INITIATION Synonyms: 15 Similar and Opposite Words

initiation

noun

i-ˌni-shē-ˈā-shən

Definition of initiation

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

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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 Neptune can represent imagination, spirituality, idealism and illusion, while Aries is concerned with selfhood, courage and initiation. — Valerie Mesa, PEOPLE, 15 July 2026 And A’ja Wilson got her a lovely Toy Story backpack as part of her rookie initiation in Las Vegas. — Sabreena Merchant, New York Times, 13 July 2026 Though the email was sent prior to the initiation of the formal coaching agreement, Carvalho did later bill DPS for work done in June 2022, records show. — Jessica Seaman, Denver Post, 9 July 2026 Plus, quiet periods are ending for banks that worked on last month’s blockbuster IPO, so we’re met with a flood of analyst initiations. — Jim Cramer, CNBC, 7 July 2026 See All Example Sentences for initiation

Recent Examples of Synonyms for initiation

Noun

Fireworks herald the World Cup, the Olympics, inaugurations, weddings, railroad openings, royal matrimony, saints, the Saints, the spring equinox, eclipses, the New Year, the Day of the Dead, the beginning of summer, the end of it.

— Paige Williams, New Yorker, 3 Aug. 2026
Earlier this year, Smith performed during the inauguration of the Holy See’s pavilion at the Venice Biennale contemporary art fair.

— ABC News, ABC News, 31 July 2026

Definition of inauguration

Noun

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
In the inaugural Be Our Valentine campaign, HopeWorks aims to build a stronger network for survivors.

— Dennis Valera, CBS News, 26 Feb. 2026

Definition of inaugural

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initiating

initiation

initiations

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“Initiation.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/initiation. Accessed 11 Aug. 2026.

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Synonyms of initiation

noun

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