as in first
coming before all others in time or order
you've resolved my initial complaint, but now I have a new question
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
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 initial
Amanda Castro, MSNBC Newsweek, 29 May 2025
And ask how often do their patients need red-reduce surgery, or revision surgery, after the initial surgery.
—Carlos Wolf, Miami Herald, 29 May 2025
Alex Mann, Baltimore Sun, 18 July 2024
The document, dated March 14, was supposed to be initialed and signed in multiple places by Hamel, though investigators allege that the signature did not match the one used on police paperwork previously signed by Hamel.
—Justin Muszynski, Hartford Courant, 19 June 2024
See All Example Sentences for initial
Adjective
Since the initial economic shock from the COVID-19 pandemic, claims have generally stayed between 200,000 and 250,000.
—Amanda Castro, MSNBC Newsweek, 29 May 2025
And ask how often do their patients need red-reduce surgery, or revision surgery, after the initial surgery.
—Carlos Wolf, Miami Herald, 29 May 2025
Verb
Billingsley read aloud, and then initialed next to, sentences explaining his right to remain silent and his right to have an attorney present, among others.
—Alex Mann, Baltimore Sun, 18 July 2024
The document, dated March 14, was supposed to be initialed and signed in multiple places by Hamel, though investigators allege that the signature did not match the one used on police paperwork previously signed by Hamel.
—Justin Muszynski, Hartford Courant, 19 June 2024
See All Example Sentences for initial
Recent Examples of Synonyms for initial
Adjective
-
Slaw Dog took home first place Slaw Dog took home first place.—
Greta Cross,
USA Today,
25 May 2025
-
Neither was the British version of The Office, which launched in 2001, though that was among the first television series to run with it.—
Jordan Hoffman,
EW.com,
25 May 2025
Adjective
-
These operators pay artisans and specialized mechanics top dollar to maintain and refurbish the century-old rides, all in an effort to preserve their original design and craftsmanship.—
Christopher Cann,
USA Today,
26 May 2025
-
Prime was intended not only to provide services to Elite but to control Elite’s operations, Elite’s original bylaws show.—
Kristen Taketa,
San Diego Union-Tribune,
25 May 2025
Adjective
-
Zac Brown will also be honored with the inaugural Veterans Voice Award.—
Rachel DeSantis,
People.com,
23 May 2025
-
The 23-year-old Cunningham, who made his inaugural All-Star appearance this year, posted career-best averages of 26.1 points (on .469/.356/.846 shooting splits), 9.1 assists, and 0.8 blocks across a career-most 70 healthy contests — plus 6.1 boards and 1.0 swipes a night.—
Alex Kirschenbaum,
MSNBC Newsweek,
23 May 2025
Verb
-
That ruling was advisory, but it was endorsed overwhelmingly by the United Nations General Assembly.—
Rob Picheta,
CNN Money,
22 May 2025
-
Trump recounted his political alliance with Kennedy, a former Democrat and the nephew of Democratic President John F. Kennedy, who dropped his longshot independent campaign for president and endorsed the GOP candidate.—
Adrianna Rodriguez,
USA Today,
22 May 2025
Verb
-
Your Pacers descendants just authored a new chapter in Knicks misery.—
Joe Vardon,
New York Times,
22 May 2025
-
In a brief authored by Bradley Ruskin and other attorneys from Proskauer Rose, the ATP aims to persuade U.S. District Judge Margaret M. Garnett to enforce a forum selection clause, which dictates where disputes will be heard, and toss the case.—
Michael McCann,
Sportico.com,
21 May 2025
Adjective
-
In the last two months, his league form has been solid, with his maiden goal for the club against Real Sociedad in March followed by an assist for Lopez’s winner at Real Valladolid this month.—
Anantaajith Raghuraman,
New York Times,
16 May 2025
-
The company's second Icon Class ship, Star of the Seas, is scheduled to set sail on its maiden voyage in August 2025, followed by the third ship, Legend of the Seas, which will launch in Europe in summer 2026.—
Natalia Senanayake,
People.com,
15 May 2025
Verb
-
Washington Governor Bob Ferguson signed Bill 5801 into law.—
Kelly Phillips Erb,
Forbes.com,
24 May 2025
-
But there’s good news: On April 17, the Postal Service signed a 10-year lease with its longtime landlord and is expected to reopen in its former location this fall.—
Hailey Branson-Potts,
Los Angeles Times,
24 May 2025
Adjective
-
Forbes Business Council is the foremost growth and networking organization for business owners and leaders.—
Mark Morgan,
Forbes.com,
23 May 2025
-
Cruise emerged as Hollywood's foremost advocate for the theatrical experience during the COVID-19 pandemic, when theaters across the globe were staring down an uncertain future.—
Randall Colburn,
EW.com,
22 May 2025
Cite this Entry
“Initial.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/initial. Accessed 2 Jun. 2025.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share