USHER Synonyms: 27 Similar and Opposite Words

Q: How is the word 'usher in' different from other verbs like it?

Some common synonyms of usher in are begin , commence , inaugurate , initiate , and start . While all these words mean "to take the first step in a course, process, or operation," usher in is somewhat less weighty than inaugurate . // ushered in a period of economic decline

Q: How is 'begin' related to other words for 'usher in'?

Begin , start , and commence are often interchangeable, with begin , opposed to end , being the most general. // begin a trip // began dancing

Q: How does the word 'commence' relate to other synonyms for 'usher in'?

Commence can be more formal or bookish than begin or start . // commence firing // commenced a conversation

Q: When is 'inaugurate' a more appropriate choice than 'usher in'?

Although the words inaugurate and usher in have much in common, inaugurate suggests a beginning of some formality or notion of significance. // the discovery of penicillin inaugurated a new era in medicine

Q: When could 'initiate' be used to replace 'usher in'?

The meanings of initiate and usher in largely overlap; however, initiate implies taking a first step in a process or series that is to continue. // initiated diplomatic contacts

Q: When might 'start' be a better fit than 'usher in'?

The words start and usher in are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, start , opposed to stop , applies especially to first actions, steps, or stages. // the work started slowly

usher

verb

Definition of usher next

as in to steer

to point out the way for (someone) especially from a position in front ushered the job applicant into the room and then left

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

Synonym Chooser

How is the word usher in different from other verbs like it?

Some common synonyms of usher in are begin, commence, inaugurate, initiate, and start. While all these words mean "to take the first step in a course, process, or operation," usher in is somewhat less weighty than inaugurate.

ushered in a period of economic decline

How is begin related to other words for usher in?

Begin, start, and commence are often interchangeable, with begin, opposed to end, being the most general.

begin a trip

began dancing

How does the word commence relate to other synonyms for usher in?

Commence can be more formal or bookish than begin or start.

commence firing

commenced a conversation

When is inaugurate a more appropriate choice than usher in?

Although the words inaugurate and usher in have much in common, inaugurate suggests a beginning of some formality or notion of significance.

the discovery of penicillin inaugurated a new era in medicine

When could initiate be used to replace usher in?

The meanings of initiate and usher in largely overlap; however, initiate implies taking a first step in a process or series that is to continue.

initiated diplomatic contacts

When might start be a better fit than usher in?

The words start and usher in are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, start, opposed to stop, applies especially to first actions, steps, or stages.

the work started slowly

Examples 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 usher Plus, this week's cold front ushered gusts and windy conditions that make fighting fires more difficult. —

Jay R. Jordan, Axios, 17 Oct. 2024 To read these stories is to be forcefully ushered into the home of a friend, to listen to him rant, yet to find his bizarre performance endearing, even lovable. —

Merve Emre, The New Yorker, 8 Oct. 2024 Curtis ushered her inside, where his brother and sister-in-law were smoking weed and drinking. —

Gina Barton, USA TODAY, 26 Sep. 2024 Since then, camo print has been ushered into a new era as a cool status symbol that has been further amplified by a younger demographic of non-conservative voters through Harris/Walz campaign merch—specifically, a camo baseball cap. —

Sydney Gore, Architectural Digest, 12 Sep. 2024 See all Example Sentences for usher

Recent Examples of Synonyms for usher

Verb

Unfortunately, for this exact reason, the studios decided to steer clear of the second weekend of November, which means there’s nothing else to talk about.

Nate Jones, Vulture, 9 Nov. 2024
Rain and snow are likely to have the biggest impact on voter turnout, though the worst of the storms are expected to steer clear of the seven swing states that could determine the winner of one of the closest presidential elections in U.S. history.

Thomas G. Moukawsher, Newsweek, 5 Nov. 2024