Synonym Chooser

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

Some common synonyms of inaugurate are begin, commence, initiate, start, and usher in. While all these words mean "to take the first step in a course, process, or operation," inaugurate suggests a beginning of some formality or notion of significance.

the discovery of penicillin inaugurated a new era in medicine

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

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 inaugurate?

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

commence firing
commenced a conversation

When is it sensible to use initiate instead of inaugurate?

The words initiate and inaugurate are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, initiate implies taking a first step in a process or series that is to continue.

initiated diplomatic contacts

Where would start be a reasonable alternative to inaugurate?

In some situations, the words start and inaugurate are roughly equivalent. However, start, opposed to stop, applies especially to first actions, steps, or stages.

the work started slowly

How do usher in and inaugurate relate to one another?

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 inaugurate In September 2011, before Xi Jinping was inaugurated as China’s leader, Beijing published its first official foreign policy white paper that defined China’s core interests. David C. Kang, Foreign Affairs, 19 Sep. 2025 The hall of fame was inaugurated in 1998 and now has 87 inductees. Bay Area News Group, Mercury News, 17 Sep. 2025 MizarVision What To Know The Philippines formally inaugurated the Mahatao Forward Operating Base on August 28 on Batan Island—the main island in Batanes province. Micah McCartney, MSNBC Newsweek, 16 Sep. 2025 Bhutan Known for its Gross National Happiness concept and unspoiled natural beauty, in 2022 the country inaugurated the 250-mile Trans-Bhutan Trail, which is open to both day hikers and serious trekkers. Katie Lockhart, Travel + Leisure, 14 Sep. 2025 See All Example Sentences for inaugurate
Recent Examples of Synonyms for inaugurate
Verb
  • The grand prize winner’s selection as the closing film marked another break from tradition, with the competition photocall ceremonies at Busan Cinema Center attracting substantial audiences and establishing the new format as a tentpole event.
    Naman Ramachandran, Variety, 27 Sep. 2025
  • In any event, this is an opportunity to establish more structure in your life and consider what truly supports you.
    Valerie Mesa, PEOPLE, 27 Sep. 2025
Verb
  • Neither has been inducted into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame despite decades of eligibility and a cosmic consensus of their greatness.
    Devon Ivie, Vulture, 25 Sep. 2025
  • In 2021, she was inducted into the International Boxing Hall of Fame, joining her father, Muhammad Ali, as part of the sport’s most prestigious lineage.
    Rosy Cordero, Deadline, 25 Sep. 2025
Verb
  • On the other hand, human pioneers utilizing AI can initiate the process of relocating mining and industry off the planet, and, working together, enable us to expand the domain of life.
    Rick Tumlinson, Space.com, 25 Sep. 2025
  • Patients must initiate the process within 120 days of receiving the bill, and the bill may not be sent to a collection agency while under review.
    Katheryn Houghton, Miami Herald, 25 Sep. 2025
Verb
  • Trim trees and install storm shutters, accordion shutters, and impact glass, and seal outside wall openings.
    Mike Snider, USA Today, 27 Sep. 2025
  • According to residents who live in the Indian Hills neighborhood, multiple internet companies had been working to install fiber in Lexington.
    Kendrick Calfee, Kansas City Star, 27 Sep. 2025
Verb
  • The next play after Nacua’s touchdown, Stafford launched the ball to a wide-open Atwell.
    The Athletic NFL Staff, New York Times, 29 Sep. 2025
  • The Africa Center for Hospitality, Aviation, and Tourism has partnered with GUBA Enterprises, Access Media, and KAYA to launch Africa Week UK, a new three-day event that will celebrate African culture, creativity, and commerce.
    Zac Ntim, Deadline, 29 Sep. 2025
Verb
  • Yeah Yeahs as they were introduced, setting up a campy whodunit with a 1980s look.
    Nathan Diller, USA Today, 29 Sep. 2025
  • The change seems to set back even further Stockdale’s original vision to introduce new jobs, boost attractions and break open a fortress-like property that has divided downtown communities.
    Jennifer Van Grove, San Diego Union-Tribune, 29 Sep. 2025
Verb
  • The films’ special effects are handled by Weta Workshop and showcase pioneering filmmaking technology in motion capture and CGI.
    Andrew McGowan, Variety, 25 Sep. 2025
  • Congrats to those Chinese with thin skins for pioneering this new mode of film import.
    Brian Welk, IndieWire, 25 Sep. 2025
Verb
  • Instead, the inning unraveled just long enough for the Red Sox to create a brand-new ballgame.
    Gabrielle Starr, Boston Herald, 27 Sep. 2025
  • This article was generated by the Bay Area Home Report Bot, software that analyzes home sales or other data and creates an article based on a template created by humans.
    Bay Area Home Report, Mercury News, 27 Sep. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Inaugurate.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/inaugurate. Accessed 1 Oct. 2025.

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