incipient

adjective

in-ˈsi-pē-ənt How to pronounce incipient (audio)
Definition of incipientnext
as in nascent
beginning to come into existence I have an incipient dislike and distrust of that guy, and I only met him this morning

Synonyms & Similar Words

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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 incipient The political liberalization, while still incipient, was likened by Velásquez to glasnost, referring to the era of reforms and freer public debate that preceded the collapse of the Soviet Union. — Egina Garcia Cano, Arkansas Online, 8 Feb. 2026 Even incipient technologies like quantum computing rely on specialized fabrication and precision engineering. — Eric Kutcher, Fortune, 13 May 2026 Turbulent relations While the incipient reforms in Cuba advanced, Havana and Washington began diplomatic relations after half a century of confrontation. — Rey Rodríguez, CNN Money, 16 May 2026 In one settlement set to be devoured by London, Hester (Hera Hilmar) is waiting to exact revenge against Thaddeus Valentine (Hugo Weaving) for killing her mother, and young historian Tom Natsworthy (Robert Sheehan) joins her incipient rebellion. — David Faris, TheWeek, 16 Feb. 2026 See All Example Sentences for incipient
Recent Examples of Synonyms for incipient
  1. nascent
  2. initial
  3. first
Adjective
  • Daniel Rios would eventually make this nascent kit business into a major brand, Aca Sports.
    — Jack Lang, New York Times, 5 July 2026
  • The secondary market, meanwhile, is genuinely nascent, too thin to show the appreciation curves buyers rely on with Bordeaux or Napa.
    — Paul Caputo, Forbes.com, 30 June 2026
Definition of nascent
Adjective
  • Since its initial meeting of 27 college baseball coaches in June 1945, Association members have broadened to include NCAA Division I, II, and III, NAIA, NJCAA, Pacific Association Division, High School, Youth and Travel.
    — Gary Bedore, Kansas City Star, 2 July 2026
  • Balogun matched Landon Donovan in 2010 for the second-most goals by an American in a World Cup, behind only Bert Patenaude's four in the initial tournament in 1930.
    — CBS News, CBS News, 2 July 2026
Definition of initial
Adjective
  • The Kings led 28-22 at the end of the first quarter and carried a 55-48 advantage into the halftime break.
    — Jason Anderson, Sacbee.com, 7 July 2026
  • Tehran has paused fragile negotiations with the US aimed at reaching a lasting deal to end their conflict during the multi-day funeral for Khamenei, who was killed in a US-Israeli strike in February, on the first day of the war.
    — Lex Harvey, CNN Money, 7 July 2026
Definition of first

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Cite this Entry

“Incipient.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/incipient. Accessed 7 Jul. 2026.

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More from Merriam-Webster on incipient

Nglish: Translation of incipient for Spanish Speakers

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