Advertisement

Advertisement

View synonyms for initiative

initiative

[ ih-nish-uh-tiv, ih-nish-ee-uh- ]

noun

  1. an introductory act or step; leading action:

    to take the initiative in making friends.

  2. readiness and ability in initiating action; enterprise:

    to lack initiative.

    Synonyms: forcefulness, dynamism, leadership

  3. one's personal, responsible decision:

    to act on one's own initiative.

  4. Government.
    1. a procedure by which a specified number of voters may propose a statute, constitutional amendment, or ordinance, and compel a popular vote on its adoption. Compare referendum ( def 1 ).
    2. the general right or ability to present a new bill or measure, as in a legislature.


adjective

  1. of or relating to formal admission or acceptance into a club or other group; signifying an initiation:

    The secret society's initiative events are best left undescribed.

  2. serving to set in motion or initiate; introductory; beginning:

    Initiative steps were taken to stop manufacture of the drug.

initiative

/ -ˈnɪʃətɪv; ɪˈnɪʃɪətɪv /

noun

  1. the first step or action of a matter; commencing move

    he took the initiative

    a peace initiative

  2. the right or power to begin or initiate something

    he has the initiative

  3. the ability or attitude required to begin or initiate something
  4. government
    1. the right or power to introduce legislation, etc, in a legislative body
    2. the procedure by which citizens originate legislation, as in many American states and Switzerland
  5. on one's own initiative
    without being prompted
“Collins English Dictionary — Complete & Unabridged” 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012


adjective

  1. of or concerning initiation or serving to initiate; initiatory
“Collins English Dictionary — Complete & Unabridged” 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012
Discover More

Derived Forms

  • inˈitiatively, adverb
Discover More

Other Words From

  • in·iti·a·tive·ly adverb
  • self-in·iti·a·tive noun
  • super·in·iti·a·tive noun
  • unin·iti·a·tive adjective
Discover More

Word History and Origins

Origin of initiative1

First recorded in 1785–95; initiate + -ive
Discover More

Idioms and Phrases

see on one's own account (initiative) ; take the initiative .
Discover More

Example Sentences

Rich countries are backing this initiative, but so far, the majority have not yet dipped into their own stockpiles to contribute vaccines.

From Vox

They engaged in a more purposeful way than ever before to redesign the brand’s approach to paid search marketing in an effort to align with the business’s overall digital transformation initiatives.

The initiative is designed to help poorer countries deal with the impact of the Covid-19 pandemic.

From Quartz

He said it was the right time in the organization’s development to begin leading the way on policy initiatives.

The research initiative began in 2000 due to increased sightings and a growing fear of conflicts with humans.

This initiative had the support of all 22 members of the Arab League, which in and of itself is remarkable.

After almost five months without a solution, the lack of initiative is starting to embarrass the Lebanese government.

I started volunteering around Atlanta with the Health Initiative and some other groups and stuff, and with HRC and everything.

Shortly thereafter, Facebook announced a similar initiative, although their plan calls for the use of drones instead of balloons.

A major part of the Obama initiative aims to get more and better Internet access for the Cuban people.

I do not think, however, that he taught this on his own initiative, but possibly at Rubinsteins expressed wish.

It is the initiative spirit that is wanting; for, thank Heaven, it is neither the brain nor the money that lacks.

The governor was further to have the initiative of all measures proposed in the council, five of whom were required for a quorum.

By his initiative Italian naval industry, almost non-existent in 1873, made rapid progress.

Could not one or two of the more favoured sex manage to inspire them with a little initiative?

Advertisement

Related Words

Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023

Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.

Advertisement

Advertisement

Advertisement


initiationinitiator