initiative

noun

i-ˈni-shə-tiv How to pronounce initiative (audio)
Definition of initiativenext
as in ambition
readiness to engage in daring or difficult activity the sentry showed remarkable initiative and uncommon bravery in foiling the terrorist attack

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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 initiative The Army recently launched initiatives focused on rare earth elements, critical minerals processing, and advanced manufacturing. — Marc Andersen, Fortune, 30 June 2026 While local fans in the United States and Canada have also attended other nations’ matches, the Mexican fans have taken complete initiative in showcasing their country. — ABC News, 30 June 2026 The government’s Obras Populares y Planificación, OPP, for Public Works and Planning housing initiative, has been criticized for poor construction quality. — Syra Ortiz Blanes, Miami Herald, 30 June 2026 On board the deportation flight were 146 Venezuelans, including 19 women and seven children, according to ICE Flight Monitor, an initiative of Human Rights First, which tracks deportation flights, The Associated Press reported. — Carmen Sesin, NBC news, 30 June 2026 See All Example Sentences for initiative
Recent Examples of Synonyms for initiative
  1. ambition
  2. action
  3. enterprise
Noun
  • Events designed to support female founders are routinely underfunded relative to the ambitions behind them.
    — Lisa Curtis, Forbes.com, 1 July 2026
  • SpaceX has enormous business ambitions, including data centers in space and perfecting its rocket launch capabilities.
    — John Towfighi, CNN Money, 30 June 2026
Definition of ambition
Noun
  • Blanche has previously defended the DOJ's actions in response to the transparency law.
    — Aysha Bagchi, USA Today, 3 July 2026
  • Other signs of scam communications include requesting money or sensitive information, threatening legal action or arrest or pressuring the victim to take immediate action, a Microsoft spokesperson told the Herald.
    — Ella Moore July 2, Miami Herald, 2 July 2026
Definition of action
Noun
  • Many of these skills take years to develop, so apprenticeships will be key to the long-term sustainability of the enterprise.
    — Christopher McFadden, Interesting Engineering, 4 July 2026
  • What the Council's change adds is not access to green finance but permission to badge the whole enterprise, oil growth included, as transition.
    — Ingmar Rentzhog, Forbes.com, 4 July 2026
Definition of enterprise

Phrases Containing initiative

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initiations
initiative
initiator
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Cite this Entry

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

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More from Merriam-Webster on initiative

Nglish: Translation of initiative for Spanish Speakers

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about initiative

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