initial 1 of 2

initial

2 of 2

verb

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
Adjective
The serial numbers on those seals are written on a form that is then initialed by the chief inspector and a member of the Board of Absentee Canvassers. Alison Dirr, Journal Sentinel, 30 Oct. 2024 When those match, it’s marked approved the approver initials the envelope. Sarah D. Wire, USA TODAY, 28 Oct. 2024
Verb
An initial deal did grant the tribe that, but the federal government pressured the tribe to sign several new agreements, according to the exhibit, the last of which forced them to move west. Chris Quintana, USA Today, 6 Sep. 2025 That initial investigation led the HPD to obtain a search warrant to seize electronic devices from the property associated with the IP address of the cyber tip, and the department investigated online communications. Wesley Stenzel, Entertainment Weekly, 6 Sep. 2025 See All Example Sentences for initial
Recent Examples of Synonyms for initial
Adjective
  • Kirsten Obstacles and my first realisations about society's stereotypical attitudes toward motherhood, being a mother, and being an artist and mother quickly led me to take action.
    Caterina De Biasio, Vogue, 11 Sep. 2025
  • The high-energy track, which blends old school hip-hop vibes with rock elements, marks the first time a virtual group has ever produced a song and direct choreography for an audition survival series.
    Laura Sirikul, Forbes.com, 11 Sep. 2025
Verb
  • The 31-year-old man had been shot by a person sitting next to him inside a white pickup truck with a Domino’s sign on top.
    Emerson Clarridge, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 5 Sep. 2025
  • The news conference could compel additional lawmakers to sign on, Kanna said.
    Nicole Fallert, USA Today, 4 Sep. 2025
Adjective
  • The sandwiches are named with references to art, such as the Van Gogh made with roast beef, fresh dill, Havarti cheese, sprouts and deli mustard on pumpernickel bread; or the hot Picasso made with savory meatballs, provolone cheese and Mama Cosenza’s original Italian sauce on an 8-inch baguette.
    Endia Fontanez, AZCentral.com, 8 Sep. 2025
  • Edd Kimber, the original winner of The Great British Baking Show in 2010, has carved out a career in the food world after his victory.
    Jane LaCroix, PEOPLE, 8 Sep. 2025
Adjective
  • Applications are now open for the inaugural class, which will begin in the fall of 2026.
    John Wisely, Freep.com, 6 Sep. 2025
  • Winnipeg’s Frantic Films, headed by CEO and executive producer Jamie Brown, was the recipient of the CMPA’s inaugural TV Producer Indiescreen Award.
    Jennie Punter, Variety, 5 Sep. 2025
Verb
  • Former Detroit mayoral candidate Saunteel Jenkins is endorsing City Council President Mary Sheffield for mayor, in a pivotal move that could help the current city council president also shore up her former opponent's strong support base.
    Dana Afana, Freep.com, 10 Sep. 2025
  • More than a dozen environmental organizations sent the city a joint letter this month endorsing the new plan, which was funded by both federal and state grants.
    David Garrick, San Diego Union-Tribune, 10 Sep. 2025
Verb
  • Griffin co-authored a Wall Street Journal opinion piece arguing the importance of the Fed's political independence.
    Kinsey Crowley, USA Today, 9 Sep. 2025
  • The organization is bringing on Peter Rothpletz to write the morning newsletter most weekdays, while Hasan will author the Monday morning edition.
    Max Tani, semafor.com, 8 Sep. 2025
Adjective
  • The Broncos were incorporating new pieces and new offensive wrinkles into their maiden offensive voyage in 2025.
    Nick Kosmider, New York Times, 8 Sep. 2025
  • Alcaraz has fond memories of playing at the US Open, having won his maiden grand slam title in New York back in 2022.
    Ben Morse, CNN Money, 5 Sep. 2025
Verb
  • Before Park came in, United had signed just two players, albeit two highly experienced Champions League individuals in Sweden’s Julia Zigiotti Olme and Fridolina Rolfo.
    Charlotte Harpur, New York Times, 6 Sep. 2025
  • Pulte pointed to mortgage records that show that within just a couple of weeks, Cook signed primary-residence mortgages for homes in Michigan and Georgia.
    Robert Faturechi, ProPublica, 6 Sep. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Initial.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/initial. Accessed 12 Sep. 2025.

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