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

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

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 initiate Rosenblatt initiates Airbnb as buy Rosenblatt says Airbnb shares have more room to run. — Michael Bloom, CNBC, 1 Sep. 2026 In July, The Howard Stern Show initiated a round of layoffs, letting go several regulars of the morning ensemble, including Memet Walker, Benjy Bronk, Jon Blitt, and Mike Trainor, and a number of behind-the-scenes staffers. — Jon Blistein, Rolling Stone, 31 Aug. 2026 Saraf saw Tisch as a place to share his experience in initiating projects and seeing them through to completion. — Mike Fleming Jr, Deadline, 31 Aug. 2026 Eight officials have since been suspended, and disciplinary proceedings initiated against them following the inquiry. — ABC News, 30 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for initiate

Recent Examples of Synonyms for initiate

Verb

Its immediate goal is to establish pilot-scale production while continuing to develop partnerships across the fusion and advanced nuclear industries.

— Neetika Walter, Interesting Engineering, 31 Aug. 2026
Once an account is established, parents, guardians, grandparents and others can also contribute up to $5,000 per year until the year before the beneficiary turns 18.

— Jessica Dickler, CNBC, 31 Aug. 2026

Definition of establish

Verb

Singapore is overhauling its landmark baby bonus scheme, first introduced in 2001, as the city’s fertility rate and number of births fall to record lows.

— Angelica Ang, Fortune, 30 Aug. 2026
China’s automakers are entering the silicon race BYD introduced its 4 nm Xuanji A3 intelligent-driving chip earlier this year, while Nio, Li Auto and XPeng have also developed proprietary automotive processors.

— Kaif Shaikh, Interesting Engineering, 29 Aug. 2026

Definition of introduce

Verb

The team's official drumline, The Pack, pounded on illuminated drums during quarter breaks, while Skye, the team's sassy, blue-haired lioness mascot, jumped onto the T-shirt cannon to launch souvenir merchandise high into stadium seats.

— Odette Yousef, NPR, 29 Aug. 2026
After Musk left, OpenAI launched massively successful AI products, namely ChatGPT, struck partnerships with tech titans including Microsoft, converted its business into a for-profit with a non-profit parent, and raised huge sums of funding.

— Lora Kolodny, CNBC, 29 Aug. 2026

Definition of launch

Verb

Designed as a therapeutic companion, the robot resembles a baby seal and uses soft fur, gentle movements, and responsive sounds to create the calming presence of a living pet.

— Atharva Gosavi, Interesting Engineering, 30 Aug. 2026
This poplin maxi skirt is stylish, and its A-line cut can create a flattering silhouette on all body types.

— Jasmine Gomez, Travel + Leisure, 30 Aug. 2026

Definition of create

Verb

Users must explicitly install the plugin and grant ChatGPT several macOS permissions, including AppleScript, Accessibility, and Full Disk Access.

— Tatiana Sataua, Fortune, 26 Aug. 2026
Ward said the proposal could also reduce regulatory barriers for homeowners with existing rooftop solar while expanding access to solar power for people who cannot install panels on their own homes.

— Darrielle Fair, CBS News, 25 Aug. 2026

Definition of install

Verb

Kusama’s art influenced the histories of minimalism, pop art, and performance art; more recently her large-scale installations single-handedly pioneered what is now referred to as experiential art.

— Jason P. Frank, Vulture, 27 Aug. 2026
Still, a year after the Chambers home made its pioneering trek to Altadena, Omgivning has moved three other houses and lined up nine more, and the Martinez family has set Pinky down on her foundation.

— Nicola Twilley, New Yorker, 27 Aug. 2026

Definition of pioneer

Browse Nearby Words

initials

initiate

initiated

See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

Style

“Initiate.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/initiate. Accessed 3 Sep. 2026.

Copy Citation

Synonyms of initiate

verb

Synonym Chooser

Example Sentences

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

More from Merriam-Webster

Word of the Day

recalcitrant

Popular in Grammar & Usage

A Who’s Who Regarding ‘Who’s’ and ‘Whose’

A List of Most Commonly Confused Words

Why do we use apostrophes to show possession?

Is it 'nerve-racking' or 'nerve-wracking'?

What's the difference between 'fascism' and 'socialism'?

Popular in Wordplay

The Longest Long Words List

Stay Woke

Ye Olde Nincompoop: Old-Fashioned Words for 'Stupid'

14 Phobias You Probably Haven't Heard Of

Even More Bird Names that Sound Like Insults (and Sometimes Are)

Popular

A Who’s Who Regarding ‘Who’s’ and ‘Whose’

The Longest Long Words List

Stay Woke

Games & Quizzes