1
2
3
as in to inaugurate
to put into an office or welcome into an organization with special ceremonies initiated her as Surgeon General before an army of reporters and photographers

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

Synonym Chooser

How is the word initiate different from other verbs like it?

Some common synonyms of initiate are begin, commence, inaugurate, start, and usher in. While all these words mean "to take the first step in a course, process, or operation," initiate implies taking a first step in a process or series that is to continue.

initiated diplomatic contacts

How does the word begin relate to other synonyms for initiate?

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 initiate?

Commence can be more formal or bookish than begin or start.

commence firing
commenced a conversation

When would inaugurate be a good substitute for initiate?

The meanings of inaugurate and initiate largely overlap; however, inaugurate suggests a beginning of some formality or notion of significance.

the discovery of penicillin inaugurated a new era in medicine

Where would start be a reasonable alternative to initiate?

While the synonyms start and initiate are close in meaning, start, opposed to stop, applies especially to first actions, steps, or stages.

the work started slowly

How are the words usher in and inaugurate related as synonyms of initiate?

Usher in is somewhat less weighty than inaugurate.

ushered in a period of economic decline

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 initiate Studies show approximately 70% of divorces are initiated by women, and according to the Institute for Family Studies, the divorce rate for people 65 and older was 15% in 2022. Ilyssa Panitz, Flow Space, 2 June 2025 From there, a fielder’s choice finally got the Yankees an out, as Goldschmidt initiated a rundown that prevented Freeman from scoring. Gary Phillips, New York Daily News, 31 May 2025 The weekend after the patrol was initiated, several dogs matching the description of those involved in the attack were located roughly 2 miles from Thibeaux’s property, seemingly dumped, according to court documents. Noelle Alviz-Gransee, Kansas City Star, 30 May 2025 Qatar reportedly wants a memorandum of understanding o say the deal was initiated by the Trump administration and that Qatar is not responsible for any future transfers of the plane's ownership. Alexx Altman-Devilbiss, Baltimore Sun, 29 May 2025 See All Example Sentences for initiate
Recent Examples of Synonyms for initiate
Verb
  • In spite of his ability to carry the ball forward — a point of difference from his fellow midfielders — Willock has never quite established himself as integral, at least in part because of his struggles with injury.
    Chris Waugh, New York Times, 6 June 2025
  • The science transparency rule in the first Trump administration was intended to limit the EPA’s ability to consider epidemiologic studies like those that established the health harms from exposure to secondhand smoke and to PM2.5, fine particles often from pollution.
    H. Christopher Frey, The Conversation, 5 June 2025
Verb
  • Though Starlink may be off the table for many domestic fliers, at least in the short term, United has introduced new ways for travelers to distract themselves in recent weeks.
    Will McCurdy, PC Magazine, 7 June 2025
  • Other apps have introduced similar height filters (though Tinder remains the most popular among them — at least 14% of American adults have used it, per Pew Research Center).
    Scottie Andrew, CNN Money, 7 June 2025
Verb
  • Meanwhile, Martens will inaugurate his tenure at Margiela with an Artisanal collection due to be unveiled on July 9 at 7.30 p.m. After presenting his first couture collection for Valentino in January, Alessandro Michele is sitting out this season.
    Joelle Diderich, Footwear News, 2 June 2025
  • In March 2025, Turkey and Azerbaijan inaugurated a new gas pipeline connecting Nakhichevan to Turkey’s gas grid, and thus reduced Nakhichevan’s decades-old reliance on Iranian energy.
    Zaur Shiriyev, Foreign Affairs, 26 May 2025
Verb
  • Celebrities have been able to leverage the opportunity of direct-to-consumer to launch a number of major businesses, and Arnett, Hayes and Bateman are just the latest in a long line of stars to do so.
    Alex Weprin, HollywoodReporter, 10 June 2025
  • The collaboration launched with a dinner at the RHS Chelsea Flower Show in May and shifts into full gear this month with bespoke guest experiences and products.
    Samantha Conti, Footwear News, 10 June 2025
Verb
  • Octo-hires often get inducted into a position when a company catfishes them, refusing to disclose the full responsibilities of the role.
    Bryan Robinson, Forbes.com, 5 June 2025
  • In the end, Rhodes officially inducts the four magicians into The Eye and becomes their handler for all future performances.
    Caroline Blair, People.com, 5 June 2025
Verb
  • The creation of this content included the use of AI based on templates created, reviewed and edited by journalists in the newsroom.
    CA WILDFIRE BOT, Sacbee.com, 9 June 2025
  • The governor’s messages illustrate the complex political situation the weekend’s events have created for California’s leaders, and for immigrants’ rights advocates.
    Jessica Garrison, Los Angeles Times, 8 June 2025
Verb
  • For Pinterest Ads Manager, install the Pinterest tag.
    Paul Ross, Forbes.com, 5 June 2025
  • Trim trees; install storm shutters, accordion shutters, and/or impact glass; seal outside wall openings.
    Gabe Hauari, USA Today, 4 June 2025
Verb
  • While an official cause of death was not disclosed, the beloved musical auteur, who helped pioneer the studio-as-instrument, influencing generations of musicians in pop and beyond, was revealed, in early 2024, to be living with a neurocognitive disorder akin to dementia.
    Madison Bloom, Pitchfork, 11 June 2025
  • Goldman Sachs pioneered the concept with its Returnship program, which launched in 2008.
    Christine Michel Carter, Forbes.com, 10 June 2025

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Initiate.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/initiate. Accessed 18 Jun. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on initiate

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!