INAUGURATE Synonyms: 80 Similar and Opposite Words

Q: How is the word 'inaugurate' different from other verbs like it?

Some common synonyms of inaugurate are begin , commence , initiate , start , and usher in . While all these words mean "to take the first step in a course, process, or operation," inaugurate suggests a beginning of some formality or notion of significance. // the discovery of penicillin inaugurated a new era in medicine

Q: How does the word 'begin' relate to other synonyms for 'inaugurate'?

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 'inaugurate'?

Commence can be more formal or bookish than begin or start . // commence firing // commenced a conversation

Q: When is it sensible to use 'initiate' instead of 'inaugurate'?

The words initiate and inaugurate are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, initiate implies taking a first step in a process or series that is to continue. // initiated diplomatic contacts

Q: Where would 'start' be a reasonable alternative to 'inaugurate'?

In some situations, the words start and inaugurate are roughly equivalent. However, start , opposed to stop , applies especially to first actions, steps, or stages. // the work started slowly

Q: How do 'usher in' and 'inaugurate' relate to one another?

Usher in is somewhat less weighty than inaugurate . // ushered in a period of economic decline

inaugurate

verb

i-ˈnȯ-gyə-ˌrāt

Definition of inaugurate

as in to establish

to be responsible for the creation and early operation or use of inaugurated the college's athletic program for women

Synonyms & Similar Words

Relevance

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

as in to induct

to put into an office or welcome into an organization with special ceremonies the president inaugurated the newest member of the club with a welcoming speech

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

Synonym Chooser

How is the word inaugurate different from other verbs like it?

Some common synonyms of inaugurate are begin, commence, initiate, start, and usher in. While all these words mean "to take the first step in a course, process, or operation," inaugurate suggests a beginning of some formality or notion of significance.

the discovery of penicillin inaugurated a new era in medicine

How does the word begin relate to other synonyms for inaugurate?

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 inaugurate?

Commence can be more formal or bookish than begin or start.

commence firing

commenced a conversation

When is it sensible to use initiate instead of inaugurate?

The words initiate and inaugurate are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, initiate implies taking a first step in a process or series that is to continue.

initiated diplomatic contacts

Where would start be a reasonable alternative to inaugurate?

In some situations, the words start and inaugurate are roughly equivalent. However, start, opposed to stop, applies especially to first actions, steps, or stages.

the work started slowly

How do usher in and inaugurate relate to one another?

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 inaugurate Today, exactly one hundred years since the architect’s death, Pope Leo XIV visited the iconic basilica to celebrate a Mass and inaugurate the tower which makes the church the tallest in the world. — Christopher Lamb, CNN Money, 10 June 2026 The Mont Blanc Tunnel was inaugurated by Italian President Giuseppe Saragat and French President Charles de Gaulle. — USA Today, 29 June 2026 The Vatican Museums last week inaugurated a major restoration of Raphael’s Loggia, an epic fresco cycle decorating a 213-foot-long corridor in the Apostolic Palace, where the pope lives. — News Desk, Artforum, 29 June 2026 Even the strong Patagonian wind cannot topple this tribute, inaugurated on June 16 during Argentina’s World Cup debut, when the team once again dazzled under Messi, who sealed the victory over Algeria after scoring three goals. — ABC News, 23 June 2026 See All Example Sentences for inaugurate

Recent Examples of Synonyms for inaugurate

Verb

Lawyers on both sides have urged the high court to establish a clear right to a verbatim record in civil hearings.

— Sonja Sharp, Los Angeles Times, 6 July 2026
Last December, the city of Miami approved an ordinance sponsored by Commissioner Damian Pardo establishing an overnight anchoring limitation area within portions of Biscayne Bay.

— Miami Herald, Miami Herald, 6 July 2026

Definition of establish

Verb

In June 2026, Austin cheered his sister on from the audience while she was inducted to the Songwriters Hall of Fame.

— Sophie Dodd, PEOPLE, 4 July 2026
The group helped define hip-hop’s golden age, became the first rap act inducted into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame and remains one of the genre’s most influential pioneers.

— Ernie Suggs, AJC.com, 3 July 2026

Definition of induct

Verb

Investigators preliminarily determined many of the animals died from gunshot wounds, and the shelter has initiated legal action to recover remaining dogs.

— Ruyuan Li. Summary produced by AI assistance, Sacbee.com, 30 June 2026
Moreover, goalkeepers are evolving into playmakers, initiating attacks from the back rather than just clearing, effectively acting as an additional outfield player.

— Clemente Lisi, Forbes.com, 30 June 2026

Definition of initiate

Verb

In addition, city officials can now require owners to install security measures to help protect vacant buildings from further deterioration or trespassing.

— Brian Maass, CBS News, 2 July 2026
It is sold as a barebones vehicle, requiring customers to purchase and install common features like speakers and a center console.

— Charles Singh, USA Today, 1 July 2026

Definition of install

Verb

The pyrotechnics were launched from eight barges on the Potomac River and spots in West Potomac Park.

— Bart Jansen, USA Today, 5 July 2026
Videos of the pyrotechnics display show the pitch filling with tall showers of sparks and dense smoke as dozens of fireworks launched upward.

— Melissa Gomez, Los Angeles Times, 5 July 2026

Definition of launch

Verb

Instead of doubling down on a flawed system, policymakers can make gradual changes by introducing new tax categories in the existing framework and imposing taxes that correspond to the alcoholic content of that category.

— Adam Hoffer, Chicago Tribune, 5 July 2026
In its opening match, Cape Verde introduced itself with a draw against mighty Spain.

— Tim Rohan, NBC news, 4 July 2026

Definition of introduce

Verb

John Coltrane is another influential figure in the history of jazz, known for his pioneering innovations on the saxophone, notably his ability to create a complex, rapid-fire approach to chord progressions.

— Noe Padilla, USA Today, 2 July 2026
Kentucky and North Carolina are pioneering new excise taxes on prediction market operators' fees, aiming to close the tax advantage.

— Nathan Goldman, Forbes.com, 1 July 2026

Definition of pioneer

Verb

Both men argue Los Angeles should consider creating a dedicated anti-squatter task force to help law enforcement distinguish legitimate tenant disputes from cases involving criminal conduct.

— Stepheny Price, FOXNews.com, 5 July 2026
The relaxed fit keeps air circulating while the long skirt design creates an effortless silhouette.

— Aashna Gheewalla, PEOPLE, 5 July 2026

Definition of create

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“Inaugurate.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/inaugurate. Accessed 8 Jul. 2026.

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Synonyms of inaugurate

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