1
as in inventor
one who creates or introduces something new
Thomas Edison was the originator of the light bulb
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in founder
a person who establishes a whole new field of endeavor
Copernicus is sometimes hailed as the originator of modern astronomy, for he overturned the notion of an earth-centered universe
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Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of originator
Japan was perhaps the earliest originator of this trend, with cats overtaking dogs a decade ago.
—
Jessie Yeung, CNN Money, 10 May 2026
Sandy Saldano, owner of Therapeutic Kneads, is the event coordinator and the originator of the event.
—Myrna Petlicki, Chicago Tribune, 27 Apr. 2026
Jordan stepped into the leading role on April 21 after originator Jonathan Groff departed and a short stint by Glee star Matthew Morrison.
—Hedy Phillips, PEOPLE, 24 Apr. 2026
Strip malls and data centers Vakoch's favorite early proponent of interstellar communication is Francis Galton, an English polymath (and, less admirably, the originator of eugenics during the Victorian era).
—Leonard David, Space.com, 23 Apr. 2026
See All Example Sentences for originator
Jessie Yeung, CNN Money, 10 May 2026
Sandy Saldano, owner of Therapeutic Kneads, is the event coordinator and the originator of the event.
—Myrna Petlicki, Chicago Tribune, 27 Apr. 2026
Jordan stepped into the leading role on April 21 after originator Jonathan Groff departed and a short stint by Glee star Matthew Morrison.
—Hedy Phillips, PEOPLE, 24 Apr. 2026
Strip malls and data centers Vakoch's favorite early proponent of interstellar communication is Francis Galton, an English polymath (and, less admirably, the originator of eugenics during the Victorian era).
—Leonard David, Space.com, 23 Apr. 2026
See All Example Sentences for originator
Recent Examples of Synonyms for originator
Noun
-
Billionaire inventor Sir Nicholas Webb has built a quantum computer called Theia, which helps MI6 foil dozens of threats.—
Gieson Cacho,
Mercury News,
17 June 2026
-
Sterling Elliott was an accomplished inventor, businessman, politician, publisher, and social activist.—
Tara Massouleh McCay,
Southern Living,
16 June 2026
Noun
-
Misha Sher, a sports marketing expert and founder of One of Not Many, agreed.—
Tom Burrows,
New York Times,
17 June 2026
-
The dessert quickly became popular locally before eventually catching the attention of McDonald's founder Ray Kroc as the company searched for a signature dessert offering.—
Kait Hanson,
Southern Living,
16 June 2026
Noun
-
FGC-9s have been built by underground designers in the most firearms-restrictive countries in Europe and churned out by rebel groups in Myanmar.—
Jack Crosbie,
Rolling Stone,
17 June 2026
-
To get into 1970s Moscow spy mode as Twila, Richardson joined forces on a thrifting expedition with costume designer Anastasia Magoutas.—
Natalie Oganesyan,
Deadline,
17 June 2026
Noun
-
The adventure content creator had amassed more than 320,000 followers on Facebook, while some of his reels garnered millions of views.—
Drew Pittock,
USA Today,
15 June 2026
-
What’s more impressive is that the breakout horror hit, directed by YouTube creator Curry Barker, has had four consecutive weekends that were larger than its already-impressive $17 million debut.—
Rebecca Rubin,
Variety,
14 June 2026
Noun
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In the years since, Harry, 41, has made several short trips back to the UK, most notably attending the funeral of Queen Elizabeth II in 2022 and his father King Charles III’s coronation in 2023.—
Helen Regan,
CNN Money,
18 June 2026
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My brother in-law was an incredible husband and an amazing father to their boys.—
Natalie Neysa Alund,
USA Today,
18 June 2026
Noun
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The James Beard Foundation was founded in 1986 and is named for the legendary cookbook author who has been called America’s first foodie.—
Jeanne Bonner,
CNN Money,
16 June 2026
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The foundation’s media awards, honoring cookbook authors, journalists and other media professionals, were presented Saturday, June 13.—
Brock Keeling,
Daily News,
16 June 2026
Cite this Entry
“Originator.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/originator. Accessed 21 Jun. 2026.
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