initiative

[ih-nish-uh-tiv, ih-nish-ee-uh-] / ɪˈnɪʃ ə tɪv, ɪˈnɪʃ i ə- /

NOUN

eagerness to do something

Synonyms

STRONGEST

action drive leadership push

STRONG

ambition dynamism energy enterprise enthusiasm get-up-and-go gumption inventiveness moxie originality punch resource resourcefulness spunk steam vigor

Antonyms

STRONG

apathy cowardice idleness inactivity indifference laziness lethargy

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

The initiative encourages clinicians to rely on non-drug treatments like therapy or nutrition and exercise.

From Los Angeles Times • May 18, 2026

The initiative has been a long time coming.

From The Wall Street Journal • May 18, 2026

Since the Russian invasion of Ukraine first caused energy prices to soar, many firms have looked at solar power as an investment, not just a green initiative.

From BBC • May 18, 2026

A consulting initiative from OpenAI has rattled the stock lately.

From Barron's • May 15, 2026

I knew that I must find the train to Uelzen, but months of being told what to do had left me robbed of initiative.

From "The Hiding Place" by Corrie ten Boom

Vocabulary lists containing initiative

List 3

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