Synonyms of initiate

initiate

verb

i-ˈni-shē-ˌāt 

1

as in to establish

to be responsible for the creation and early operation or use of

no one knows who initiated written language

Synonyms & Similar Words

• establish
• launch
• introduce
• create
• pioneer
• found
• begin
• inaugurate
• institute
• constitute
• start
• construct
• organize
• plant
• originate
• develop
• invent
• innovate
• set up
• devise
• produce
• author
• manufacture
• conceive
• think (up)
• fund
• expand
• concoct
• contrive
• arrange
• cook (up)
• endow
• make up
• finance
• fabricate
• subsidize
• enlarge
• reinitiate
• father
• systematize
• reinstitute
• systemize
• put up
• relaunch
• refound

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• shut (up)
• close (down)
• stop
• abolish
• nullify
• terminate
• annul
• finish
• end
• halt
• phase out
• annihilate
• round (off or out)
• wind up
• wrap up

2

as in to introduce

to impart knowledge of a new thing or situation to

initiated the new recruits in the unspoken laws of military conduct

Synonyms & Similar Words

• introduce
• educate
• orient
• familiarize
• acquaint
• orientate
• inform
• accustom
• expose
• present
• wont
• instruct
• apprise
• warn
• train
• subject
• brief
• habituate
• ground
• fill in
• enlighten
• clue (in)
• school
• advise
• tip (off)
• tell
• verse
• wise (up)
• reacquaint

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

• inaugurate
• induct
• install
• seat
• baptize
• receive
• invest
• instate
• enlist
• accept
• enroll
• consecrate
• admit
• enshrine
• swear in
• take in

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• can
• terminate
• discharge
• fire
• muster out

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

Recent Examples of initiate

But mounting litigation, some initiated by his political rivals, is threatening to delay its construction, scheduled to be completed by 2030. — Martin K.n Siele, semafor.com, 12 Oct. 2026

As reported, at the end of last year Dsquared2 initiated a reorganization across its worldwide offices, which was said to impact around 15 percent of its workforce, a decision made in response to market challenges. — Luisa Zargani, Footwear News, 12 Oct. 2026

The driver of the BMW then evaded the traffic stop, and a pursuit was then initiated, according to FHP. — Steven Yablonski, CBS News, 12 Oct. 2026

There has never been any conflict or circumstance that would initiate such a hurtful and shocking decision. — R. Eric Thomas, Denver Post, 10 Oct. 2026