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 Proceeds from its sale will be used to support initiatives including women’s health equity. — Brian Boucher, ARTnews.com, 27 Oct. 2026 The department has since evolved to include public art initiatives on trains, buses, and platforms—nearly every surface the MTA controls. — James Folta, Literary Hub, 27 Oct. 2026 And what about Mamdani’s signature education initiative, universal childcare? — Ciara Jackson, New York Daily News, 27 Oct. 2026 This leading open-air street art destination recently announced an initiative that gives all Miami-Dade County residents free admission through 2028. — Jp Shaffer, Miami Herald, 27 Oct. 2026 See All Example Sentences for initiative
Recent Examples of Synonyms for initiative
  1. ambition
  2. action
  3. enterprise
Noun
  • In March 2026, China approved the world’s first commercially available brain-computer interface medical device, a milestone that pointed to ambitions extending well beyond low-cost production or fast-follow imitation.
    — Ruby Wang, semafor.com, 27 Oct. 2026
  • With Russia and China increasing their footprint and ambition, the Arctic has become a front line of global power competition.
    — Lee Ying Shan,Matthew Tan, CNBC, 27 Oct. 2026
Definition of ambition
Noun
  • Others, enacted via executive action, are directly tied to the Republican candidates running for office in those states.
    — Christian Datoc, The Washington Examiner, 22 Oct. 2026
  • Officers also must verify license plate information and confirm that an alert is accurate and relevant to an active investigation before taking enforcement action.
    — Nicole Buss, Sacbee.com, 22 Oct. 2026
Definition of action
Noun
  • Anthropic has been building towards integrating Claude with enterprise tools for months.
    — Wen Shao, Fortune, 23 Oct. 2026
  • However, balancing commercial investment logic with public interests, state enterprise governance, and investment transparency remains a key challenge during his tenure.
    — , CNBC, 23 Oct. 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 29 Oct. 2026.

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More from Merriam-Webster on initiative

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about initiative

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