Definition of inaugurationnext
as in inaugural
the process or an instance of being formally placed in an office or organization the pomp and circumstance of a presidential inauguration

Synonyms & Similar Words

Relevance

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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 inauguration The Detroit Design District today announced the inauguration of a new independent study program for artists, writers, and curators. — News Desk, Artforum, 6 Oct. 2026 The companies contributed $1 million each to Trump’s inauguration and spent millions lobbying Congress and federal agencies in the lead-up to the passage of the 2025 tax and spending bill, according to the letter. — Justin Papp, CNBC, 28 Sep. 2026 Pope Francis had refused repeatedly to make a proper state visit to France during his 12-year pontificate and pointedly refused to join the inauguration of the rebuilt Notre Dame cathedral in 2024. — Nicole Winfield, Los Angeles Times, 25 Sep. 2026 Bruce Springsteen Celebrates Obama’s Inauguration Ahead of Obama’s inauguration in 2009, Springsteen took the stage with fellow storytelling performer Pete Seeger. — Alexandra Schonfeld, PEOPLE, 23 Sep. 2026 See All Example Sentences for inauguration
Recent Examples of Synonyms for inauguration
inaugural
Noun
  • Stone Mountain artist Angela Lanell looked forward to selling her work at the inaugural The Other Art Fair in Atlanta this week for several reasons.
    — Jewel Wicker, AJC.com, 1 Oct. 2026
  • Van Dijk and her fellow travelers even brought their own swag to give out and said inaugurals feel like a bonding experience for everyone on the flight.
    — Zach Wichter, USA Today, 10 May 2026

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Inauguration.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/inauguration. Accessed 21 Oct. 2026.

Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!

More from Merriam-Webster