Synonym Chooser

How is the word inaugurate different from other verbs like it?

Some common synonyms of inaugurate are begin, commence, initiate, start, and usher in. While all these words mean "to take the first step in a course, process, or operation," inaugurate suggests a beginning of some formality or notion of significance.

the discovery of penicillin inaugurated a new era in medicine

How does the word begin relate to other synonyms for inaugurate?

Begin, start, and commence are often interchangeable, with begin, opposed to end, being the most general.

begin a trip
began dancing

How is commence related to other words for inaugurate?

Commence can be more formal or bookish than begin or start.

commence firing
commenced a conversation

When is it sensible to use initiate instead of inaugurate?

The words initiate and inaugurate are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, initiate implies taking a first step in a process or series that is to continue.

initiated diplomatic contacts

Where would start be a reasonable alternative to inaugurate?

In some situations, the words start and inaugurate are roughly equivalent. However, start, opposed to stop, applies especially to first actions, steps, or stages.

the work started slowly

How do usher in and inaugurate relate to one another?

Usher in is somewhat less weighty than inaugurate.

ushered in a period of economic decline

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 inaugurate Sontag inaugurated an ad-feminam tradition that has continued ever since, and every Arbus show needs, somehow, to clear the air. Max Norman, New Yorker, 13 June 2025 Breeze Airways inaugurated direct flights on June 12 from Orlando and Tampa to the Southernmost City, according to the Monroe County Tourist Development Council. Miami Herald, 13 June 2025 Within 10 days, President-elect Donald Trump would be inaugurated. Jaweed Kaleem, Los Angeles Times, 5 June 2025 Lee could be inaugurated as early as Wednesday – and faces a host of issues waiting to be tackled. Jessie Yeung, CNN Money, 3 June 2025 See All Example Sentences for inaugurate
Recent Examples of Synonyms for inaugurate
Verb
  • For this historic journey, Kipyegon utilized male pacers to help establish the pace of the race.
    Katelyn Hutchison, Forbes.com, 29 June 2025
  • And the state Riley Act, also passed in 1933, required California local governments to establish a building department and inspect new construction.
    Rong-Gong Lin II, Los Angeles Times, 29 June 2025
Verb
  • He was inducted into the Naismith Basketball Hall of Fame in 2019.
    Chuck Schilken, Los Angeles Times, 20 June 2025
  • Regularly appearing on lists of the funniest and most romantic films ever made, the tale of Westley and the Princess Buttercup was even inducted into the National Film Registry in 2016.
    Brian Tallerico, Vulture, 20 June 2025
Verb
  • The water initiates a chemical reaction that lasts about six hours.
    Tim Carter, Hartford Courant, 28 June 2025
  • The company has reportedly initiated preliminary steps toward launching an initial public offering.
    Dylan Butts, CNBC, 26 June 2025
Verb
  • The mayor could install one of his cronies who has no experience in running a large transit agency like the CTA.
    Chicago Tribune, Chicago Tribune, 29 June 2025
  • Trim trees; install storm shutters, accordion shutters, and/or impact glass; seal outside wall openings.
    Jeanine Santucci, USA Today, 29 June 2025
Verb
  • On Monday June 23, 2025, Iran launched a missile strike on the U.S. Al-Udeid Air Base in Qatar—a retaliatory move following U.S. airstrikes on Iranian nuclear facilities over the weekend.
    Robert Rapier, Forbes.com, 23 June 2025
  • In this photo released by the Iran's Revolutionary Guard on Tuesday, Jan. 17, 2023, a missile is launched from a boat during a naval drill in the Persian Gulf, Iran.
    Amira El-Fekki‎, MSNBC Newsweek, 23 June 2025
Verb
  • According to the lawsuit, Thomas was introduced by women's swimming head coach Mike Schnur to the women's swimmers during a team meeting in Fall 2019 as their incoming teammate.
    Jackson Thompson, FOXNews.com, 2 July 2025
  • Despite the Maxton Hall books publishing in 2018, more readers will now be introduced to the books for the first time.
    Lexy Perez, HollywoodReporter, 1 July 2025
Verb
  • For example, The Internet Archive pioneered non-destructive book scanning methods that preserve physical volumes while creating digital copies.
    ArsTechnica, ArsTechnica, 25 June 2025
  • The winery pioneered the rediscovery of Chiaretto di Nebbiolo.
    Irene S. Levine, Forbes.com, 24 June 2025
Verb
  • Either way, the ceramic mineral complex uses negative ions to seal the hair’s cuticle, locking in moisture while creating long-lasting curls.
    Kiana Murden, Vogue, 1 July 2025
  • Give ample space to large vehicles - Trucks or buses can create a water spray that diminishes visibility.
    CA Weather Bot, Sacbee.com, 1 July 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Inaugurate.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/inaugurate. Accessed 6 Jul. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on inaugurate

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