usher

verb

Definition of ushernext
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

Example 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 De Moraes just smiled and ushered me through the door. —Jon Lee Anderson, New Yorker, 7 Apr. 2025 The emails made public this week reveal how Gallegos, then a program manager with a decades-long career at the city of Oakland, was ushered into his promotion early into Thao’s term. —Jakob Rodgers, Mercury News, 3 Apr. 2025 The Athletics opened their West Sacramento tenure earlier this week, ushering Major League Baseball into California’s capital region with a three-game series at Sutter Health Park. —Michael McGough, Sacbee.com, 3 Apr. 2025 Duggan then ushered a party of around 30 to the bar area roped off as a last-minute reservation to accommodate his friend. —Edgar Thompson, The Orlando Sentinel, 26 Mar. 2025 See All Example Sentences for usher
Recent Examples of Synonyms for usher
  1. steer
  2. guide
  3. lead
  4. accompany
Verb
  • In 1942, current Gov. Gavin Newsom’s (D-CA) grandfather, William Newsom, steered Pat Brown’s campaign for district attorney.
    — Carson Becker, The Washington Examiner, 28 Mar. 2025
  • The relocation will steer the festival toward a new era.
    — Matt Brennan, Los Angeles Times, 28 Mar. 2025
Definition of steer
Verb
  • Our customers seek to be informed, guided and cared for.
    — Lily Templeton, Footwear News, 14 Apr. 2025
  • It's guided by a local collective of mindfulness mentors.
    — Christopher Elliott, Forbes.com, 13 Apr. 2025
Definition of guide
Verb
  • The Miami Heat enters an important game in Chicago with its leading trio will be available for the first time in nearly two weeks..
    — Anthony Chiang, Miami Herald, 10 Apr. 2025
  • Which leads us to the flip side of Ward’s charting profile.
    — Derrik Klassen, The Athletic, 25 Mar. 2025
Definition of lead
Verb
  • Those signs, accompanied by a menacing growl and a hard stare often suggest that the dog is feeling threatened.
    — Karissa Waddick, USA Today, 19 Apr. 2025
  • But those launches are usually accompanied by airspace and maritime warning notices to ensure pilots and sailors steer clear of the test.
    — Stephen Clark, ArsTechnica, 18 Apr. 2025
Definition of accompany

Browse Nearby Words

use up
usher
ushered
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Cite this Entry

“Usher.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/usher. Accessed 22 Apr. 2025.

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Nglish: Translation of usher for Spanish Speakers

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