INITIATION Synonyms: 15 Similar and Opposite Words

initiation

noun

i-ˌni-shē-ˈā-shən

Definition of initiation

as in inauguration

the process or an instance of being formally placed in an office or organization the initiation of the newest members of the local chamber of commerce

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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 initiation Memberships are available from $195-$285 per month with a $1,000 initiation fee. — Langston Wertz Jr, Charlotte Observer, 6 Sep. 2026 People connected to the club told WSJ the initiation fee is close to $1 million, with annual dues of about $44,000. — Joshua Hong, Fortune, 21 Aug. 2026 Sometimes as part of an initiation ritual, pledges would allegedly cut and bag the cocaine in the fraternity houses before it was sold to other students. — Forbestv, Forbes.com, 21 Aug. 2026 Willis never played guard in college, and, as expected, his initiation hasn’t always been smooth. — Matt Barrows, New York Times, 20 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for initiation

Recent Examples of Synonyms for initiation

Noun

The companies contributed $1 million each to Trump’s inauguration and spent millions lobbying Congress and federal agencies in the lead-up to the passage of the 2025 tax and spending bill, according to the letter.

— Justin Papp, CNBC, 28 Sep. 2026
Pope Francis had refused repeatedly to make a proper state visit to France during his 12-year pontificate and pointedly refused to join the inauguration of the rebuilt Notre Dame cathedral in 2024.

— Nicole Winfield, Los Angeles Times, 25 Sep. 2026

Definition of inauguration

Noun

Van Dijk and her fellow travelers even brought their own swag to give out and said inaugurals feel like a bonding experience for everyone on the flight.

— Zach Wichter, USA Today, 10 May 2026
In the inaugural Be Our Valentine campaign, HopeWorks aims to build a stronger network for survivors.

— Dennis Valera, CBS News, 26 Feb. 2026

Definition of inaugural

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initiating

initiation

initiations

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“Initiation.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/initiation. Accessed 1 Oct. 2026.

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Synonyms of initiation

noun

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