s foremost experts in TND and vaccine evaluation are at the CDC.
    — Ben Lopman, STAT, 2 July 2026
Definition of foremost

Browse Nearby Words

inaudibly
inaugural
inaugurals
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Cite this Entry

“Inaugural.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/inaugural. Accessed 8 Jul. 2026.

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More from Merriam-Webster on inaugural

Nglish: Translation of inaugural for Spanish Speakers

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