Synonyms of usher

usher

verb

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

• steer
• guide
• lead
• accompany
• show
• escort
• conduct
• direct
• route
• marshall
• pilot
• marshal
• precede
• attend
• chaperone
• chaperon
• see
• manage
• control
• convoy

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• follow
• trail
• dog
• tail
• shadow
• hound
• tailgate

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

Recent Examples of usher

Disruptions began early when the race was stopped in the neutral zone after protesters carrying a banner gathered on the road before they were ushered to the side by police. —CNN Money, 3 Sep. 2025

But the broadening of their investor base – from institutional investors to high-net-worth individuals to, eventually, 401(k)s – has ushered alternative asset managers out of the shadows. —Leslie Picker, CNBC, 2 Sep. 2025

Its approach could usher tropical moisture into the Southwest across southern Arizona, southwestern New Mexico, and southeastern California. —Anna Skinner, MSNBC Newsweek, 2 Sep. 2025

But the album — written entirely by Sombr, who also plays guitar, keyboards, bass and drums on pretty much every track — still manages to be singular, ushering elements of 2010s indie rock into a pop arena. —Steven J. Horowitz, Variety, 22 Aug. 2025