INITIAL Synonyms: 56 Similar and Opposite Words

initial 1 of 2

adjective

i-ˈni-shəl

Definition of initial

as in first

coming before all others in time or order you've resolved my initial complaint, but now I have a new question

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

initial

2 of 2

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 initial

Adjective

Nugent's initial hearing took place at a courthouse in Wangaratta, according to an AFP journalist at the scene. — CBS News, 21 Oct. 2026 There are over 200 pans currently in the library system, up from the initial collection of 74, said Aguirre. — Anne Ewbank, Sacbee.com, 21 Oct. 2026

Verb

The lawyer tells you to initial every page. — Howie Carr, Boston Herald, 31 Aug. 2025 The documents largely amount to a memorandum of understanding, with the two countries’ foreign ministers initialling a peace agreement, and Aliyev and Pashinyan signing a joint declaration to pursue a lasting peace. — Brady Knox, The Washington Examiner, 19 Aug. 2025 See All Example Sentences for initial

Recent Examples of Synonyms for initial

Adjective

Ukraine received no warning from its partners ahead of the first wave of attacks, and information about a second wave arrived too late for air raid sirens to be activated in time, air force spokesperson Yurii Ihnat said on national television.

— SAMYA KULLAB, Arkansas Online, 20 Oct. 2026
The model became the first real hit in the emerging athletic shoe industry.

— Phil Wahba, Fortune, 20 Oct. 2026

Definition of first

Verb

According to the memorandum of understanding (MOU) that Williams was there to sign on behalf of the federal government, some nuclear-security research may take place at Pacific Fusion’s future facility.

— Sarah Scoles, Scientific American, 20 Oct. 2026
Nor that Meryl Streep would sign on as executive producer, let alone watch her movie, to help promote the Venice premiere during the stateside awards season.

— Ryan Lattanzio, IndieWire, 9 Oct. 2026

Definition of sign on

Adjective

The original owners were vaudevillians who had a mind-reading act and were passionately into the occult.

— Theater Critic, Los Angeles Times, 22 Oct. 2026
The new record is the closest that the two have come to infusing their distinctive DJing style into their original productions.

— Andrew Ryce, Pitchfork, 22 Oct. 2026

Definition of original

Verb

Eight years ago, protesters frequently drove coverage in their preferred direction by disrupting candidates (Movimiento Cosecha pushed Biden to endorse a deportation moratorium, for instance) and showing up to press them at Q&As.

— David Weigel, semafor.com, 19 Oct. 2026
There’s currently a petition circulating among them urging national leaders to respect their vote to endorse Raman.

— Maxwell Adler, Vanity Fair, 19 Oct. 2026

Definition of endorse

Verb

As plastic in the body breaks down into smaller and smaller bits — known as microplastics and nanoplastics — the potential danger increases, said Wei Min, a Columbia University chemist who co-authored the study.

— Michael Hawthorne, Chicago Tribune, 22 Oct. 2026
The new report, authored by Marc Rosenblum, a former head of the DHS Office of Homeland Security Statistics who left in July, relies on other records obtained through open-records requests and analyzed by outside groups.

— Ted Hesson, Washington Post, 22 Oct. 2026

Definition of author

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

iniquity

initial

initialed

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Cite this Entry

Style

“Initial.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/initial. Accessed 27 Oct. 2026.

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Synonyms of initial

adjective

verb

Example Sentences

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