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
  • 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
  • His presence has allowed the KC bullpen to have established roles.
    Kansas City Star, Kansas City Star, 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
  • In 2014, The Whispers were inducted into the National Rhythm and Blues Hall of Fame.
    Ilana Kaplan, People.com, 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 company has already worked with Mercedes-Benz to install charging stations at locations across the U.S.
    Eileen Falkenberg-Hull, MSNBC Newsweek, 9 July 2025
Verb
  • Only 11% of Candidly customers have launched the student loan retirement match in connection with secure 2.0.
    Brit Morse, Fortune, 5 July 2025
  • Russia launched thousands of drones into Ukraine in June, and Ukraine has continued to make efforts to fight back.
    Ross O'Keefe, The Washington Examiner, 5 July 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
  • This poses challenges to decision-making quality and can introduce safety and reputational risks.
    Anuradha Weeraman, Forbes.com, 1 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
  • With new media deals already locked in, the league is riding the momentum into expansion despite the potential labor fight, which could create a possible work stoppage if a new accord isn’t agreed upon by the end of October.
    Eric Jackson, Sportico.com, 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 15 Jul. 2025.

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