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

Microsoft received many initial user complaints about Copilot’s nonstop presence within the Windows OS. — Sebastian Herrera, Fortune, 7 Oct. 2026 In his initial campaign for county judge in 2022, O’Hare won by a somewhat close margin. — Rachel Royster, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 7 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

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
Now, United Airlines is trying to take advantage of the war of words by offering an elite status match to Delta customers who want to try Starlink Wi-Fi, which has become an industry standard as more airlines sign on.

— Kelly Yamanouchi, AJC.com, 1 Oct. 2026

Definition of sign on

Adjective

The Fox reboot is being showrun by Matt Nix (Burn Notice),while many of the original creators are back to EP, including Michael Berk, Greg Bonann and Doug Schwartz, alongside new EPs Dante Di Loreto and Mike Horowitz.

— Jesse Whittock, Deadline, 8 Oct. 2026
The original series won the Golden Globe for best drama in 2019 and routinely lands near the top of lists hailing the best TV series of the past quarter century.

— Mathew Scott, HollywoodReporter, 8 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

Verb

For one, despite fears that younger generations of collectors are not as active as older generations, the survey of 3,100 high-net-worth collectors, authored by economist Clare McAndrew, found that Gen Z spent the most on average in 2025 and 2026.

— Devorah Lauter, ARTnews.com, 8 Oct. 2026
Pan also cited authoring state legislation that repealed a food‑glove regulation as an example that will adjust to bad rules and help small businesses.

— Mathew Miranda, Sacbee.com, 8 Oct. 2026

Definition of author

Verb

Players on the winning team of this year’s Finals will each take home $60,000, while runners-up will earn $20,000 apiece, under terms of the historic collective bargaining agreement signed earlier this year between owners and players.

— Sara Germano, Sportico.com, 10 Oct. 2026
Defense attorney Johnson had filed an election for the jury to assess punishment, but Jones refused to sign it, according to Sorrells.

— Emerson Clarridge, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 9 Oct. 2026

Definition of sign

Browse Nearby Words

iniquity

initial

initialed

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Style

“Initial.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/initial. Accessed 14 Oct. 2026.

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Synonyms of initial

adjective

verb

Example Sentences

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