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inaugurate

verb
in·​au·​gu·​rate | \ i-ˈnȯ-gyə-ˌrāt How to pronounce inaugurate (audio) , -gə-ˌrāt\
inaugurated; inaugurating

Definition of inaugurate

transitive verb

1 : to induct into an office with suitable ceremonies
2a : to dedicate ceremoniously : observe formally the beginning of inaugurate a new school
b : to bring about the beginning of
Other Words from inaugurate Synonyms & Antonyms Choose the Right Synonym More Example Sentences Learn More about inaugurate

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Other Words from inaugurate

inaugurator \ i-​ˈnȯ-​gyə-​ˌrā-​tər -​gə-​ˌrā-​ How to pronounce inaugurator (audio) \ noun

Choose the Right Synonym for inaugurate

begin, commence, start, initiate, inaugurate, usher in mean to take the first step in a course, process, or operation. begin, start, and commence are often interchangeable. begin, opposed to end, is the most general. begin a trip began dancing start, opposed to stop, applies especially to first actions, steps, or stages. the work started slowly commence can be more formal or bookish than begin or start. commence firing commenced a conversation initiate implies taking a first step in a process or series that is to continue. initiated diplomatic contacts inaugurate suggests a beginning of some formality or notion of significance. the discovery of penicillin inaugurated a new era in medicine usher in is somewhat less weighty than inaugurate. ushered in a period of economic decline

Examples of inaugurate in a Sentence

They inaugurated the new headquarters with a brief ceremony. inaugurated the college's athletic program for women

Recent Examples on the Web

 Iran’s National Week of Government, during which Tehran often inaugurates new projects, began Aug. 24. — Washington Post, "Satellite photos show burning Iran space center launch pad," 30 Aug. 2019 The demolition was part of a ceremony inaugurating the tunnel, sponsored by a settlement group whose goal is to expand modern-day Jewish presence in eastern Jerusalem, pushing out Palestinians. — Tracy Wilkinson, latimes.com, "The provocations of Trump’s ambassador to Israel are upturning decades of U.S. diplomacy," 8 July 2019 They are scheduled to graduate and be officially inaugurated on June 30, according to government documents. — San Diego Union-Tribune, "Military officials recruiting civilians for National Guard in Baja California," 13 June 2019 Just days after Beto O'Rourke inaugurated his team in Nevada, fellow Texan Julián Castro is touting a slew of his own hires, says CBS News Campaign Reporter Alex Tin. — Caitlin Conant, CBS News, "2020 Daily Trail Markers: When Kamala Harris praised Joe Biden," 25 July 2019 In 1956, President Eisenhower signed the National Interstate and Defense Highways Act, inaugurating the federal highways as the largest public-works project in U.S. history. — Nathan Heller, The New Yorker, "Was the Automotive Era a Terrible Mistake?," 22 July 2019 In fact, the Italian film industry was once closely tied to the fascist regime: the Venice film festival was inaugurated by Benito Mussolini, and Robert Rossellini’s first productions were little more than propaganda. — J.b., The Economist, "Inside Italy’s culture wars," 22 July 2019 Between January 2017, when Trump was inaugurated, and June of this year, the latest figures available, U.S. auto and parts makers added 41,900 jobs, or a 4.4% increase, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics. — Amanda Seitz, Fortune, "Trump’s and Democrats’ Incendiary Week: Fact Checking Claims," 20 July 2019 Also at the meeting, Village President Dan DiMaria spoke about being inaugurated June 19 as the new president of the Northwest Municipal Conference, an association of 43 local municipalities in northern and western Illinois. — Daniel I. Dorfman, chicagotribune.com, "Morton Grove close to creating taxing district for lifestyle center development," 8 July 2019

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'inaugurate.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

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First Known Use of inaugurate

1606, in the meaning defined at sense 1

History and Etymology for inaugurate

Latin inauguratus, past participle of inaugurare, literally, to practice augury, from in- + augurare to augur; from the rites connected with augury

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More Definitions for inaugurate

inaugurate

verb
How to pronounce inaugurate (audio)

English Language Learners Definition of inaugurate

: to introduce (someone, such as a newly elected official) into a job or position with a formal ceremony
: to celebrate the fact that something (such as a new hospital or school) is officially ready to be used
: to be the beginning of (something, such as a period of time)

See the full definition for inaugurate in the English Language Learners Dictionary

inaugurate

verb
in·​au·​gu·​rate | \ i-ˈnȯ-gyə-ˌrāt How to pronounce inaugurate (audio) \
inaugurated; inaugurating

Kids Definition of inaugurate

1 : to introduce into office with suitable ceremonies He was inaugurated as president.
2 : to celebrate the opening of The town inaugurated a new library.
3 : to bring about the beginning of The company will inaugurate a new plan.

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More from Merriam-Webster on inaugurate

Rhyming Dictionary: Words that rhyme with inaugurate

Thesaurus: All synonyms and antonyms for inaugurate

Spanish Central: Translation of inaugurate

Nglish: Translation of inaugurate for Spanish Speakers

Britannica English: Translation of inaugurate for Arabic Speakers

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