Synonyms of initiative

initiative

noun

i-ˈni-shə-tiv 

as in ambition

readiness to engage in daring or difficult activity

the sentry showed remarkable initiative and uncommon bravery in foiling the terrorist attack

Synonyms & Similar Words

• ambition
• action
• enterprise
• drive
• spirit
• aggressiveness
• vigor
• hustle
• energy
• go
• gumption
• grit
• spunk
• assertiveness
• killer instinct
• starch
• pluck
• self-reliance
• vitality
• ambitiousness
• pep
• hardihood
• overambitiousness
• snap

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• inertia
• passivity
• reluctance
• inactivity
• hesitation
• timidity
• diffidence
• lethargy
• laziness
• indolence
• faintheartedness

Example Sentences

Recent Examples of initiative

And while law enforcement may get reports of a person with a grievance who is making comments online about perpetrating violence, the new initiative aims to also identify risk factors and intervene. — Kaitlin McCallum, Hartford Courant, 10 Nov. 2026

Last year, as part of a statewide initiative, the Florida Department of Transportation sandblasted and painted over the city’s rainbow intersection at Northeast First Street and Northeast Second Avenue. — Abigail Hasebroock, Sun Sentinel, 10 Nov. 2026

Analysts have complained for decades that California's ballot initiative system is too easily manipulated by special interest groups. — Greg Rosalsky, NPR, 10 Nov. 2026

The declaration also calls for public information initiatives and the application of existing consumer-protection laws. — Lily Templeton, Footwear News, 10 Nov. 2026

Phrases Containing initiative

• on one's own initiative