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 His supporters have clamped their mouths tighter than the federal budget for diversity, equity and inclusion initiatives. — Gustavo Arellano, Los Angeles Times, 8 July 2026 This holistic logic must extend beyond geopolitical matters to encompass new defense industry initiatives, energy security, and supply-chain redesign. — Galip Dalay, Time, 7 July 2026 The nonprofit organization Partnership on AI (PAI) has announced two new global initiatives to help the public see how artificial intelligence is being governed. — Arthur Zaczkiewicz, Footwear News, 7 July 2026 Backed by the Battery Innovation Program (2026–2030), this initiative will help to eventually boost the UK economy and global competitiveness by accelerating battery technology across sectors such as automotive, aerospace, and maritime. — Mrigakshi Dixit, Interesting Engineering, 7 July 2026 See All Example Sentences for initiative
Recent Examples of Synonyms for initiative
  1. ambition
  2. action
  3. enterprise
Noun
  • Ibiza’s Sublimotion has similar haute ambitions, pairing 12 diners together in a room that will come alive with otherworldly projections and performers.
    — Todd Martens, Los Angeles Times, 8 July 2026
  • Ask Johnny What’s important here is not choosing between loyalty and ambition.
    — Johnny C. Taylor Jr, USA Today, 7 July 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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initiative
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Cite this Entry

“Initiative.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/initiative. Accessed 9 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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