as in first
coming before all others in time or order
you've resolved my initial complaint, but now I have a new question
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Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of initial
Julia Bonavita, FOXNews.com, 8 Nov. 2025
After the initial encounter, sending a brief email or text is both gracious and strategic.
—Amy Lindgren, Twin Cities, 8 Nov. 2025
Reuters, CNN Money, 20 June 2025
One ballot was tossed out because it wasn’t initialed by an election judge, and Balich won the position via a lottery.
—Michelle Mullins, Chicago Tribune, 17 Feb. 2025
See All Example Sentences for initial
Adjective
Magistrates typically conduct initial appearances for defendants, while also performing tasks such as setting release conditions for non-capital offenses and issuing arrest warrants.
—Julia Bonavita, FOXNews.com, 8 Nov. 2025
After the initial encounter, sending a brief email or text is both gracious and strategic.
—Amy Lindgren, Twin Cities, 8 Nov. 2025
Verb
The two countries and the United States said on Wednesday that their technical teams initialed a draft peace agreement that is expected to be signed next week.
—Reuters, CNN Money, 20 June 2025
One ballot was tossed out because it wasn’t initialed by an election judge, and Balich won the position via a lottery.
—Michelle Mullins, Chicago Tribune, 17 Feb. 2025
See All Example Sentences for initial
Recent Examples of Synonyms for initial
Adjective
-
My first apartment on 15th and Union Square was a studio in a classy old building with marble pillars, one small room with a bigger bathroom and strangely an even bigger closet.—
Literary Hub,
Literary Hub,
6 Nov. 2025
-
The purchase was the first investment by a Middle Eastern carrier in an East Asian airline.—
John Liu,
CNN Money,
6 Nov. 2025
Verb
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Lawrence was the first person to sign on for the film.—
Rachel Handler,
Vulture,
6 Nov. 2025
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This follows reports of Netflix approaching iHeartMedia with a similar deal and a THR report of the streamer sending dozens of requests to agents at WME, UTA and CAA in an attempt to sign on more video podcasters.—
Caitlin Huston,
HollywoodReporter,
5 Nov. 2025
Adjective
-
This translation by Nancy Naomi Carlson preserves the rich musicality of the original French, as well as its frequent use of wordplay and often unusual word choice.—
Literary Hub,
Literary Hub,
10 Nov. 2025
-
Jim Carrey inducted Soundgarden, bringing out the late Chris Cornell’s eldest daughter, Lily Cornell Silver, to speak about her father and introduce a performance by his former Soundgarden bandmates, including original member Hiro Yamamoto, with Taylor Momsen and Brandi Carlisle singing vocals.—
Nicole Fell,
HollywoodReporter,
9 Nov. 2025
Verb
-
Former President Barack Obama stopped short of endorsing but called Mamdani over the weekend, offering to be a sounding board.—
Philip Elliott,
Time,
5 Nov. 2025
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Meanwhile, former President Obama endorsed Sherrill in an online video message and later joined her on the campaign trail.—
Joe Hernandez,
NPR,
5 Nov. 2025
Adjective
-
In addition to performing his new song, Aldean presented Charlie Kirk's widow, Erika Kirk, with the inaugural Charlie Kirk Legacy Award.—
Lori A Bashian,
FOXNews.com,
8 Nov. 2025
-
Pilot Season, which launched in 2013, was an attempt to add a viewer-forward sheen to Hollywood’s traditional buffet of inaugural episodes.—
Claire McNear,
Rolling Stone,
8 Nov. 2025
Verb
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The two men went on to co-author a definitive 1,500-page textbook on SAT.—
Quanta Magazine,
Quanta Magazine,
10 Nov. 2025
-
Indiana survived Penn State, winning 27-24 Saturday afternoon at Beaver Stadium thanks to a 10-play, 73-yard drive authored by Mendoza.—
Ryan Canfield,
FOXNews.com,
8 Nov. 2025
Verb
-
Head coach Andy Butler saw enough during pre-season and the opening month of the campaign proper to sign Gjoshe on non-contract terms on September 6, providing cover following injuries and suspensions for Jean Belehouan, Oliver Rose and Joe Starbuck.—
Philip Buckingham,
New York Times,
8 Nov. 2025
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Claressa Shields Secures Record-Breaking $8M Fight Deal Undisputed heavyweight champion of the world, five-division world champion and two-time Olympic gold medalist Claressa Shields has signed a historic minimum $8 million multi-fight partnership with Wynn Records and Salita Promotions.—
Sportico Staff,
Sportico.com,
7 Nov. 2025
Adjective
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The role would typically involve smashing a bottle of champagne against the bow before sending the vessel out on its maiden voyage.—
Mackenzie Schmidt,
PEOPLE,
8 Nov. 2025
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The current target for the maiden season is 2029.—
Rachel Cormack,
Robb Report,
4 Nov. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Initial.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/initial. Accessed 17 Nov. 2025.
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