Initiator — Meaning, Definition & Synonyms

verb noun /i-ˈni-shē-ˌāt/ ini·ti·ate

Meaning & Definition of Initiator

Initiator (verb)

  1. to cause or facilitate the beginning of, set going
  2. to induct into membership by or as if by special rites
  3. to instruct in the rudiments or principles of something, introduce

Initiator (noun) — Senses, Synonyms & Antonyms

  1. a person who establishes a whole new field of endeavor

    "as the initiator of printing from movable type, Gutenberg revolutionized people's access to written language"

    similar: author, begetter, creator, establisher, father, founder, founding father, generator, inaugurator, instituter, originator, sire
    related: cocreator, cofounder, conceiver, contriver, designer, deviser, formulator, innovator, introducer, inventor, spawner, builder, maker, producer, developer, pioneer, researcher, researchist, organizer, promoter, encourager, galvanizer, inspiration, inspirer
    near: disciple, follower, pupil, student, supporter

Related Entry: Initiate (verb)

Initiate is a different word from Initiator. The synonyms below are for initiate, not for initiator.

  1. to be responsible for the creation and early operation or use of

    "no one knows who initiated written language"

    similar: begin, constitute, establish, found, inaugurate, innovate, institute, introduce, launch, pioneer, plant, set up, start
    related: author, father, originate, conceive, concoct, contrive, cook (up), create, devise, fabricate, invent, make up, manufacture, produce, think (up), construct, put up, develop, enlarge, expand, endow, finance, fund, subsidize, arrange, organize, systematize, systemize, refound, reinitiate, reinstitute, relaunch
    opposite: close (down), phase out, shut (up)
    near: abolish, annihilate, annul, nullify, end, finish, halt, stop, terminate, round (off or out), wind up, wrap up

  2. to impart knowledge of a new thing or situation to

    "initiated the new recruits in the unspoken laws of military conduct"

    similar: accustom, acquaint, familiarize, introduce, orient, orientate
    related: habituate, wont, apprise, brief, clue (in), fill in, inform, educate, enlighten, ground, instruct, school, train, verse, expose, present, subject, advise, tell, tip (off), warn, wise (up), reacquaint

  3. to put into an office or welcome into an organization with special ceremonies

    "initiated her as Surgeon General before an army of reporters and photographers"

    similar: baptize, inaugurate, induct, install, instate, invest, seat
    related: swear in, consecrate, enshrine, accept, admit, receive, take in, enlist, enroll
    near: can, discharge, fire, terminate, muster out

Synonyms, Thesaurus & Another Word for Initiator

The most common words with a similar meaning to Initiator:

author, begetter, creator, establisher, father, founder, founding father, generator, inaugurator, instituter, originator, sire

Related Words for Initiator

cocreator, cofounder, conceiver, contriver, designer, deviser, formulator, innovator, introducer, inventor, spawner, builder, maker, producer, developer, pioneer, researcher, researchist, organizer, promoter, encourager, galvanizer, inspiration, inspirer

Near Antonyms of Initiator

disciple, follower, pupil, student, supporter

Word Forms of Initiator

Inflections: initiated, initiating

Derived words: initiator (noun)

Origin & Etymology of Initiator

Late Latin initiatus, past participle of initiare, from Latin, to induct, from initium

First known use: 1533

Frequently Asked Questions about Initiator

What does "Initiator" mean?

"Initiator" means to cause or facilitate the beginning of, set going. As an a verb and a noun, it is defined as: to cause or facilitate the beginning of, set going.

What is another word for "Initiator"?

Other words for "Initiator" include author, begetter, creator, establisher, father, founder, founding father and generator. The best synonym depends on which meaning of "Initiator" you intend.

What are different ways to say "Initiator"?

There are 36 words and phrases with a similar meaning to "Initiator". Common alternatives include author, begetter, creator, establisher, father, founder, founding father, generator, inaugurator and instituter.

How do you use "Initiator" in a sentence?

Examples of "Initiator" in a sentence: "as the initiator of printing from movable type, Gutenberg revolutionized people's access to written language".

Is "Initiator" a noun, verb, or adjective?

"Initiator" can be used as a verb and a noun, depending on the context.

How do you pronounce "Initiator"?

"Initiator" is pronounced /i-ˈni-shē-ˌāt/ and divided into syllables as ini·ti·ate.

What is the origin of the word "Initiator"?

"Initiator" comes from Late Latin initiatus, past participle of initiare, from Latin, to induct, from initium. First known use: 1533.

What is another word for "Initiator" meaning "a person who establishes a whole new field of endeavor"?

When "Initiator" (noun) means a person who establishes a whole new field of endeavor, synonyms include author, begetter, creator, establisher, father and founder.