usher

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

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 usher Jones had lawyers approach her bench, signaling her effort to usher it along. Meredith Colias-Pete, Chicago Tribune, 20 Feb. 2025 Sitting one row apart, the bandmates were quickly ushered into their seats shortly after the theater’s lights dimmed. Brenton Blanchet, People.com, 14 Mar. 2025 At one point during Tuesday's talks in the coastal city of Jeddah, journalists were ushered in for a briefing with Rubio and Waltz, only to be ushered out when the conversation kept going. Daniel Arkin, NBC News, 11 Mar. 2025 The concerns echo those of employees from other large firms who say they were ushered back to in-person work before their employers procured sufficient office space. Ars Technica, 11 Mar. 2025 See All Example Sentences for usher
Recent Examples of Synonyms for usher
Verb
  • The relocation will steer the festival toward a new era.
    Matt Brennan, Los Angeles Times, 28 Mar. 2025
  • In 1942, current Gov. Gavin Newsom’s (D-CA) grandfather, William Newsom, steered Pat Brown’s campaign for district attorney.
    Carson Becker, The Washington Examiner, 28 Mar. 2025
Verb
  • Residents want city planners to take notice and be a guiding hand for new investment in their community — especially since landmarks such as Puckett’s and Gary’s Barber Shop, which served the community for 59 years, will be or are already gone.
    Briah Lumpkins, Charlotte Observer, 20 Mar. 2025
  • The team guides clients through its clear design process, helping to bring everything from renovations to new builds to life.
    Elizabeth Stamp, Architectural Digest, 19 Mar. 2025
Verb
  • Junior guard Gabriela Jaquez also stepped up for UCLA as their leading scorer with 18 points, going 4-for-5 from beyond the arc.
    Allison Smith, Forbes.com, 31 Mar. 2025
  • Uzo Aduba leads Netflix’s The Residence with razor-sharp wit and depth.
    Okla Jones, Essence, 30 Mar. 2025
Verb
  • Unstable weather conditions, such as fluctuations in temperature and humidity and unexpected wind, often accompany rain.
    Kamron Sanders, Better Homes & Gardens, 23 Mar. 2025
  • According to the insider, director Doug Liman accompanied the two on the trip, but further details about the project were not disclosed.
    Ashley Hume, Fox News, 23 Mar. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Usher.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/usher. Accessed 3 Apr. 2025.

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