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as in to inaugurate
to put into an office or welcome into an organization with special ceremonies initiated her as Surgeon General before an army of reporters and photographers

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

Synonym Chooser

How is the word initiate different from other verbs like it?

Some common synonyms of initiate are begin, commence, inaugurate, start, and usher in. While all these words mean "to take the first step in a course, process, or operation," initiate implies taking a first step in a process or series that is to continue.

initiated diplomatic contacts

How does the word begin relate to other synonyms for initiate?

Begin, start, and commence are often interchangeable, with begin, opposed to end, being the most general.

begin a trip
began dancing

How is commence related to other words for initiate?

Commence can be more formal or bookish than begin or start.

commence firing
commenced a conversation

When would inaugurate be a good substitute for initiate?

The meanings of inaugurate and initiate largely overlap; however, inaugurate suggests a beginning of some formality or notion of significance.

the discovery of penicillin inaugurated a new era in medicine

Where would start be a reasonable alternative to initiate?

While the synonyms start and initiate are close in meaning, start, opposed to stop, applies especially to first actions, steps, or stages.

the work started slowly

How are the words usher in and inaugurate related as synonyms of initiate?

Usher in is somewhat less weighty than inaugurate.

ushered in a period of economic decline

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 initiate In the spring of 1940, as Hitler took Paris, defeated France, and allowed the British troops at Dunkirk to retreat from the continent in disgrace, two more countries initiated their own nuclear programs. Literary Hub, 23 Oct. 2025 In 2022, the district contacted the Clay County Public Health Center to initiate a study. Laura Bauer, Kansas City Star, 23 Oct. 2025 The same association initiated three foreclosure proceedings on the property between 2008 and 2012. Nora O'Neill, Charlotte Observer, 23 Oct. 2025 In addition to initiating the censure process, the City Council called for a special meeting, with Barbadillo, Lam and Chua in favor. Luis Melecio-Zambrano, Mercury News, 23 Oct. 2025 See All Example Sentences for initiate
Recent Examples of Synonyms for initiate
Verb
  • While several states have passed bills to establish year-round daylight saving time, any changes require federal action.
    Haadiza Ogwude, Cincinnati Enquirer, 25 Oct. 2025
  • Because Moreno was not yet established, the Diamondbacks wanted an everyday outfielder in Gurriel, too.
    Tyler Kepner, New York Times, 25 Oct. 2025
Verb
  • In August, Norton introduced a bill to remove the Pike statue permanently.
    NPR, NPR, 28 Oct. 2025
  • The channel and news brand will begin rolling out 15 second spots today featuring talent like Rachel Maddow, officially introducing the rebrand to viewers.
    Alex Weprin, HollywoodReporter, 27 Oct. 2025
Verb
  • Egypt is preparing to inaugurate its new Grand Egyptian Museum (GEM) in an official ceremony after multiple delays.
    MSNBC Newsweek, MSNBC Newsweek, 27 Oct. 2025
  • Fittingly, the sale will inaugurate Sotheby’s new HQ in New York City’s Breuer building, on Madison Avenue.
    Julie Belcove, Robb Report, 26 Oct. 2025
Verb
  • SpaceX has launched more than 10,000 Starlink spacecraft to date, and nearly 8,750 of them remain active in LEO.
    Mike Wall, Space.com, 28 Oct. 2025
  • Some major stores launch special shipping weekends to encourage early shopping, and taking advantage of those can stretch your holiday budget further.
    Elizabeth Fogarty, Better Homes & Gardens, 28 Oct. 2025
Verb
  • Quick hits There are now 52 players still in contention to be inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame this year after another round of votes have gone through.
    Alex Zietlow, Charlotte Observer, 23 Oct. 2025
  • Of the 14 non-performing songwriters or songwriting teams on the ballot, the top three will be inducted.
    Paul Grein, Billboard, 23 Oct. 2025
Verb
  • Heavy snow and strong winds could impact major routes, isolate higher-elevation communities, and create hazardous conditions for early-season recreation.
    Martha McHardy, MSNBC Newsweek, 25 Oct. 2025
  • After an effort to create a Falls of the Ohio national park fell short in 1967, Kentucky and Indiana officials struggled to stop the falls from becoming a garbage dump.
    Leo Bertucci, Louisville Courier Journal, 25 Oct. 2025
Verb
  • Trim trees and install storm shutters, accordion shutters, and impact glass.
    Doyle Rice, USA Today, 25 Oct. 2025
  • Didn’t Jimmy Carter install solar panels?
    Adam Gopnik, New Yorker, 25 Oct. 2025
Verb
  • Back in 1910, Vladimir had pioneered research in radiology and launched the first search for uranium deposits in the Russian Empire.
    Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 23 Oct. 2025
  • Instead, the country has pioneered a Blue Economy—an ocean-first approach that puts conservation before consumption, sustainability before spectacle.
    Shelby Stewart, Essence, 22 Oct. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Initiate.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/initiate. Accessed 29 Oct. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on initiate

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