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

This is the first revealed casting for the film following our initial break about the Statham project back in February. — Andreas Wiseman, Deadline, 15 July 2026 Authorities said their initial belief that the group was on a pontoon boat were not correct. — Jason Green, Mercury News, 15 July 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

The West Nile virus has been detected in Yuba County for the first time this year, according to a Monday news release from the Sutter-Yuba Mosquito and Vector Control District.

— Alula Alderson, Sacbee.com, 14 July 2026
Some of the first reports indicated that Adebayo threw a punch at Herro’s head before the two were separated, but some league sources have indicated that initial portrayals of the fight were overblown.

— Anthony Chiang, Miami Herald, 14 July 2026

Definition of first

Verb

DeepSeek is aiming to raise at least 10 billion yuan of additional funds, though the final amount could go several times higher depending on the number of investors that sign on, the people said.

— Bloomberg, Mercury News, 14 July 2026
Chipotle restaurant sign on exterior of a building under clear blue sky, Pleasant Hill, California, April 16, 2026.

— Laya Neelakandan, CNBC, 13 July 2026

Definition of sign on

Adjective

While Nielsen’s streaming rankings for the week of July 6 to 12 won’t be available for another month or so, early data from the measurement company puts The Five Star Weekend among the Top 5 original streaming series in that timeframe.

— Katie Campione, Deadline, 17 July 2026
The original case dates back to the early hours of May 8, 1981, when Sebold, then a Syracuse University freshman, was brutally raped in a park near campus.

— Joaquin Sapien, ProPublica, 17 July 2026

Definition of original

Verb

Even candidates who have merely been endorsed by progressive organizations have sought to draw distinctions.

— Nik Popli, Time, 13 July 2026
The group, which endorsed Jackson last week, is hosting a virtual rally headlining Jackson alongside the leftist Senate candidate in Michigan, Abdul el Sayed, on Monday night.

— Molly Parks, The Washington Examiner, 13 July 2026

Definition of endorse

Adjective

For the Craft Roundtables’ inaugural year, IndieWire received nominations in the Outstanding Directing for a Daytime Studio Non-Fiction Series as well as the Outstanding Editing for a Daytime Studio Program.

— Wilson Chapman, IndieWire, 14 July 2026
Launched at the inaugural Costa Rica Media Market last year in partnership with Grupo Morbido, the open call lured 55 projects from across the region.

— Rafa Sales Ross, Variety, 14 July 2026

Definition of inaugural

Verb

In other words, a more restrictive immigration stance is not just a policy change, but presents a health care issue that could be devastating to millions of American families, said Pillai, who co-authored the KFF report.

— Sharon Epperson, CNBC, 3 July 2026
Solitary confinement can cause post-traumatic stress disorder, self-harm and suicide risks, according to a 2024 report that Peeler co-authored with partners, including students and staff at Harvard University.

— Perla Trevizo, ProPublica, 3 July 2026

Definition of author

Verb

Mintyukov’s deal was worth more than he was expected to get by most NHL observers, but the Ducks didn’t say whether another team had signed Mintyukov to an offer sheet.

— Greg Beacham, Los Angeles Times, 6 July 2026
Rodríguez Castro witnessed his grandfather sign the accord with the Obama administration.

— Romina Ruiz-Goiriena, USA Today, 6 July 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 18 Jul. 2026.

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Synonyms of initial

adjective

verb

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