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

Nugent's initial hearing took place at a courthouse in Wangaratta, according to an AFP journalist at the scene. — CBS News, 21 Oct. 2026 There are over 200 pans currently in the library system, up from the initial collection of 74, said Aguirre. — Anne Ewbank, Sacbee.com, 21 Oct. 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

That the first foreign policy message after the victory went to Moscow, and through a Russian state outlet, says a good deal about where the new government’s instincts lie.

— Brady Knox, The Washington Examiner, 27 Oct. 2026
After a short teaser clip lit up the internet with news of their return, Dead Man’s Bones—the duo of Ryan Gosling and Zach Shields—are officially back with their first new music in 17 years.

— Nina Corcoran, Pitchfork, 27 Oct. 2026

Definition of first

Verb

According to the memorandum of understanding (MOU) that Williams was there to sign on behalf of the federal government, some nuclear-security research may take place at Pacific Fusion’s future facility.

— Sarah Scoles, Scientific American, 20 Oct. 2026
Nor that Meryl Streep would sign on as executive producer, let alone watch her movie, to help promote the Venice premiere during the stateside awards season.

— Ryan Lattanzio, IndieWire, 9 Oct. 2026

Definition of sign on

Adjective

The original owners were vaudevillians who had a mind-reading act and were passionately into the occult.

— Theater Critic, Los Angeles Times, 22 Oct. 2026
The new record is the closest that the two have come to infusing their distinctive DJing style into their original productions.

— Andrew Ryce, Pitchfork, 22 Oct. 2026

Definition of original

Verb

Just days after it was reported that her DSA-LA endorsement might be rescinded, Los Angeles County Supervisor Lindsey Horvath, a Democrat who was once served as the vice president of her college’s Republican club, endorsed Raman’s candidacy.

— Maxwell Adler, Vanity Fair, 26 Oct. 2026
Former baseball star Mark Teixeira, who is running for Congress in Texas, endorsed the Republican candidate challenging New York Attorney General Letitia James on Monday.

— David Zimmermann, The Washington Examiner, 26 Oct. 2026

Definition of endorse

Adjective

Its inaugural recipient is Japanese film critic and international cinema advocate Sahoko Hata, whose career helped introduce landmark European films to Japanese audiences.

— Gavin Blair, HollywoodReporter, 26 Oct. 2026
The Cocktail Party makes its inaugural appearance in Atlanta on Saturday.

— Tyler Estep, AJC.com, 26 Oct. 2026

Definition of inaugural

Verb

As plastic in the body breaks down into smaller and smaller bits — known as microplastics and nanoplastics — the potential danger increases, said Wei Min, a Columbia University chemist who co-authored the study.

— Michael Hawthorne, Chicago Tribune, 22 Oct. 2026
The new report, authored by Marc Rosenblum, a former head of the DHS Office of Homeland Security Statistics who left in July, relies on other records obtained through open-records requests and analyzed by outside groups.

— Ted Hesson, Washington Post, 22 Oct. 2026

Definition of author

Adjective

Peacock’s maiden second-quarter profit was lifted by FIFA World Cup games, which contributed $440 million in incremental media revenues.

— Etan Vlessing, HollywoodReporter, 22 Oct. 2026
After victories at Real Sociedad and at home against Sturm Graz, the English club faces its toughest challenge yet in its perfect maiden European campaign.

— ABC News, ABC News, 22 Oct. 2026

Definition of maiden

Browse Nearby Words

iniquity

initial

initialed

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Cite this Entry

Style

“Initial.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/initial. Accessed 27 Oct. 2026.

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Synonyms of initial

adjective

verb

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