Synonyms of initiate

initiate

verb

i-ˈni-shē-ˌāt 

1

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

• establish
• launch
• introduce
• create
• pioneer
• found
• begin
• inaugurate
• institute
• constitute
• start
• construct
• organize
• plant
• originate
• develop
• invent
• innovate
• set up
• devise
• produce
• author
• manufacture
• conceive
• think (up)
• fund
• expand
• concoct
• contrive
• arrange
• cook (up)
• endow
• make up
• finance
• fabricate
• subsidize
• enlarge
• reinitiate
• father
• systematize
• reinstitute
• systemize
• put up
• relaunch
• refound

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• shut (up)
• close (down)
• stop
• abolish
• nullify
• terminate
• annul
• finish
• end
• halt
• phase out
• annihilate
• round (off or out)
• wind up
• wrap up

2

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

• introduce
• educate
• orient
• familiarize
• acquaint
• orientate
• inform
• accustom
• expose
• present
• wont
• instruct
• apprise
• warn
• train
• subject
• brief
• habituate
• ground
• fill in
• enlighten
• clue (in)
• school
• advise
• tip (off)
• tell
• verse
• wise (up)
• reacquaint

3

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

• inaugurate
• induct
• install
• seat
• baptize
• receive
• invest
• instate
• enlist
• accept
• enroll
• consecrate
• admit
• enshrine
• swear in
• take in

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• can
• terminate
• discharge
• fire
• muster out

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

Recent Examples of initiate

The office has initiated a formal judicial investigation of war crimes in the fatal strike, working with Irish and Ukrainian authorities. — David Folkenflik, NPR, 4 Oct. 2026

The computer was stuck and unable to initiate a power return. — Luke Smith, New York Times, 4 Oct. 2026

The Chinese Commerce Ministry said in a statement the probe was initiated after a complaint from China’s domestic industry. — ABC News, 3 Oct. 2026

Blanda and a growing group of neighbors at the Vilamoura at Rancho San Clemente have banded together to oppose the surprise fee and initiated a recall election to try to unseat the HOA board. — Grace Toohey, Los Angeles Times, 2 Oct. 2026