initiation

noun

ini·​ti·​a·​tion i-ˌni-shē-ˈā-shən How to pronounce initiation (audio)
Synonyms of initiation
1
a
: the act or an instance of initiating
b
: the process of being initiated
c
: the rites, ceremonies, ordeals, or instructions with which one is made a member of a sect or society or is invested with a particular function or status
2
: the condition of being initiated into some experience or sphere of activity : knowledgeableness

Synonyms of initiation

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Examples of initiation in a Sentence

his initiation as a member of the club crimes committed as part of gang initiations the initiation of judicial proceedings
Recent Examples on the Web
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.
This includes threats to withdraw federal funding and initiation of new investigations against campuses that do not comply with the federal government’s agenda on topics like antisemitism and diversity, equity and inclusion. — Tarini Mehta, Sacbee.com, 25 Oct. 2026 Seoul has demanded an apology and the initiation of dialogue with Pyongyang to prevent further escalation. — Anna Coren, CBS News, 22 Oct. 2026 The series follows a group of misbehaving Catholic school girls who experience prophetic visions after a dance-team initiation goes wrong, triggering mass hysteria throughout their town. — Matt Grobar, Deadline, 21 Oct. 2026 Shares of Air Global popped nearly 2% following the initiation. — Paulina Likos, CNBC, 21 Oct. 2026 See All Example Sentences for initiation

Word History

First Known Use

1583, in the meaning defined at sense 1b

Time Traveler
The first known use of initiation was in 1583

Phrases Containing initiation

Rhymes for initiation

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Browse Nearby Words

initiate
initiation
initiation rite
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Cite this Entry

“Initiation.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/initiation. Accessed 27 Oct. 2026.

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Kids Definition

initiation

noun
ini·​ti·​a·​tion in-ˌish-ē-ˈā-shən How to pronounce initiation (audio)
1
: the act of initiating : the process of being initiated : introduction
2
: the ceremonies with which a person is made a member of a club or society
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