USHER Synonyms: 27 Similar and Opposite Words

Q: How is the word 'usher in' different from other verbs like it?

Some common synonyms of usher in are begin , commence , inaugurate , initiate , and start . While all these words mean "to take the first step in a course, process, or operation," usher in is somewhat less weighty than inaugurate . // ushered in a period of economic decline

Q: How is 'begin' related to other words for 'usher in'?

Begin , start , and commence are often interchangeable, with begin , opposed to end , being the most general. // begin a trip // began dancing

Q: How does the word 'commence' relate to other synonyms for 'usher in'?

Commence can be more formal or bookish than begin or start . // commence firing // commenced a conversation

Q: When is 'inaugurate' a more appropriate choice than 'usher in'?

Although the words inaugurate and usher in have much in common, inaugurate suggests a beginning of some formality or notion of significance. // the discovery of penicillin inaugurated a new era in medicine

Q: When could 'initiate' be used to replace 'usher in'?

The meanings of initiate and usher in largely overlap; however, initiate implies taking a first step in a process or series that is to continue. // initiated diplomatic contacts

Q: When might 'start' be a better fit than 'usher in'?

The words start and usher in are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, start , opposed to stop , applies especially to first actions, steps, or stages. // the work started slowly

usher

verb

Definition of usher next

as in to steer

to point out the way for (someone) especially from a position in front ushered the job applicant into the room and then left

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

Synonym Chooser

How is the word usher in different from other verbs like it?

Some common synonyms of usher in are begin, commence, inaugurate, initiate, and start. While all these words mean "to take the first step in a course, process, or operation," usher in is somewhat less weighty than inaugurate.

ushered in a period of economic decline

How is begin related to other words for usher in?

Begin, start, and commence are often interchangeable, with begin, opposed to end, being the most general.

begin a trip

began dancing

How does the word commence relate to other synonyms for usher in?

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

commence firing

commenced a conversation

When is inaugurate a more appropriate choice than usher in?

Although the words inaugurate and usher in have much in common, inaugurate suggests a beginning of some formality or notion of significance.

the discovery of penicillin inaugurated a new era in medicine

When could initiate be used to replace usher in?

The meanings of initiate and usher in largely overlap; however, initiate implies taking a first step in a process or series that is to continue.

initiated diplomatic contacts

When might start be a better fit than usher in?

The words start and usher in are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, start, opposed to stop, applies especially to first actions, steps, or stages.

the work started slowly

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 usher Audiard — who earlier accepted the film’s award for Best Non-English Language film — took the stage before ushering protagonist Gascón to the microphone. —

Larisha Paul, Rolling Stone, 5 Jan. 2025 The new administration ushered out the belief that healthy financial markets, low unemployment and adequate support for people with the lowest income were enough to sustain an economic growth whose benefits would be shared broadly. —

Jonathan Weisman, New York Times, 4 Jan. 2025 Tapping into such aspects of your personality speaks to your heart and ushers you to exciting times in your life. —

Lisa Stardust, People.com, 11 Jan. 2025 The report claims Payne was ushered by hotel staff to return to his room. —

Thania Garcia, Variety, 3 Jan. 2025 See all Example Sentences for usher

Recent Examples of Synonyms for usher

Verb

Each year, the pharmaceutical industry spends $6 billion in direct-to-consumer advertising to flood the airwaves with commercials that steer patients to the most expensive medications, despite cheaper, more effective drugs being on the market.

— Dick Durbin, Chicago Tribune, 27 Jan. 2025
Most important, the evening felt like an exciting and risky experiment at an institution that has otherwise steered a conservative line during this interregnum season without a music director.

— Corinna da Fonseca-Wollheim, New York Times, 24 Jan. 2025