Another Word for Initiative – Meaning, Synonyms, and Examples

The word initiative is widely used, referring either to the ability to assess and start things independently (a personal trait) or the first step in a plan or course of action (a new project). To make your English more varied and professional, learning another word for initiative will help. Using synonyms allows you to specify whether you mean drive, enterprise, or a proposal.

What is Another Word for Initiative?

A great synonym for initiative (as a personal trait) is drive. Initiative means the ability to assess and begin things independently. Drive means an innate, typically single-minded, desire to achieve a goal; determination. Both words describe a strong internal motivation to take action and lead. Learning words like drive helps you emphasize the inner motivation and energy behind the self-starting quality.

Meaning of “Initiative”

Initiative means the ability to assess and begin things independently; or, the first of a series of actions (a new plan or proposal).

We use it for personal qualities (showing initiative), political actions (a new peace initiative), or the starting point (taking the initiative).

Synonyms for “Initiative”

Here are some common ways to say initiative:

• Drive: An innate, single-minded desire to achieve a goal. A strong alternative for personal motivation.
• Enterprise: The quality of being resourceful and taking action, especially in business. Used when emphasizing ambition and resourcefulness.
• Proposal: A plan or suggestion, especially a formal or written one, put forward for consideration. Used when the meaning is the first formal step/suggestion.
• Ambition: A strong desire to do or achieve something. Used when emphasizing the goal-oriented motivation.
• Momentum: The impetus gained by a moving object; or, the force or speed of movement. Used when referring to the current force or progression (e.g., “gaining momentum”).

Example Sentences

• Employees with strong drive are the first to volunteer for new, challenging projects.
• The company was admired for its entrepreneurial enterprise in launching new products.
• The board is currently reviewing a proposal for restructuring the sales team.
• She channeled her considerable ambition into launching a successful charity.
• After a slow start, the project has now gained considerable momentum.

Mini Dialogue

Sam: “How can we encourage our team to show more initiative?”

Mia: “We need to hire people with more drive and reward them for showing enterprise.”

Sam: “That sounds like a good plan for increasing motivation.”

Common Mistakes to Avoid

❌ Don’t say: She has a lot of initiative for starting things. (The word is often used as a direct complement to the verb show or take.)

✅ Do say: She shows a lot of initiative. (Or: She has strong drive.)

Let’s Practice!

Which synonym best fits this sentence? “The organization launched a new environmental __________ to plant one million trees this year.” (Answer: Proposal – This synonym works best because it refers to the first formal plan or suggestion put forward for action.)

Practice Tip

Use one new synonym for initiative in your next message or conversation today.

Final Note

Knowing what is another word for initiative and practicing synonyms like drive and enterprise will help you describe self-starting qualities and first steps clearly.