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
• accompany
• lead
• show
• conduct
• direct
• route
• escort
• pilot
• marshal
• precede
• attend
• chaperone
• 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

After dancing concluded at the reception, guests were ushered to another room for a surprise after-party. — Shelby Wax, Vogue, 2 Oct. 2026

Together, the two ushered the sport into a new era of popularity and recognition, having led Brazil to a world championship in Australia in 1994 and a silver medal in the Olympic Games in Atlanta in 1996. — Rafa Sales Ross, Variety, 25 Sep. 2026

Drusilla is responsible for traveling to District 12 to select the year’s Hunger Games tributes and then ushering them back to the Capitol. — Sara Belcher, PEOPLE, 24 Sep. 2026

There are different variations that include private or group tours of all or some of the houses, and your guide will usher you straight to the entrance of each house. — Tarah Chieffi, USA Today, 22 Sep. 2026