inauguration
Official commencement event
Inauguration is the formal ceremony marking the beginning of something important—especially the installation of a person into office.
In the United States, the presidential inauguration occurs every four years on January 20th.
The word extends to any ceremonial opening: the inauguration of a new building, the inauguration of a policy.
To inaugurate is to begin formally or install with ceremony.
Process of putting in
- investitureCeremony conferring rank
- swearing-inOfficial oath-taking ceremony
- initiationFormal admission ceremony
- instatementFormal placing in position
Official oath-taking ceremony
- oath-takingFormal vow ceremony
- podiumRaised platform for speakers
- rostrumRaised speaker's platform
- platformRaised flat structure
procession · fanfare · bunting · pageantry · dignitaries · anthem · keynote · address
Act of starting
unveiling · kickoff · threshold · onset · genesis · new administration · first hundred days · opening
Transfer of control
- successionFollowing in order
- changeoverComplete shift between systems
- predecessorOne who came first
- successorOne who replaces another
outgoing · incoming · continuity · peaceful transfer · new era · new chapter · fresh start · changing of the guard
Elected leader of nation
- commander-in-chiefHighest military authority holder
- administrationOrganizational oversight and control
- executiveSenior organizational leader
- first ladyPreeminent woman somewhere
Organized public voting
- votingFormally registering a choice
- electorateEligible voting body
- constitutionInherent physical or structural makeup
- republicState with elected leaders
mandate · citizens · governance · legitimacy · consent of governed · democratic process
Binding promise given
- affirmationPositive statement of truth
- allegianceLoyalty owed to authority
- constitutionInherent physical or structural makeup
- vowSolemn personal commitment
commitment · promise · uphold · duty · honor · obligation · fidelity · hand-raising
Festive formal occasion
- festivitiesCelebratory events and activities
- receptionAct of receiving guests
- banquetFormal celebratory meal
- black-tieFormal evening dress code
formalwear · toasts · dignitaries · guests · entertainment · performance · dancing · music
installation
Process of putting in
- investitureCeremony conferring rank
- swearing-inOfficial oath-taking ceremony
- initiationFormal admission ceremony
swearing-in
Official oath-taking ceremony
- oath-takingFormal vow ceremony
- podiumRaised platform for speakers
- rostrumRaised speaker's platform
platform · procession · fanfare · bunting · pageantry · dignitaries · anthem · keynote · address · benediction
commencement
Act of starting
debut · unveiling · kickoff · threshold · onset · genesis · new administration · first hundred days · opening · fresh start
handover
Transfer of control
- successionFollowing in order
- changeoverComplete shift between systems
- predecessorOne who came first
successor · outgoing · incoming · continuity · peaceful transfer · new era · new chapter · fresh start · changing of the guard
president
Elected leader of nation
- commander-in-chiefHighest military authority holder
- administrationOrganizational oversight and control
- executiveSenior organizational leader
first lady · cabinet · mandate · term · capitol · chief justice · bible
election
Organized public voting
- votingFormally registering a choice
- electorateEligible voting body
- constitutionInherent physical or structural makeup
republic · mandate · citizens · governance · legitimacy · consent of governed · democratic process
pledge
Binding promise given
- affirmationPositive statement of truth
- allegianceLoyalty owed to authority
- constitutionInherent physical or structural makeup
vow · commitment · promise · uphold · duty · honor · obligation · fidelity · hand-raising · witness
gala
Festive formal occasion
- festivitiesCelebratory events and activities
- receptionAct of receiving guests
- banquetFormal celebratory meal
black-tie · formalwear · toasts · dignitaries · guests · entertainment · performance · dancing · music · commemoration
- politicsdemocracy, campaigning, campaigns, democrats, bill
- executive branchexecutive branch, Oval Office, executive power, executive orders, cabinet secretary
- honorsmedal, award, trophy, certificate, prize
- political eventselection, campaign, debate, vote, rally
- public gatheringspublic assembly, mass gathering, concert, gathering, festival
- political ceremoniesoath of office, swearing in, State of the Union, state dinner, state dinners
inaugurationresignation
Voluntary relinquishment of position
departure · farewell address · valediction · valedictory · stepping down
inaugurationconclusion
End or deduction
ending · termination · close · closing ceremony · finish
inaugurationimpeachment
Charging officials with misconduct
removal · overthrow · coup · ousting · deposition
- presidential inaugurationFormal assumption of executive office
- Inauguration DayStart of presidential term
- inauguration speechOration at office-taking ceremony