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 There were no postgame handshakes as the teams were ushered to opposite end zones — one to celebrate another championship, the other to reflect on a 9-4 season. —

Steve Galluzzo, Los Angeles Times, 30 Nov. 2024 Security guards then step in to separate the pair and a war of words ensues between the two before they are ushered away from the area, per the report. —

Michael Dorgan, Fox News, 29 Nov. 2024 He was ushered into Mr. Adams’s studio, filled with prints of his photographs of mountains, the moon rising and Yosemite Falls. —

Richard Sandomir, New York Times, 25 Nov. 2024 Workers were ushered into remote and hybrid work in 2020 following the onset of the Covid-19 pandemic. —

Ashton Jackson, CNBC, 25 Nov. 2024 See all Example Sentences for usher

Recent Examples of Synonyms for usher

Verb

But, critically, Ferguson seems likely to steer clear of the types of sweeping rulemakingthat Khan had championed.

Brian Fung, CNN, 15 Dec. 2024
But one of the pivotal accomplishments this year for SpaceX came Oct. 13 when the rocket booster was able to steer autonomously back to the landing pad, where it was caught with two giant mechanical arms.

Eric Lagatta, USA TODAY, 15 Dec. 2024