inception

noun

in·​cep·​tion in-ˈsep-shən 

: an act, process, or instance of beginning : commencement

a project kept secret since its inception

Synonyms of inception

• beginning
• commencement
• start
• onset
• launch
• alpha

Choose the Right Synonym for inception

origin, source, inception, root mean the point at which something begins its course or existence.

origin applies to the things or persons from which something is ultimately derived and often to the causes operating before the thing itself comes into being.

an investigation into the origin of baseball

source applies more often to the point where something springs into being.

the source of the Nile

the source of recurrent trouble

inception stresses the beginning of something without implying causes.

the business has been a success since its inception

root suggests a first, ultimate, or fundamental source often not easily discerned.

the real root of the violence

Examples of inception in a Sentence

The project has been shrouded in controversy from its inception.

Since its inception, the business has expanded to become a national retail chain.

We'll assist you at every stage from inception to completion.

Recent Examples on the Web

Since its inception, the organization has trained and employed over 2,000 refugees. —Amelia Dhuga, Vogue, 27 Nov. 2025

At inception, the Constellation class was envisioned as a faster way to build US Navy warships. —Brad Lendon, CNN Money, 26 Nov. 2025

Over the years, approximately 400 animal-owner teams have volunteered their time, contributing more than 3,500 hours in 2025 alone and more than 24,000 hours since its inception. —Jessica Alvarado Gamez, Denver Post, 25 Nov. 2025

Since its inception six years ago, Men Who Dance Festival set out to break down stereotypes and prejudices that have long hindered the development of male dance. —Jesús Vega, Miami Herald, 24 Nov. 2025

Word History

Etymology

Middle English incepcion, from Latin inception-, inceptio, from incipere to begin, from in- + capere to take

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for inception

• conception
• deception
• exception
• perception
• reception
• apperception
• contraception
• interception
• misconception
• misperception
• preconception
• intussusception

Kids Definition

inception

noun

in·​cep·​tion in-ˈsep-shən 

: an act or instance of beginning