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

His cook greeted us at the door and ushered us into the living room, which now contained a skid of boxes. —Melinda Newman, Billboard, 14 Oct. 2025

And Alex Garland ushered AI into the modern age with 2014’s Ex Machina. —James Hibberd, HollywoodReporter, 14 Oct. 2025

Affleck, who produced the musical that stars his ex-wife Jennifer Lopez, walked the red carpet before being ushered into the theater with the rest of the attendees. —Raven Brunner, PEOPLE, 7 Oct. 2025

Gein’s eyes close, and suddenly he’s being ushered through the hospital in his wheelchair, while the staff dance along to the 1983 hit. —Angie Martoccio, Rolling Stone, 6 Oct. 2025