inaugurate

verb

in·​au·​gu·​rate i-ˈnȯ-gyə-ˌrāt 

-gə-ˌrāt

inaugurated; inaugurating

transitive verb

1

: to induct into an office with suitable ceremonies

2

a

: to dedicate ceremoniously : observe formally the beginning of

inaugurate a new school

b

: to bring about the beginning of

inaugurator

i-ˈnȯ-gyə-ˌrā-tər 

-gə-ˌrā-

noun

Synonyms

• begin
• constitute
• establish
• found
• initiate
• innovate
• institute
• introduce
• launch
• pioneer
• plant
• set up
• start

Choose the Right Synonym for inaugurate

begin, commence, start, initiate, inaugurate, usher in mean to take the first step in a course, process, or operation.

begin, start, and commence are often interchangeable.

begin, opposed to end, is the most general.

begin a trip

began dancing

start, opposed to stop, applies especially to first actions, steps, or stages.

the work started slowly

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

commence firing

commenced a conversation

initiate implies taking a first step in a process or series that is to continue.

initiated diplomatic contacts

inaugurate suggests a beginning of some formality or notion of significance.

the discovery of penicillin inaugurated a new era in medicine

usher in is somewhat less weighty than inaugurate.

ushered in a period of economic decline

Examples of inaugurate in a Sentence

They inaugurated the new headquarters with a brief ceremony.

inaugurated the college's athletic program for women

Recent Examples on the Web

The Thailand Biennale was inaugurated in 2018, with the first edition held in Krabi, the second in Korat, and the third in Chiang Rai and Chiang Saen. —News Desk, Artforum, 5 Sep. 2024

During his visit, Modi inaugurated the new Chancery premises of the High Commission of India in Brunei and paid a visit to the Omar Ali Saifuddien Mosque in Bandar Seri Begawan. —Charmaine Jacob, CNBC, 4 Sep. 2024

The concert officially inaugurated the $2 billion indoor arena that will serve as the new home of the L.A. Clippers. —Renan Botelho, WWD, 16 Aug. 2024

First the postal service inaugurated their own air routes for express shipping. —Zach Wichter, USA TODAY, 7 Aug. 2024

Word History

Etymology

Latin inauguratus, past participle of inaugurare, literally, to practice augury, from in- + augurare to augur; from the rites connected with augury

First Known Use

1606, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Kids Definition

inaugurate

verb

in·​au·​gu·​rate in-ˈȯ-g(y)ə-ˌrāt 

inaugurated; inaugurating

1

: to introduce into office with suitable ceremonies : install

inaugurate a president

2

: to celebrate the opening of

inaugurate a new gym

3

: to bring into being or action

inaugurate a new plan

inaugurator

-ˌrāt-ər 

noun