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 But in the years since, Kramer has been ushered back into the spotlight—this chair and its sister, the Result, are now produced by Hay in a range of colors and materials (the back and seat now comes in oak or plastic, from $325). Rachel Fletcher, Architectural Digest, 17 June 2025 Like Alice through the looking glass, I was ushered ever deeper into its passageways. Kian Tajbakhsh, The Atlantic, 27 June 2025 Our fashion and garment industries have been ushered well with her support and guidance. Rosemary Feitelberg, Footwear News, 26 June 2025 The partners and their families were ushered inside, where their logos were being broadcast on every single public-facing screen. Karen Billing, San Diego Union-Tribune, 24 June 2025 See All Example Sentences for usher
Recent Examples of Synonyms for usher
Verb
  • This level of confidence from Oakley is helping steer their vision of the future with the help of innovators like Meta AI, Axiom Space, and Travis Scott.
    Cassell Ferere, Forbes.com, 14 July 2025
  • There is also a neutral setting between forward and reverse that lets the watercraft drift, a nice change from the old days of not being able to steer at all if there was no thrust.
    Jeremy Korzeniewski, Robb Report, 12 July 2025
Verb
  • Let the repeats guide readers’ attention, especially in moments when emotions are building.
    Renae Gregoire, Forbes.com, 16 July 2025
  • In other words, this wasn’t a unilateral Trump move nor a matter of whim, but a coordinated transatlantic effort that follows the upbeat NATO summit in June that Rutte skilfully guided.
    Daniel Fried, Time, 15 July 2025
Verb
  • Going into the All-Star break, Judge is leading the majors with a .355 batting average and an OPS of 1.194.
    Ryan Gaydos, FOXNews.com, 15 July 2025
  • Below are the leading nominees by platform for the 2025 Emmys, and the number of programs that received nods.
    Rick Porter, HollywoodReporter, 15 July 2025
Verb
  • The black paint on accompanying bicycle pumps also exceeded federal lead limits for paint.
    MSNBC Newsweek, MSNBC Newsweek, 11 July 2025
  • On June 12, Department of Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem accompanied ICE agents to Huntington Park, with a film crew tailing her.
    Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Times, 11 July 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Usher.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/usher. Accessed 25 Jul. 2025.

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