INITIAL Synonyms: 56 Similar and Opposite Words

initial 1 of 2

adjective

i-ˈni-shəl

Definition of initial

as in first

coming before all others in time or order you've resolved my initial complaint, but now I have a new question

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

initial

2 of 2

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 initial

Adjective

Because lobular tumors are usually hormone receptor-positive, endocrine therapy like tamoxifen is central to lowering recurrence risk, and lobular carcinoma can recur at distant sites many years after initial treatment. — Samantha Agate, Kansas City Star, 14 Oct. 2026 The initial alert instructed people to avoid the area near the chemistry and microbiology buildings because of police activity. — Christa Swanson, CBS News, 14 Oct. 2026

Verb

The lawyer tells you to initial every page. — Howie Carr, Boston Herald, 31 Aug. 2025 The documents largely amount to a memorandum of understanding, with the two countries’ foreign ministers initialling a peace agreement, and Aliyev and Pashinyan signing a joint declaration to pursue a lasting peace. — Brady Knox, The Washington Examiner, 19 Aug. 2025 See All Example Sentences for initial

Recent Examples of Synonyms for initial

Adjective

The attack is also not the first time cyber incidents have disrupted food systems.

— Miranda Jeyaretnam, Time, 13 Oct. 2026
Its holding group Agache in 2024 acquired a majority stake in Paris FC, which subsequently vaulted back into France’s first division after almost half a century in the second tier.

— Joelle Diderich, Footwear News, 13 Oct. 2026

Definition of first

Verb

Nor that Meryl Streep would sign on as executive producer, let alone watch her movie, to help promote the Venice premiere during the stateside awards season.

— Ryan Lattanzio, IndieWire, 9 Oct. 2026
Many ticketholders and onlookers have been left wondering who, if anyone, will sign on to sing alongside Sheeran for the rest of his tour, concluding December 11 in Mexico City.

— Isabella Albaig, Vulture, 5 Oct. 2026

Definition of sign on

Adjective

Dyrholm’s casting in Incidents of Intimacy marks a homecoming for the Danish actress who was part of the ensemble cast in Thomas Vinterberg’s Cannes Jury Prize winner The Celebration, the first film to be made under the original manifesto.

— Melanie Goodfellow, Deadline, 15 Oct. 2026
The company didn’t launch a website until almost a year after the original retail.

— Lisa Lockwood, Footwear News, 15 Oct. 2026

Definition of original

Verb

Related Stories Talerico has been getting plenty of support from country-singing Texans, as he was recently endorsed in a video by WIllie Nelson.

— Chris Willman, Variety, 12 Oct. 2026
For the same reason, Solano County Republicans chose not to endorse Steve Hilton, Reed said.

— Andrew Graham, Sacbee.com, 12 Oct. 2026

Definition of endorse

Adjective

Following press and buyer appointments at The Plaza on Wednesday, the inaugural gowns will embark on a national trunk show tour that starts right across the street at Bergdorf Goodman.

— Ari Stark, Footwear News, 13 Oct. 2026
Dreamed up by Emirati chef Maitha Warshaw, the spiced tea is intensely creamy and sweet, and Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan praised its flavor during the train’s inaugural voyage.

— Sophia Dyer, Condé Nast Traveler, 12 Oct. 2026

Definition of inaugural

Adjective

After a dramatic, fiery takeoff, Airbus's U740-Valkyrie uncrewed combat aircraft completed its maiden flight on October 12, 2026, in the skies over Northern Europe as part of a program to provide Europe with its own autonomous Loyal Wingman.

— David Szondy October 15, New Atlas, 16 Oct. 2026
Brennan's maiden win came at the 2025 Bank of Utah Championship in November against an admittedly weaker field.

— Mark Harris OutKick, FOXNews.com, 12 Oct. 2026

Definition of maiden

Verb

At the end of September, leaders of several of the biggest AI companies went to the White House and signed an accord committing to internal risk controls, independent audits and board-level oversight of safety.

— Giorgos Tsetis, Fortune, 17 Oct. 2026
Undrafted rookie forward Ezra Ausar was also unavailable for the Heat after just signing his Exibit 10 deal with Miami on Thursday night.

— Anthony Chiang, Miami Herald, 17 Oct. 2026

Definition of sign

Browse Nearby Words

iniquity

initial

initialed

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“Initial.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/initial. Accessed 19 Oct. 2026.

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Synonyms of initial

adjective

verb

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