INITIATION Synonyms: 15 Similar and Opposite Words

initiation

noun

i-ˌni-shē-ˈā-shən

Definition of initiation

as in inauguration

the process or an instance of being formally placed in an office or organization the initiation of the newest members of the local chamber of commerce

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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 initiation The illicit initiation was revealed Monday as Pennsylvania Atty. — Los Angeles Times, 18 Aug. 2026 Versions of this initiation practice, which was largely abandoned by the nineties, have been described by anthropologists studying the community. — Rachel Aviv, New Yorker, 17 Aug. 2026 Yet here is Stribling, who appears to have every opportunity to defy the traditional Shanahan initiation ritual by making play after play so far this summer. — Dieter Kurtenbach, Mercury News, 9 Aug. 2026 Their distinct coloring is both a warning for predators and a badge of initiation. — Vann R. Newkirk Ii, The Atlantic, 28 July 2026 See All Example Sentences for initiation

Recent Examples of Synonyms for initiation

Noun

Han was also charged with giving lawmaker Kweon Seong-dong, a Yoon loyalist, 100 million won ($73,000) months before Yoon’s inauguration in May 2022.

— ABC News, ABC News, 31 Aug. 2026
Presidency The political struggle continued through Arévalo’s inauguration.

— Encyclopedia Britannica, Encyclopedia Britannica, 27 Aug. 2026

Definition of inauguration

Noun

Van Dijk and her fellow travelers even brought their own swag to give out and said inaugurals feel like a bonding experience for everyone on the flight.

— Zach Wichter, USA Today, 10 May 2026
In the inaugural Be Our Valentine campaign, HopeWorks aims to build a stronger network for survivors.

— Dennis Valera, CBS News, 26 Feb. 2026

Definition of inaugural

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initiating

initiation

initiations

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“Initiation.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/initiation. Accessed 1 Sep. 2026.

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Synonyms of initiation

noun

Example Sentences

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