INAUGURATE Synonyms: 80 Similar and Opposite Words

Q: How is the word 'inaugurate' different from other verbs like it?

Some common synonyms of inaugurate are begin , commence , initiate , start , and usher in . While all these words mean "to take the first step in a course, process, or operation," inaugurate suggests a beginning of some formality or notion of significance. // the discovery of penicillin inaugurated a new era in medicine

Q: How does the word 'begin' relate to other synonyms for 'inaugurate'?

Begin , start , and commence are often interchangeable, with begin , opposed to end , being the most general. // begin a trip // began dancing

Q: How is 'commence' related to other words for 'inaugurate'?

Commence can be more formal or bookish than begin or start . // commence firing // commenced a conversation

Q: When is it sensible to use 'initiate' instead of 'inaugurate'?

The words initiate and inaugurate are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, initiate implies taking a first step in a process or series that is to continue. // initiated diplomatic contacts

Q: Where would 'start' be a reasonable alternative to 'inaugurate'?

In some situations, the words start and inaugurate are roughly equivalent. However, start , opposed to stop , applies especially to first actions, steps, or stages. // the work started slowly

Q: How do 'usher in' and 'inaugurate' relate to one another?

Usher in is somewhat less weighty than inaugurate . // ushered in a period of economic decline

inaugurate

verb

i-ˈnȯ-gyə-ˌrāt

Definition of inaugurate

as in to establish

to be responsible for the creation and early operation or use of inaugurated the college's athletic program for women

Synonyms & Similar Words

Relevance

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

as in to induct

to put into an office or welcome into an organization with special ceremonies the president inaugurated the newest member of the club with a welcoming speech

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

Synonym Chooser

How is the word inaugurate different from other verbs like it?

Some common synonyms of inaugurate are begin, commence, initiate, start, and usher in. While all these words mean "to take the first step in a course, process, or operation," inaugurate suggests a beginning of some formality or notion of significance.

the discovery of penicillin inaugurated a new era in medicine

How does the word begin relate to other synonyms for inaugurate?

Begin, start, and commence are often interchangeable, with begin, opposed to end, being the most general.

begin a trip

began dancing

How is commence related to other words for inaugurate?

Commence can be more formal or bookish than begin or start.

commence firing

commenced a conversation

When is it sensible to use initiate instead of inaugurate?

The words initiate and inaugurate are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, initiate implies taking a first step in a process or series that is to continue.

initiated diplomatic contacts

Where would start be a reasonable alternative to inaugurate?

In some situations, the words start and inaugurate are roughly equivalent. However, start, opposed to stop, applies especially to first actions, steps, or stages.

the work started slowly

How do usher in and inaugurate relate to one another?

Usher in is somewhat less weighty than inaugurate.

ushered in a period of economic decline

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 inaugurate Our history, it’s implied, inaugurates the best version of our future. — Literary Hub, 26 Aug. 2026 In 2024, Lai Ching-te, also known as William Lai, was inaugurated as president of Taiwan, succeeding two-term President Tsai Ing-wen. — Arthur I. Cyr, Chicago Tribune, 25 Aug. 2026 In 2025, Côte d’Ivoire inaugurated two new processing factories, which the government hopes will help the country reach its goal of transforming 50% of its own cocoa in the next two years, up from 42% currently. — Colette Davidson, Christian Science Monitor, 22 Aug. 2026 In June, the firm inaugurated the 200 MW/800 MWh Flatland Energy Storage project in Coolidge, Arizona, that can power nearly 44,500 Arizona homes. — Georgina Jedikovska, Interesting Engineering, 19 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for inaugurate

Recent Examples of Synonyms for inaugurate

Verb

Its immediate goal is to establish pilot-scale production while continuing to develop partnerships across the fusion and advanced nuclear industries.

— Neetika Walter, Interesting Engineering, 31 Aug. 2026
Once an account is established, parents, guardians, grandparents and others can also contribute up to $5,000 per year until the year before the beneficiary turns 18.

— Jessica Dickler, CNBC, 31 Aug. 2026

Definition of establish

Verb

Use a drill to install a paper towel holder to the side of the island opposite the towel hooks.

— Emily Williams, Better Homes & Gardens, 2 Sep. 2026
Operators must evaluate the upfront capital investment required to purchase carbon capture machinery and install secure pipeline transport against daily output rates.

— Aman Tripathi, Interesting Engineering, 2 Sep. 2026

Definition of install

Verb

The team's official drumline, The Pack, pounded on illuminated drums during quarter breaks, while Skye, the team's sassy, blue-haired lioness mascot, jumped onto the T-shirt cannon to launch souvenir merchandise high into stadium seats.

— Odette Yousef, NPR, 29 Aug. 2026
After Musk left, OpenAI launched massively successful AI products, namely ChatGPT, struck partnerships with tech titans including Microsoft, converted its business into a for-profit with a non-profit parent, and raised huge sums of funding.

— Lora Kolodny, CNBC, 29 Aug. 2026

Definition of launch

Verb

Singapore is overhauling its landmark baby bonus scheme, first introduced in 2001, as the city’s fertility rate and number of births fall to record lows.

— Angelica Ang, Fortune, 30 Aug. 2026
China’s automakers are entering the silicon race BYD introduced its 4 nm Xuanji A3 intelligent-driving chip earlier this year, while Nio, Li Auto and XPeng have also developed proprietary automotive processors.

— Kaif Shaikh, Interesting Engineering, 29 Aug. 2026

Definition of introduce

Verb

The company, owned by pioneering YouTubers Ian Hecox and Anthony Padilla, produces up to 10 hours of internet content weekly across five channels.

— Cerys Davies, Los Angeles Times, 3 Sep. 2026
In addition to her pioneering work advocating for women’s rights and social justice, Steinem also kept deep relationships with women artists, notably including Barbara Nessim, Annie Leibovitz, and Judy Chicago.

— Devorah Lauter, ARTnews.com, 3 Sep. 2026

Definition of pioneer

Verb

Designed as a therapeutic companion, the robot resembles a baby seal and uses soft fur, gentle movements, and responsive sounds to create the calming presence of a living pet.

— Atharva Gosavi, Interesting Engineering, 30 Aug. 2026
This poplin maxi skirt is stylish, and its A-line cut can create a flattering silhouette on all body types.

— Jasmine Gomez, Travel + Leisure, 30 Aug. 2026

Definition of create

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“Inaugurate.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/inaugurate. Accessed 5 Sep. 2026.

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Synonyms of inaugurate

verb

Synonym Chooser

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The Origin of 'Inaugurate'

Cite this Entry

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