INITIAL Synonyms: 56 Similar and Opposite Words

initial 1 of 2

adjective

i-ˈni-shəl

Definition of initial

as in first

coming before all others in time or order you've resolved my initial complaint, but now I have a new question

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

initial

2 of 2

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 initial

Adjective

Ten Pillar Sports Fund, backed by UC Investments, led the Series C raise, which is oversubscribed, surpassing the league’s initial $100 million target. — Annie Costabile, New York Times, 26 Aug. 2026 An adjustable-rate mortgage (ARM) has an interest rate that is fixed for an initial period and then changes periodically. — Rebecca Safier, USA Today, 26 Aug. 2026

Verb

The lawyer tells you to initial every page. — Howie Carr, Boston Herald, 31 Aug. 2025 The documents largely amount to a memorandum of understanding, with the two countries’ foreign ministers initialling a peace agreement, and Aliyev and Pashinyan signing a joint declaration to pursue a lasting peace. — Brady Knox, The Washington Examiner, 19 Aug. 2025 See All Example Sentences for initial

Recent Examples of Synonyms for initial

Adjective

Announced at the Hot Chips conference, the processor is the first dual-architecture mainframe chip from IBM and is being developed for future IBM Z and LinuxONE systems.

— Neetika Walter, Interesting Engineering, 25 Aug. 2026
Nvidia said the first computing racks built on technology from its $20 billion Groq deal, the Groq 3 LPX, will be operational later this year, with Nebius as the launch customer.

— Anniek Bao, CNBC, 25 Aug. 2026

Definition of first

Verb

Republicans have long opposed revenue-raising tax increases, while both parties have been loath to sign on to politically toxic cuts to healthcare and retirement benefits for seniors.

— Bloomberg, Mercury News, 20 Aug. 2026
Another sign on the restaurant’s door announced the arrival of The Vine Boutique Collective and directed customers to the social media pages of its Zona Rosa spot at 7101 NW 86th Terrace.

— Kansas City Star, Kansas City Star, 12 Aug. 2026

Definition of sign on

Adjective

Buckcherry’s current lineup includes Todd as the only original member, Dacanay, guitarist Billy Rowe, bass player Kelly LeMieux, and drummer Francis Ruiz.

— Charisma Madarang, Rolling Stone, 22 Aug. 2026
And with most of the original cast now long gone, the latest sequel often feels as cursed as that treacherous netherworld.

— Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Times, 21 Aug. 2026

Definition of original

Verb

The Boston Herald endorses David Solet for Middlesex District Attorney.

— Boston Herald editorial staff, Boston Herald, 25 Aug. 2026
Tubman asked Douglass to write a letter endorsing her character and accomplishments for inclusion in the book.

— Katie Angell Britannica Editors Aug. 24, Encyclopedia Britannica, 24 Aug. 2026

Definition of endorse

Adjective

The inaugural edition took place in India, and selected a crop of businesses focusing on India’s priority health domains like oncology, chronic disease management and preventive care.

— Angelica Ang, Fortune, 26 Aug. 2026
The Milwaukee Mile in West Allis, Wisconsin, renowned as the world’s oldest major speedway, hosted its inaugural automobile race.

— USA Today, USA Today, 25 Aug. 2026

Definition of inaugural

Verb

More than 60% of China’s albumin market is supplied by foreign manufacturers and all of it is made from plasma collected in the US, according to a 2024 study co-authored by researchers from China’s national and Zhejiang drug inspection authorities.

— CNN Staff, CNN Money, 23 Aug. 2026
Rochman, the University of Toronto researcher, co-authored a petition urging rigorous scrutiny of microplastics by the International Joint Commission, a binational group that oversees the treaty.

— Michael Hawthorne, Chicago Tribune, 23 Aug. 2026

Definition of author

Verb

The trio signed autographs and met with fans, far fewer in the case of Tebow, at the Alachua County Sports & Events Center to culminate the inaugural Florida Legends Card Show.

— Edgar Thompson, The Orlando Sentinel, 24 Aug. 2026
Knight paid Shakur’s bail and signed him to Death Row Records in Los Angeles, absorbing his artist’s growing animosity toward Combs, Wallace and their Bad Boy Records circle in New York.

— Lisa Respers France, CNN Money, 24 Aug. 2026

Definition of sign

Browse Nearby Words

iniquity

initial

initialed

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“Initial.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/initial. Accessed 28 Aug. 2026.

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Synonyms of initial

adjective

verb

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