as in founder
a person who establishes a whole new field of endeavor
as the initiator of printing from movable type, Gutenberg revolutionized people's access to written language
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Recent Examples of initiator
The researchers used liquid metal particles (LMPs) as initiators for polymerization, the chemical process used to form the hydrogel network.
—
Georgina Jedikovska, Interesting Engineering, 3 June 2026
His top recommendation for the latter was Pitzock, the restaurant run by his uncle Oskar Messner, one of the initiators of the Slow Food movement in the valley and among the most knowledgeable sources in the region on local ingredients and tradition.
—Jenn Rice, Travel + Leisure, 7 May 2026
Los Angeles also employed Luke Kennard as a ballhandler and initiator, and guard Marcus Smart is back after missing nearly three weeks with a right ankle injury.
—ABC News, 14 Apr. 2026
Ausar Thompson is the Pistons’ second-most effective offensive initiator after Cunningham.
—Jared Weiss, New York Times, 11 Mar. 2026
Peterson is breathtakingly talented as a scorer and on-ball initiator, but health concerns have marred an otherwise impressive freshman season.
—Julia Poe, Chicago Tribune, 10 Mar. 2026
History suggests that wars aimed at reshaping political systems hardly ever unfold as their initiators intend.
—Thomas Wright, The Atlantic, 6 Mar. 2026
And when Aaron's healthier, that's an initiator of our offense as well.
—Bennett Durando, Denver Post, 11 Feb. 2026
PiqlFilm is also the initiator of the Arctic World Archive (AWA), a repository for world memory located in Northern Norway on the Arctic Ocean.
—Thomas Coughlin, Forbes.com, 21 Jan. 2026
Georgina Jedikovska, Interesting Engineering, 3 June 2026
His top recommendation for the latter was Pitzock, the restaurant run by his uncle Oskar Messner, one of the initiators of the Slow Food movement in the valley and among the most knowledgeable sources in the region on local ingredients and tradition.
—Jenn Rice, Travel + Leisure, 7 May 2026
Los Angeles also employed Luke Kennard as a ballhandler and initiator, and guard Marcus Smart is back after missing nearly three weeks with a right ankle injury.
—ABC News, 14 Apr. 2026
Ausar Thompson is the Pistons’ second-most effective offensive initiator after Cunningham.
—Jared Weiss, New York Times, 11 Mar. 2026
Peterson is breathtakingly talented as a scorer and on-ball initiator, but health concerns have marred an otherwise impressive freshman season.
—Julia Poe, Chicago Tribune, 10 Mar. 2026
History suggests that wars aimed at reshaping political systems hardly ever unfold as their initiators intend.
—Thomas Wright, The Atlantic, 6 Mar. 2026
And when Aaron's healthier, that's an initiator of our offense as well.
—Bennett Durando, Denver Post, 11 Feb. 2026
PiqlFilm is also the initiator of the Arctic World Archive (AWA), a repository for world memory located in Northern Norway on the Arctic Ocean.
—Thomas Coughlin, Forbes.com, 21 Jan. 2026
Recent Examples of Synonyms for initiator
Noun
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Misha Sher, a sports marketing expert and founder of One of Not Many, agreed.—
Tom Burrows,
New York Times,
17 June 2026
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The dessert quickly became popular locally before eventually catching the attention of McDonald's founder Ray Kroc as the company searched for a signature dessert offering.—
Kait Hanson,
Southern Living,
16 June 2026
Noun
-
If its touch-sensitive pads and app integration deliver on their ease-of-use promises, this quirky little hybrid could easily become the company’s next viral hit for casual creators.—
New Atlas,
New Atlas,
21 June 2026
-
By developing tech skills online, these content creators are showing young girls that tech and science technology, engineering arts and mathematic (STEAM) careers are accessible and can be customized to fit their interests.—
Veronica Fernandez-Alvarado
June 21,
Sacbee.com,
21 June 2026
Noun
-
Billionaire inventor Sir Nicholas Webb has built a quantum computer called Theia, which helps MI6 foil dozens of threats.—
Gieson Cacho,
Mercury News,
17 June 2026
-
Sterling Elliott was an accomplished inventor, businessman, politician, publisher, and social activist.—
Tara Massouleh McCay,
Southern Living,
16 June 2026
Noun
-
The James Beard Foundation was founded in 1986 and is named for the legendary cookbook author who has been called America’s first foodie.—
Jeanne Bonner,
CNN Money,
16 June 2026
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The foundation’s media awards, honoring cookbook authors, journalists and other media professionals, were presented Saturday, June 13.—
Brock Keeling,
Daily News,
16 June 2026
Noun
-
In the years since, Harry, 41, has made several short trips back to the UK, most notably attending the funeral of Queen Elizabeth II in 2022 and his father King Charles III’s coronation in 2023.—
Helen Regan,
CNN Money,
18 June 2026
-
My brother in-law was an incredible husband and an amazing father to their boys.—
Natalie Neysa Alund,
USA Today,
18 June 2026
Cite this Entry
“Initiator.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/initiator. Accessed 24 Jun. 2026.
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