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

Maryland moved more slowly — and with an approach that will not change districts for this year's elections — because Democratic state Senate President Bill Ferguson blocked an earlier initiative aimed at putting new maps in place for this year. — ABC News, 4 Aug. 2026

The allegations became louder after Operation Choke Point, an initiative during the Obama Administration when regulators pressed banks to cut off financial services to the firearm industry, tobacco, and payday lenders, among others. — Ken Sweet, Fortune, 4 Aug. 2026

Ballot initiatives that sought to open nearby land for development have also been overwhelmingly rejected. — Chase Hunter, Mercury News, 4 Aug. 2026

What employers are not doing Companies spend heavily on leadership development, retention programs, diversity initiatives, and workplace wellness infrastructure. — Matt Emma, USA Today, 3 Aug. 2026

Phrases Containing initiative

• on one's own initiative