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

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