Synonyms of inaugurate

inaugurate

verb

i-ˈnȯ-gyə-ˌrāt 

1

as in to establish

to be responsible for the creation and early operation or use of

inaugurated the college's athletic program for women

Synonyms & Similar Words

• establish
• initiate
• launch
• introduce
• pioneer
• create
• found
• institute
• begin
• constitute
• construct
• start
• organize
• plant
• originate
• invent
• innovate
• develop
• devise
• set up
• produce
• author
• manufacture
• conceive
• expand
• endow
• fund
• concoct
• make up
• arrange
• enlarge
• finance
• contrive
• think (up)
• subsidize
• fabricate
• cook (up)
• father
• systematize
• reinstitute
• relaunch
• systemize
• reinitiate
• put up
• refound

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• close (down)
• shut (up)
• abolish
• annul
• stop
• nullify
• end
• terminate
• finish
• halt
• phase out
• annihilate
• round (off or out)
• wind up
• wrap up

2

as in to induct

to put into an office or welcome into an organization with special ceremonies

the president inaugurated the newest member of the club with a welcoming speech

Synonyms & Similar Words

• induct
• install
• initiate
• seat
• baptize
• receive
• invest
• instate
• consecrate
• enlist
• accept
• enroll
• enshrine
• enrol
• admit
• swear in
• take in

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• can
• terminate
• discharge
• fire
• muster out

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

Examples Sentences

Recent Examples of inaugurate

Dodge inaugurated ― and frequently won ― Detroit’s latest and greatest horsepower race. —Mark Phelan, Detroit Free Press, 12 Dec. 2024

And he will soon be inaugurated for the second time. —Alexis Simendinger, The Hill, 11 Dec. 2024

On Friday, Poland inaugurated its first museum dedicated to LGBTQ history, a milestone in a country where legal recognition for gay rights remains limited. —Angelica Villa, ARTnews.com, 9 Dec. 2024

The 74th Baltimore City Council was inaugurated Thursday, with members’ sights set on an ambitious agenda for the next four years. —Hannah Gaskill, Baltimore Sun, 5 Dec. 2024