usher

as in to steer
to point out the way for (someone) especially from a position in front ushered the job applicant into the room and then left

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

Synonym Chooser

How is the word usher in different from other verbs like it?

Some common synonyms of usher in are begin, commence, inaugurate, initiate, and start. While all these words mean "to take the first step in a course, process, or operation," usher in is somewhat less weighty than inaugurate.

ushered in a period of economic decline

How is begin related to other words for usher in?

Begin, start, and commence are often interchangeable, with begin, opposed to end, being the most general.

begin a trip
began dancing

How does the word commence relate to other synonyms for usher in?

Commence can be more formal or bookish than begin or start.

commence firing
commenced a conversation

When is inaugurate a more appropriate choice than usher in?

Although the words inaugurate and usher in have much in common, inaugurate suggests a beginning of some formality or notion of significance.

the discovery of penicillin inaugurated a new era in medicine

When could initiate be used to replace usher in?

The meanings of initiate and usher in largely overlap; however, initiate implies taking a first step in a process or series that is to continue.

initiated diplomatic contacts

When might start be a better fit than usher in?

The words start and usher in are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, start, opposed to stop, applies especially to first actions, steps, or stages.

the work started slowly

Example Sentences

Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Recent Examples of usher He was then ushered away as baseball personnel and Progressive Field security handled the situation. Ryan Gaydos, FOXNews.com, 28 Apr. 2025 Meanwhile, onlookers, including members of the press and a group of Mangione supporters, stood on their toes trying to get a final glimpses of the suspect before court officials ushered them out. Christopher Cann, USA Today, 26 Apr. 2025 Now meet the folks ushering Cape Charles into its most exciting chapter yet, and find out things to do on your visit. Betsy Cribb Watson, Southern Living, 16 Apr. 2025 Dugan then returned to her courtroom and ushered Flores-Ruiz and his attorney into the jury door, according to the affidavit. Mead Gruver, Chicago Tribune, 25 Apr. 2025 See All Example Sentences for usher
Recent Examples of Synonyms for usher
Verb
  • In May 2023, the company’s CEO, Sam Altman, co-signed an open letter describing the technology as a potential extinction risk—a narrative that has arguably helped OpenAI center itself and steer regulatory conversations.
    Karen Hao, The Atlantic, 15 May 2025
  • At that point, the chief engineer had also woken up and went to the control room to try and maneuver the ship while the skipper attempted to steer from the fly bridge.
    Greta Bjornson, People.com, 15 May 2025
Verb
  • Peter then guided me to a sparsely furnished sitting room for my royal audience.
    Graeme Wood, The Atlantic, 19 May 2025
  • In other words, the engineers needed to keep the star tracker pointed as closely as possible to the guiding star while working.
    Margherita Bassi, Smithsonian Magazine, 19 May 2025
Verb
  • However, access is a steep and crumbling concrete staircase leading down to the river and boat tours.
    Chicago Tribune, Chicago Tribune, 17 May 2025
  • Donald Trump does not need to lead and govern this way.
    ABC News, ABC News, 4 May 2025
Verb
  • The mother then accompanied medics to the hospital so the infant could be evaluated.
    Justin Muszynski, Hartford Courant, 12 May 2025
  • One vehicle was being driven by a 52-year-old man, who was accompanied by a 49-year-old woman, thought to be his wife.
    Latoya Gayle, People.com, 12 May 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Usher.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/usher. Accessed 24 May. 2025.

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