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 Luigi Mangione, the suspect in the killing of UnitedHealthcare CEO, shouted at the news media right outside of a courthouse in Pennsylvania as police officers ushered him inside for an extradition proceeding. —

Filip Timotija, The Hill, 10 Dec. 2024 During his first years in office, Biden was able to usher several economic bills through Congress, including the $1.2 trillion Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act, the $280 billion CHIPS and Science Act, and the $891 billion Inflation Reduction Act. —

Haisten Willis, Washington Examiner - Political News and Conservative Analysis About Congress, the President, and the Federal Government, 10 Dec. 2024 Assad's 24-year rule looks unlikely to be rescued or resurrected, ushering a new, but deeply uncertain era for Syria. —

CBS News, 8 Dec. 2024 After a fight had broken out an hour earlier, workers were shutting down the restaurant and ushering out patrons, when shots suddenly rang out from the passing black car. —

Nicholas Williams, New York Daily News, 21 Dec. 2024 See all Example Sentences for usher

Recent Examples of Synonyms for usher

Verb

Perhaps the upbeat CEOs are steering other sectors, as the movements of investors, who moved out of tech to utilities, financials and materials on Tuesday, suggest.

— Yeo Boon Ping, CNBC, 15 Jan. 2025
Due to La Nina conditions in the Pacific Ocean, the jet stream is buckled to the north and all the rain storms are being steered away from southern California.

— Max Golembo, ABC News, 15 Jan. 2025