initiation

noun

ini·​ti·​a·​tion i-ˌni-shē-ˈā-shən How to pronounce initiation (audio)
Synonyms of initiation
1
a
: the act or an instance of initiating
b
: the process of being initiated
c
: the rites, ceremonies, ordeals, or instructions with which one is made a member of a sect or society or is invested with a particular function or status
2
: the condition of being initiated into some experience or sphere of activity : knowledgeableness

Synonyms of initiation

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Examples of initiation in a Sentence

his initiation as a member of the club crimes committed as part of gang initiations the initiation of judicial proceedings
Recent Examples on the Web
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.
People connected to the club told WSJ the initiation fee is close to $1 million, with annual dues of about $44,000. — Joshua Hong, Fortune, 21 Aug. 2026 Willis never played guard in college, and, as expected, his initiation hasn’t always been smooth. — Matt Barrows, New York Times, 20 Aug. 2026 This is an affordable adventure almost anyone can manage and the perfect initiation into western hunting. — Ron Spomer, Outdoor Life, 19 Aug. 2026 Fraternity pledges were allegedly forced to cut and package cocaine as initiation for a Penn State drug ring, leading to charges against 14 people, most current or former students. — Los Angeles Times, 18 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for initiation

Word History

First Known Use

1583, in the meaning defined at sense 1b

Time Traveler
The first known use of initiation was in 1583

Phrases Containing initiation

Rhymes for initiation

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Browse Nearby Words

initiate
initiation
initiation rite
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Cite this Entry

“Initiation.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/initiation. Accessed 22 Aug. 2026.

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Kids Definition

initiation

noun
ini·​ti·​a·​tion in-ˌish-ē-ˈā-shən How to pronounce initiation (audio)
1
: the act of initiating : the process of being initiated : introduction
2
: the ceremonies with which a person is made a member of a club or society

More from Merriam-Webster on initiation

Nglish: Translation of initiation for Spanish Speakers

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