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

In August 2020, amid racial justice protests on the plaza outside Barclays Center, Wu Tsai and her husband, Alibaba cofounder Joe Tsai, pledged $50 million over 10 years to social justice and economic mobility initiatives, prioritizing Brooklyn. — James Laforge, Fortune, 13 Oct. 2026

Its proceeds go toward supporting LACMA’s initiative to make film more central to the museum’s curatorial programming, as well as toward the museum’s broader mission. — Laura Zornosa, Los Angeles Times, 13 Oct. 2026

Proceeds from the annual fundraiser support LACMA’s exhibitions, acquisitions, educational initiatives and film programming, furthering the museum’s efforts to bring art and cinema together. — Ryma Chikhoune, Footwear News, 13 Oct. 2026

Bogen said Tony asked him to send information about a medical screening initiative on the ballot and described the request as a form letter. — Morgan Rynor, CBS News, 12 Oct. 2026

Phrases Containing initiative

• on one's own initiative