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

The United States’ drop in credibility has also emboldened many American adversaries to push ahead with initiatives that would have been unthinkable 10 years ago, the closure of the Strait of Hormuz being the prime example. — Letters To The Editor, Washington Post, 18 Aug. 2026

And increasingly, that means finance leaders who can fold AI into the fundamentals rather than treat it as a separate initiative. — Sheryl Estrada, Fortune, 18 Aug. 2026

The Academy’s committees and affinity groups are meant to bring together members to advance key initiatives, inform Academy policy and programs, and serve the interests of its membership. — Marcus Jones, IndieWire, 18 Aug. 2026

Answer these three questions from the CDC’s STEADI initiative. — Deborah Vankin, Los Angeles Times, 18 Aug. 2026

Phrases Containing initiative

• on one's own initiative