Definition of initiatenext
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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 Truist initiates PulteGroup as buy Truist said the homebuilder is well positioned. Michael Bloom, CNBC, 4 Mar. 2026 Russia launched the war in Ukraine, but this one was initiated by the United States. Chris Isidore, CNN Money, 3 Mar. 2026 The driver failed to stop, and officers initiated a pursuit. Darrell Smith, Sacbee.com, 3 Mar. 2026 Following the Vietnam War, Congress passed the War Powers Resolution, also known as the War Powers Act, to limit a president's ability to initiate military action. Jeff Wagner, CBS News, 3 Mar. 2026 See All Example Sentences for initiate
Recent Examples of Synonyms for initiate
Verb
  • In San Antonio, Kornet quickly established himself again as one of the funniest guys in the locker room, as well as a valuable teammate on the court.
    Louisa Thomas, New Yorker, 8 Mar. 2026
  • The six vacant buildings, which the county is leasing to establish the Los Angeles County Care Community, have been vacant since the early 2000s.
    Andrew Khouri, Los Angeles Times, 7 Mar. 2026
Verb
  • These age prediction tools, introduced at the start of 2026, use factors such as the length of time an account has been active and its usage patterns to determine the authentic age of the user.
    Will McCurdy, PC Magazine, 7 Mar. 2026
  • To complement the sweet heat flavors of the new sandwich, the beloved chicken chain is also introducing a full line of four Strawberry Hibiscus flavored beverages.
    Kait Hanson, Southern Living, 7 Mar. 2026
Verb
  • In July 2024, a Power4Future facility was inaugurated with a dedicated production line for lithium battery systems supporting the NFS program.
    Jijo Malayil, Interesting Engineering, 3 Mar. 2026
  • The democratic system inaugurated in 2000 never established a judicial or security structure able to replace that authoritarian control, analysts say.
    Mary Beth Sheridan, CNN Money, 24 Feb. 2026
Verb
  • When Russia launched its full-scale invasion four years ago, Ukraine’s domestic arms industry was poor.
    Samya Kullab, Los Angeles Times, 8 Mar. 2026
  • Just a year later, the designer was able to launch his very own label.
    Radhika Seth, Vogue, 7 Mar. 2026
Verb
  • Hollywood icon — and, semi-coincidentally, the Golden State’s 38th governor — Arnold Schwarzenegger will be inducted alongside his action-comedy co-star Jamie Lee Curtis during a ceremony this month.
    Erik Pedersen, Deadline, 3 Mar. 2026
  • Clapton was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame as a solo artist and as a member of the Yardbirds and Cream.
    Ross Raihala, Twin Cities, 2 Mar. 2026
Verb
  • The creation of this content included the use of AI based on templates created, reviewed and edited by journalists in the newsroom.
    KANSAS CITY STAR WEATHER BOT, Kansas City Star, 7 Mar. 2026
  • As of this January, more than 70% of Palisades residents displaced by the fire had still not returned to their homes, according to a survey commissioned by the Department of Angels, a nonprofit created by the California Community Foundation and SNAP Inc.
    Clara Harter, Los Angeles Times, 7 Mar. 2026
Verb
  • Under the 2026 contract, the company will provide lifecycle support while continuing to develop, produce, and install the new fire control systems through 2032.
    Jijo Malayil, Interesting Engineering, 6 Mar. 2026
  • Near Visalia, most of its 500 residents live in mobile homes, where companies won’t install rooftop panels without a solid foundation.
    Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Times, 5 Mar. 2026
Verb
  • The Country Joe and the Fish frontman bridged psychedelic rock with biting political satire, pioneering a template for activist musicians.
    Cerys Davies, Los Angeles Times, 9 Mar. 2026
  • The band signed a dual deal with Lumbre Music, an indie founded by the band Legado 7, and Rancho Humilde, the pioneering label led by Mexican music entrepreneur Jimmy Humilde.
    Tomás Mier, Rolling Stone, 9 Mar. 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Initiate.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/initiate. Accessed 10 Mar. 2026.

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