INITIATE Synonyms: 108 Similar and Opposite Words

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

initiate

verb

i-ˈni-shē-ˌāt

Definition of initiate next

as in to establish

to be responsible for the creation and early operation or use of no one knows who initiated written language

Synonyms & Similar Words

Relevance

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

as in to introduce

to impart knowledge of a new thing or situation to initiated the new recruits in the unspoken laws of military conduct

Synonyms & Similar Words

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

Examples 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 Hayat Tahrir al-Sham, the group most immediately responsible for Assad’s overthrow, has announced that victory is not a license to wreck the institutions of the state, nor to initiate a wave of retribution against Alawites in general. —

Graeme Wood, The Atlantic, 9 Dec. 2024 Lawmakers in several states have already initiated or indicated plans to alter or nullify certain results. —

Gary Fields, Los Angeles Times, 8 Dec. 2024 Recalls were initiated for reasons ranging from concerns about contamination with dangerous pathogens to simple production and mislabeling mistakes that could result in consumers being exposed to allergic reactions. —

Thomas G. Moukawsher, Newsweek, 29 Nov. 2024 Instead, many recalls are initiated due to the potential risk of contamination in the food product. —

Laura Daniella Sepulveda, The Arizona Republic, 29 Nov. 2024 See all Example Sentences for initiate

Recent Examples of Synonyms for initiate

Verb

Dormant seeding also gives the lawn a head start over weeds and provides more time for lawns to establish before the heat of summer arrives.

Kim Toscano, Southern Living, 13 Dec. 2024
The committees aim to establish secure aid convoys, which often face challenges such as looting, hoarding and profiteering in their efforts to deliver humanitarian supplies to Palestinians facing the risk of famine.

Democrat-Gazette staff from wire reports, arkansasonline.com, 13 Dec. 2024