initiatory
adjective
ini·tia·to·ry
i-ˈni-sh(ē-)ə-ˌtȯr-ē 
1
: constituting a beginning
initiatory proceedings
2
: tending or serving to initiate
initiatory rites
Examples of initiatory in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the Web
Under the stars of cardinal and initiatory Aries, Jupiter’s energy is renewed and redirected.
—
Gala Mukomolova, refinery29.com, 29 Dec. 2021
Fearing an imminent barbaric invasion, Candelaria flees from her father and a chaotic, brutal regime, while undertaking an initiatory trip to unveil the truth about love and this menace.
—Emilio Mayorga, Variety, 2 Oct. 2021
Virgins should also be required to recite Burning Man’s 10 Principles during this initiatory moment.
—Samantha Krukowski, Fortune, 5 Sep. 2017
Gala Mukomolova, refinery29.com, 29 Dec. 2021
Fearing an imminent barbaric invasion, Candelaria flees from her father and a chaotic, brutal regime, while undertaking an initiatory trip to unveil the truth about love and this menace.
—Emilio Mayorga, Variety, 2 Oct. 2021
Virgins should also be required to recite Burning Man’s 10 Principles during this initiatory moment.
—Samantha Krukowski, Fortune, 5 Sep. 2017
These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'initiatory.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.
Word History
First Known Use
circa 1615, in the meaning defined at sense 1
Dictionary Entries Near initiatory
Cite this Entry
“Initiatory.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/initiatory. Accessed 19 Apr. 2024.
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More from Merriam-Webster on initiatory
Nglish: Translation of initiatory for Spanish Speakers
Britannica English: Translation of initiatory for Arabic Speakers
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