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 Baldoni alleged he was only allowed to attend the premiere on the condition that he and his family be ushered off the red carpet before Lively arrived and watch the movie in a separate theater. David MacK, Rolling Stone, 10 June 2025 Guests were then ushered to dinner with traditional Swiss cowbells. Christian Allaire, Vogue, 11 June 2025 Carey has been ushering new beginnings both personally and professionally. Michelle Lee, People.com, 10 June 2025 The attendant ushers an elderly woman over to an Orb. Billy Perrigo, Time, 27 May 2025 See All Example Sentences for usher
Recent Examples of Synonyms for usher
Verb
  • Both would spend trillions to extend the 2017 tax cuts while steering more money to the military and immigration enforcement.
    Elena Moore, NPR, 1 July 2025
  • Senate Republicans steered the sweeping policy bill past a filibuster by using the protections of a process known as budget reconciliation, which also required the legislation to undergo a flurry of amendment votes that stretched from early Monday to lunchtime Tuesday.
    Morgan Chalfant, semafor.com, 1 July 2025
Verb
  • His legacy was the tradition of limited government and individual responsibility that guides us back to our true north when America gets off track.
    Linda McMahon, The Orlando Sentinel, 6 July 2025
  • And last month, Kennedy dismissed an expert panel of vaccine advisers that has historically guided the federal government’s vaccine recommendations, a move that concerned public health officials across the country.
    Deidre McPhillips, CNN Money, 5 July 2025
Verb
  • Studios with a deal for FilmRise, a leading indie distributor of digital streaming content.
    Jill Goldsmith, Deadline, 1 July 2025
  • That’s why two months ago, in the most extraordinary election of my lifetime, Canadians chose Mark Carney to lead them away from America.
    Stephen Marche, The Atlantic, 1 July 2025
Verb
  • Wednesday is predicted to put an end to the week’s streak of showers and thunderstorms with mostly sunny conditions expected throughout the day accompanied by a high of 88.
    Baltimore Sun staff, Baltimore Sun, 29 June 2025
  • Costly Fourth of July barbecues in California Fireworks aren’t the only thing accompanying Californians’ Fourth of July celebrations this year — higher grocery prices will as well.
    Sonja Sharp, Los Angeles Times, 28 June 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Usher.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/usher. Accessed 13 Jul. 2025.

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