initial 1 of 2

Definition of initialnext

initial

2 of 2

verb

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
Vogue staffers shared their initial reaction to the piece, some of whom were intrigued and pointed out how Blazy is leaning into the fantasy of it all. Taylor Ardrey, USA Today, 30 Apr. 2026 The initial reach of NBC’s TV signal was about 55 miles in all directions from the Midtown landmark. Cynthia Littleton, Variety, 30 Apr. 2026
Verb
The Ecuadorian interdisciplinary artist and fashion designer launched her label, Soak (aka her initials backward), in 2021. Alexandra Harrell, Sourcing Journal, 15 Sep. 2025 The lawyer tells you to initial every page. Howie Carr, Boston Herald, 31 Aug. 2025 See All Example Sentences for initial
Recent Examples of Synonyms for initial
Adjective
  • Romo’s home runs were the first of the season by a Sox catcher.
    LaMond Pope, Chicago Tribune, 29 Apr. 2026
  • And while this is the king's first visit to his son's new home country since the rift, the four-day work trip isn't a personal one.
    Kathryn Palmer, USA Today, 29 Apr. 2026
Verb
  • Additionally, the class action lawsuit has more than 200 of Todd’s patients sign on, who say they were abused or assaulted during what were supposed to be exams.
    Colleen Cronin, Boston Herald, 23 Apr. 2026
  • The commission gathered Thursday to finalize the strategy on getting lawmakers to sign on to a 1% sales tax in Hennepin County.
    Susan-Elizabeth Littlefield, CBS News, 23 Apr. 2026
Adjective
  • Several times in the last couple of decades, Microsoft has released source code for the original MS-DOS operating system that kicked off its decades-long dominance of consumer PCs.
    Andrew Cunningham, ArsTechnica, 30 Apr. 2026
  • At Fairmont Bagel, dig into its original poppy-seed bagel.
    Megan Wallitsch, Travel + Leisure, 30 Apr. 2026
Verb
  • Everyone in the theater clammed up, as if embarrassed to have endorsed Max with laughter.
    Jackson McHenry, Vulture, 29 Apr. 2026
  • Some major environmental groups have endorsed him.
    Sophie Austin, Fortune, 29 Apr. 2026
Adjective
  • The Huskers are expected to have their inaugural season in spring 2028 with informal competitions next year.
    PJ Green April 30, Kansas City Star, 30 Apr. 2026
  • Corinthian will shortly embark on her inaugural season, with a new collection of itineraries in the eastern Mediterranean and Northern Europe scheduled for 2027.
    Rachel Cormack, Robb Report, 30 Apr. 2026
Verb
  • Raised in a food- and book-focused household, Berry trained at Le Cordon Bleu and later co-authored the Sunday Times–bestselling cookbook Menolicious.
    Abby Montanez, Robb Report, 29 Apr. 2026
  • One program in New York City was the subject of a study co-authored by Jingqin Gao, assistant director of research at the C2SMART Center, which studies urban transportation at New York University.
    Karen Garcia, Los Angeles Times, 29 Apr. 2026
Verb
  • Even before the war, Saudi Arabia had signed a defense agreement with Pakistan, which has since gained more credibility as a force in the region because of its mediating role between Washington and Tehran.
    Sudarsan Raghavan, New Yorker, 28 Apr. 2026
  • Industry Monk recalls the room feeling slightly busier than usual, the sign-up list longer than an average night.
    Jaeden Pinder, Rolling Stone, 27 Apr. 2026
Adjective
  • Making its maiden voyage at the beginning of May, the Corinthian will sail across the Mediterranean and the Adriatic, before crossing the Atlantic and reaching the Caribbean in winter.
    Emma Clarke, Condé Nast Traveler, 30 Apr. 2026
  • Ocelli is winless in six starts, with his best showing a second in a maiden race last year.
    Jay Posner, Los Angeles Times, 30 Apr. 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Initial.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/initial. Accessed 1 May. 2026.

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