1
: an introductory step took the initiative in attempting to settle the issue3
a: the right to initiate legislative action
b : a procedure enabling a specified number of voters by petition to propose a law and secure its submission to the electorate or to the legislature for approval compare referendum sense 1Phrases
on one's own initiative : at one's own discretion : independently of outside influence or control Examples of initiative in a Sentence Noun … on the day before their Club Med flight she took the initiative of telephoning Franco from work, ostensibly to tell him that she had really admired his new place … —John Barth, Atlantic, March 1995 Following initiatives begun before the First World War, thirty-four states instituted or expanded workers' compensation laws in the 1920s. —Mary Beth Norton et al., A People and a Nation, 1988 Since the social victim has been oppressed by society, he comes to feel that his individual life will be improved more by changes in society than by his own initiative. —Shelby Steele, Harper's, June 1988 If you want to meet her, you're going to have to take the initiative and introduce yourself. The company has the opportunity to seize the initiative by getting its new products to the market before its competitors. The governor has proposed a new initiative to improve conditions in urban schools. Adjective Luther's daring initiative thoughts did indeed come from above, but he owed them to no man or age. —Junius B. Remensnyder, What the World Owes Luther, 1917 Many writers maintain that there is a rule of International Law forbidding the commencement of war without a declaration of war. But such rule, in fact, does not exist, for a great many wars take place without an initiative declaration of war. —Lassa Oppenheim, International Law, 1906 Recent Examples on the Web 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.Noun
Chris Judd, a guide at Bush and Beach, conducts a specialty tour that shows visitors Auckland's regenerative tourism initiatives. —Christopher Elliott, Forbes.com, 3 May 2025 During his tenure, Blackburn led high-profile initiatives such as the launch of Thursday Night Football on Prime, and the development and launch of TV series that won multiple Emmys. —Sportico Staff, Sportico.com, 2 May 2025Adjective
The initiative also spurred groups on both sides of the debate, including the anti-initiative National Restaurant Association, to open their pockets. —Justin Wm. Moyer, Washington Post, 9 Nov. 2022 The initiative also spurred groups on both sides of the debate, including the anti-initiative National Restaurant Association, to open their pockets. —Justin Wm. Moyer, Washington Post, 9 Nov. 2022 See All Example Sentences for initiative Word HistoryEtymology
Noun
see initiate entry 1
Adjective
see initiate entry 1
First Known Use
Noun
1793, in the meaning defined at sense 1
Adjective
1605, in the meaning defined above
Time Traveler
The first known use of initiative was in 1605 Cite this Entry“Initiative.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/initiative. Accessed 10 May. 2025.
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