initial 1 of 2

adjective

i-ˈni-shəl How to pronounce initial (audio)
Definition of initialnext
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

verb

as in to sign on

Related Words

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
Notably, the Preakness Stakes is absent from the initial lineup. — Danny Brewer, Forbes.com, 5 Aug. 2026 Incumbent Wyandotte County District Judge Tony Martinez and Assistant District Attorney Kayla Roehler were locked in a close battle for a spot on the bench after initial election results Tuesday night showed Roehler up by just 47 votes. — Cuyler Dunn, Kansas City Star, 5 Aug. 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
  1. first
  2. sign on
  3. original
  4. endorse
  5. inaugural
  6. author
  7. maiden
  8. sign
Adjective
  • The Astros took over the division lead for the first time since April after a three-game sweep of the Rangers over the weekend.
    — David Brandt, Chicago Tribune, 4 Aug. 2026
  • Amazon shares gained 4% and hit a new all-time high on Monday, putting its market cap over the $3 trillion threshold for the first time following a better-than-expected earnings report last week.
    — Lim Hui Jie, CNBC, 4 Aug. 2026
Definition of first
Verb
  • Turns out, the neon sign on the wall — and Bad Bunny— were right.
    — Jenn Harris, Los Angeles Times, 30 July 2026
  • When a whaling ship docks, both men are now ready to sign on as crew.
    — Dennis Harvey, Variety, 26 July 2026
Definition of sign on
Adjective
  • The sole violation against the original pair was for not reporting the relationship.
    — Kelsy Mittauer, CBS News, 1 Aug. 2026
  • At the original location, an older Mexican woman stopped to read the family's story on the wall and began to cry.
    — Stephanie Gravalese, Forbes.com, 1 Aug. 2026
Definition of original
Verb
  • Cornyn, who lost reelection this year after Trump endorsed his primary opponent, and Tillis, who is retiring when his term ends in January, have blocked Blanche’s nomination as many of their GOP colleagues have criticized the fund.
    — Mary Clare Jalonick, Los Angeles Times, 3 Aug. 2026
  • Trump vowed to endorse candidates in the May primary running against Republican senators who voted against redistricting.
    — Alexandra Kukulka, Chicago Tribune, 3 Aug. 2026
Definition of endorse
Adjective
  • The gallery program, presented by Artforum, is the cornerstone of the inaugural event, bringing together more than 76 world renowned galleries shaping the contemporary art world.
    — News Desk, Artforum, 4 Aug. 2026
  • The impact the charities have is the reason NBA Stars like Kevin Durant wanted to be a part of this inaugural event.
    — Mena Mirhom, Forbes.com, 4 Aug. 2026
Definition of inaugural
Verb
  • She's taught in Harvard University’s Division of Continuing Education and authored the bestselling books Captivate and Cues in 18+ languages.
    — Big Think, Big Think, 2 Aug. 2026
  • In an interview Saturday, Allen pointed to his experience authoring Proposition 4, a $10 billion bond aimed at helping the state prepare for wildfire, floods and other climate emergencies.
    — Ben Paviour, Sacbee.com, 2 Aug. 2026
Definition of author
Adjective
  • According to Air Force officials, the program remains on schedule, with the aircraft’s maiden flight expected in 2028.
    — Prabhat Ranjan Mishra, Interesting Engineering, 31 July 2026
  • Bournemouth are well stocked higher up the pitch for their maiden campaign in Europe.
    — Luke Bosher, New York Times, 31 July 2026
Definition of maiden
Verb
  • Cancelo is anticipated to sign a two-year deal, offering valuable experience and versatility, particularly at right-back, a position Hansi Flick intends for him.
    — Tom Sanderson, Forbes.com, 3 Aug. 2026
  • In July, over 250 former lawmakers, clerics, professors and other public figures signed an anti-war petition warning of the costs of the conflict.
    — ABC News, ABC News, 2 Aug. 2026
Definition of sign

Browse Nearby Words

iniquity
initial
initialed
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Cite this Entry

“Initial.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/initial. Accessed 7 Aug. 2026.

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More from Merriam-Webster on initial

Nglish: Translation of initial for Spanish Speakers

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about initial

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