Definition of initiationnext
as in inauguration
the process or an instance of being formally placed in an office or organization the initiation of the newest members of the local chamber of commerce

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 initiation That said, their relative scarcity means that initiation and membership fees are a multiple of those charged at home. — Mark Cecil, Robb Report, 10 Oct. 2026 On Wednesday of that first week, one by one, the team’s 12 newcomers took to a makeshift stage for their initiation songs. — Henry Bushnell, New York Times, 4 Oct. 2026 Tirzepatide has been shown to reduce the effectiveness of oral hormonal contraceptives during treatment initiation and dose increases, so the FDA advises using an alternate method for four weeks during those periods. — Melissa Rudy, FOXNews.com, 20 Sep. 2026 Supported the initiation of a state audit of correctional food and commissary services. — Staff Report, Hartford Courant, 15 Sep. 2026 See All Example Sentences for initiation
Recent Examples of Synonyms for initiation
Noun
  • Peñalver’s inauguration Friday will follow a Mass honoring the university’s Catholic and Jesuit traditions.
    — Sophia Solano, Washington Post, 9 Oct. 2026
  • Meta donated $1 million to Trump’s inauguration, a move that earned Zuckerberg a prominent spot on the dais alongside a bevy of other tech executives.
    — Clare Duffy, CNN Money, 8 Oct. 2026
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

“Initiation.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/initiation. Accessed 19 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