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 Christina Berry, 29, of Flint, said Wednesday marked her third protest at the Capitol since Trump was inaugurated on Jan. 20 each one bigger than the last. Ken Palmer, Freep.com, 3 July 2025 King Charles arrived by helicopter to the Palace of the Holyroodhouse for the historic royal ceremony on the forecourt, which always inaugurates Royal Week. Janine Henni, People.com, 1 July 2025 That August, Hoffman sat for Giard and inaugurated the project. Chris Wiley, New Yorker, 28 June 2025 The capture of this first whaler on June 22 inaugurated the Shenandoah’s most spectacular run, unlike any the raider had enjoyed during its eight months seeking out and destroying Union merchant vessels. Francine Uenuma, Smithsonian Magazine, 23 June 2025 See All Example Sentences for inaugurate
Recent Examples of Synonyms for inaugurate
Verb
  • Two of the victims have been identified in a GoFundMe that has been established, but the Statesman will not publish the four victims’ names until the coroner releases their identities. CORRECTION: The Facebook postings about Benjamin Naylor were made by his three daughters and his ex-wife.
    Idaho Statesman, Idaho Statesman, 11 July 2025
  • Not long before the end, the daring writer-director introduces an idea that should have been established from the jump: As a child, Seti struggled with a speech impediment.
    Peter Debruge, Variety, 11 July 2025
Verb
  • The ministry said he was set to be inducted into the Southern Gospel Music Association Hall of Fame this fall.
    Bob Smietana, NPR, 1 July 2025
  • The Hollis, Oklahoma native who now lives in Tulsa was inducted into the Kansas Sports Hall of Fame, also in 2009.
    Gary Bedore, Kansas City Star, 28 June 2025
Verb
  • Autonomous Decision Making Agents can initiate nudges, recommend remediation or enroll users into adaptive coaching paths without needing admin intervention—saving time and scaling response. 4.
    Uzair Ahmed, Forbes.com, 10 July 2025
  • During the 19th century, the U.S. initiated three wars against the Seminoles in Florida.
    Daniel S. Murphree, The Orlando Sentinel, 10 July 2025
Verb
  • San Diego’s Metropolitan Transit System, or MTS, has a contract with Clear Channel to handle getting the contracts and putting on the wraps, which take about a day to install.
    Phillip Molnar, San Diego Union-Tribune, 11 July 2025
  • The grant would help establish resilience hubs with microgrids and help residents without air conditioning install energy-efficient cooling systems.
    Brian G. Henning, The Conversation, 9 July 2025
Verb
  • Many organizations should consider launching a convoy of innovations.
    Rick Burton, Sportico.com, 5 July 2025
  • Nicole Yelland launched La Reina, a new athletic shoe, with profits benefiting the Hispanic Organization of Mortgage Experts (HOME).
    Carol Cain, Freep.com, 5 July 2025
Verb
  • The possibility of ostomy surgery was introduced later, after exhausting all other treatment options.
    Tereza Shkurtaj, People.com, 13 July 2025
  • Other elements and locations featured in the Phoenix episode include the iconic lowrider culture — an emblematic piece of Chicano identity, which will be introduced in the series through a car show at El Reposo Park showcasing the Sophisticated Few Car Club.
    Paula Soria, AZCentral.com, 13 July 2025
Verb
  • At Evans High School, Children’s Home Society of Florida and the University of Central Florida pioneered the state’s first Community Partnership School in 2012.
    Andry Sweet, The Orlando Sentinel, 6 July 2025
  • Thorium was pioneered in America decades ago, but has been taken up by China to great success.
    Suwanna Gauntlett Upjohn, Forbes.com, 4 July 2025
Verb
  • The Downtown Neighborhood Association of Elgin is creating a new business incubator program with a $100,000 grant from Main Street America.
    Gloria Casas, Chicago Tribune, 14 July 2025
  • Keep clear of puddles - Driving through puddles or low rainwater areas can cause vehicles to hydroplane or skid out of control Give ample space to large vehicles - Trucks or buses can create a water spray that diminishes visibility.
    NC Weather Bot, Charlotte Observer, 14 July 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Inaugurate.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/inaugurate. Accessed 18 Jul. 2025.

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