INAUGURAL Synonyms: 52 Similar and Opposite Words

inaugural 1 of 2

adjective

i-ˈnȯ-gyə-rəl

Definition of inaugural

as in first

coming before all others in time or order the inaugural event in the city's week long festival honoring the sailing ships

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

inaugural

2 of 2

noun

as in inauguration

the process or an instance of being formally placed in an office or organization attended the inaugurals of the city's last three mayors

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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 inaugural

Adjective

The Valkyries made history in their inaugural season, becoming the first WNBA expansion team to reach the playoffs in its debut year. — Emma Burleigh, Fortune, 24 Oct. 2026 The six projects selected for the inaugural lab came to El Gouna to pitch their series and meet potential industry partners, with the aim of moving the projects closer to production. — Essie Assibu, Variety, 24 Oct. 2026

Noun

In Andrew Jackson's first inaugural, Andrew Jackson calls himself an instrument of the federal Constitution. — NBC news, 11 Jan. 2026 If fundraising is Global’s plan with its pair of inaugurals, leaving its A380 parked at JFK for four days between flights is an odd choice. — Edward Russell, CNN Money, 9 May 2025 See All Example Sentences for inaugural

Recent Examples of Synonyms for inaugural

Adjective

That the first foreign policy message after the victory went to Moscow, and through a Russian state outlet, says a good deal about where the new government’s instincts lie.

— Brady Knox, The Washington Examiner, 27 Oct. 2026
After a short teaser clip lit up the internet with news of their return, Dead Man’s Bones—the duo of Ryan Gosling and Zach Shields—are officially back with their first new music in 17 years.

— Nina Corcoran, Pitchfork, 27 Oct. 2026

Definition of first

Noun

Expand One week before his inauguration as the new mayor of Arlington Heights, Jim Tinaglia walked through the downtown streets he’s called home for more than 50 years.

— Chicago Tribune, Chicago Tribune, 22 Oct. 2026
The administrative notices were sent out just a couple of weeks after the inauguration and included the team in charge of dispelling disinformation.

— Andy Mannix, ProPublica, 19 Oct. 2026

Definition of inauguration

Adjective

Sguros was listed as the informant on West’s death certificate, the affidavit said, and several months after the initial death investigation, Sguros was legally authorized to release West’s remains to a cremation service business.

— Angie DiMichele, Sun Sentinel, 29 Oct. 2026
The initial demonstration establishes a technical milestone, but further testing and evaluation will determine its broader utility.

— Aamir Khollam, Interesting Engineering, 28 Oct. 2026

Definition of initial

Adjective

Don’t miss the 153-year-old Point Arena Lighthouse, where a climb up the 115-foot tower yields birds-eye views and the Signal Museum houses the original Fresnel lens.

— Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 29 Oct. 2026
Not every case deserves that kind of last-minute intervention, but in Duckett’s case nearly every shred of evidence presented at his original trial has been disproven or debunked.

— Orlando Sentinel, The Orlando Sentinel, 29 Oct. 2026

Definition of original

Adjective

Peacock’s maiden second-quarter profit was lifted by FIFA World Cup games, which contributed $440 million in incremental media revenues.

— Etan Vlessing, HollywoodReporter, 22 Oct. 2026
After victories at Real Sociedad and at home against Sturm Graz, the English club faces its toughest challenge yet in its perfect maiden European campaign.

— ABC News, ABC News, 22 Oct. 2026

Definition of maiden

Browse Nearby Words

inaudibly

inaugural

inaugurals

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Style

“Inaugural.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/inaugural. Accessed 29 Oct. 2026.

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Synonyms of inaugural

adjective

noun

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