Synonyms of inaugurate

inaugurate

verb

i-ˈnȯ-gyə-ˌrāt 

1

as in to establish

to be responsible for the creation and early operation or use of

inaugurated the college's athletic program for women

Synonyms & Similar Words

• establish
• initiate
• launch
• introduce
• pioneer
• create
• found
• institute
• begin
• constitute
• construct
• start
• organize
• plant
• originate
• invent
• innovate
• develop
• devise
• set up
• produce
• author
• manufacture
• conceive
• expand
• endow
• fund
• concoct
• make up
• arrange
• enlarge
• finance
• contrive
• think (up)
• subsidize
• fabricate
• cook (up)
• father
• systematize
• reinstitute
• relaunch
• systemize
• reinitiate
• put up
• refound

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• close (down)
• shut (up)
• abolish
• annul
• stop
• nullify
• end
• terminate
• finish
• halt
• phase out
• annihilate
• round (off or out)
• wind up
• wrap up

2

as in to induct

to put into an office or welcome into an organization with special ceremonies

the president inaugurated the newest member of the club with a welcoming speech

Synonyms & Similar Words

• induct
• install
• initiate
• seat
• baptize
• receive
• invest
• instate
• consecrate
• enlist
• accept
• enroll
• enshrine
• admit
• swear in
• take in

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• can
• terminate
• discharge
• fire
• muster out

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

Recent Examples of inaugurate

Ethiopia’s Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam, inaugurated in September 2025 on the Blue Nile near Sudan, is Africa’s largest hydroelectric dam. — Khaled Kazziha, Fortune, 19 Oct. 2026

But before Archer can inaugurate commercial service there or anywhere in the US, the company has to earn type certification for Midnight from the FAA. — Rob Pegoraro, PC Magazine, 19 Oct. 2026

Similar debates were sparked by the building of Brazil’s Belo Monte dam, inaugurated in 2016, which displaced more than 40,000 people; and Colombia’s El Quimbo dam, on which construction began in 2011. — Hira Humayun, CNN Money, 18 Oct. 2026

Ultra-luxury all-inclusive Regent Seven Seas Cruises will inaugurate its full-winter Mediterranean program this year—with pricing inclusive of excursions, food, beverages, and amenities like Wi-Fi. — Brittany Chang, Condé Nast Traveler, 15 Oct. 2026