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 After the show, the team from Runway were ushered backstage to discuss upcoming cover stories with Domenico Dolce and Stefano Gabbana. Luke Leitch, Vogue, 27 Sep. 2025 After the ceremony, the couple said that guests were ushered to a sunset cocktail hour set up between the horse stables before moving onto the reception dinner in the garden, which was illuminated with candles and lanterns. Kimberlee Speakman, PEOPLE, 26 Sep. 2025 In Dubai in 2021 for the One Night Only event, WWD photographer Giovanni Giannoni and I were ushered into his suite at the Armani Hotel in the Burj Khalifa. Luisa Zargani, Footwear News, 26 Sep. 2025 Lindsey Halligan, an insurance lawyer with no prosecutor experience, was then ushered into the role. Brittney Melton, NPR, 26 Sep. 2025 See All Example Sentences for usher
Recent Examples of Synonyms for usher
Verb
  • Republicans, aware of that history, are trying to steer the conversation in a different direction, leaving the door open to discuss the health care issue with Democrats later — once the government has reopened.
    Jessica Coacci, Fortune, 4 Oct. 2025
  • Hers is a banger about fractured trust and power struggles with a man who once steered her career.
    Bryan West, USA Today, 3 Oct. 2025
Verb
  • An army of around 200 volunteers from the church and several charities were making food, picking up trash, guiding guests and MC'ing dance showcases, said Mary Cantrell, who has been a key organizer since 1993.
    Arkansas Online, Arkansas Online, 5 Oct. 2025
  • So long as Gabriel can avoid critical mistakes and turnovers that marred Joe Flacco's four-game stint as Cleveland's starter, the rookie should have a chance to keep the Browns in this contest and guide them to a second win over NFC North competition.
    Jacob Camenker, USA Today, 5 Oct. 2025
Verb
  • Today, Elanco stands as one of the leading animal health providers in the world, with more than 9,000 employees globally and more than 200 brands sold for pets and farm animals.
    Alysa Guffey, IndyStar, 2 Oct. 2025
  • Assistant Chief Bryan Kuriger, who leads the department’s Improvement and Accountability Bureau, has already begun laying that groundwork, said LMPD Deputy Chief Emily McKinley, who also marked one year in her role this week.
    Monroe Trombly, Louisville Courier Journal, 2 Oct. 2025
Verb
  • Residents here have above average educational backgrounds and the higher incomes that accompany them.
    John Wisely, Freep.com, 3 Oct. 2025
  • Permits are invalid unless they are accompanied by a certificate of veterinary inspection from an accredited veterinarian indicating that the animal is free of disease.
    Lillian Metzmeier, Louisville Courier Journal, 3 Oct. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Usher.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/usher. Accessed 9 Oct. 2025.

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