as in origin
the source from which something grows or develops
this hastily scribbled equation on a cocktail napkin became the germ of a new scientific theory
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Recent Examples of germ
By heating the finished beer to above 160 degrees to kill harmful bacteria, a germ-free beer could be produced that did not require constant refrigeration for lengthy shipment or storage.
—
Scott Lafee, San Diego Union-Tribune, 21 Apr. 2026
Many types of seeds benefit from soaking in room temperature water before planting, which softens the outer covering and allows the seed germ to break through easier.
—Barbara Gillette, The Spruce, 20 Apr. 2026
Both germs can lead to severe diarrhea and pain.
—Rob Williams, EverydayHealth.com, 20 Apr. 2026
Public health officials focus on vaccination rates among kindergartners because elementary schools can be hot spots for germs and the source of community spread.
—Cindy Krischer Goodman, The Orlando Sentinel, 16 Apr. 2026
See All Example Sentences for germ
Scott Lafee, San Diego Union-Tribune, 21 Apr. 2026
Many types of seeds benefit from soaking in room temperature water before planting, which softens the outer covering and allows the seed germ to break through easier.
—Barbara Gillette, The Spruce, 20 Apr. 2026
Both germs can lead to severe diarrhea and pain.
—Rob Williams, EverydayHealth.com, 20 Apr. 2026
Public health officials focus on vaccination rates among kindergartners because elementary schools can be hot spots for germs and the source of community spread.
—Cindy Krischer Goodman, The Orlando Sentinel, 16 Apr. 2026
See All Example Sentences for germ
Recent Examples of Synonyms for germ
Noun
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The horror film, which is directed by James Watkins, will track the origins of the shape-shifting villain, played by Tom Rhys Harries.—
Giana Levy,
Variety,
22 Apr. 2026
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That entity’s origins have something to do with the Church located in the repressed, religious suburb Naim’s (Bird) just moved to with his mother, played by the brilliant Aussie actress Mia Wasikowska.—
Ryan Lattanzio,
IndieWire,
22 Apr. 2026
Noun
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Punch drainage holes in the bottom to keep roots healthy, then hang them on a fence or mount them on a board for a compact, vertical herb garden.—
Lauren Jarvis-Gibson,
Kansas City Star,
23 Apr. 2026
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Besides being more manageable logistically, this style calls back to Healy’s fine-dining roots — think of a chef curating an ever-changing tasting menu — and also just speaks to Healy’s own personal preference.—
Jared Kaufman,
Twin Cities,
23 Apr. 2026
Noun
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The restaurant became the seed of what is now, 40 years later, the California Surf Museum on Pier View Way in Oceanside.—
Linda Mcintosh,
San Diego Union-Tribune,
26 Apr. 2026
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Big West regular-season champion Hawaii, which beat Long Beach on its home court twice in the regular season, and MIVA champion Ball State (25-4) appear to be locks for the other top-four seeds.—
Oc Register,
Oc Register,
26 Apr. 2026
Noun
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His campaign, however, raised just over $1 million since the beginning of the year — placing him sixth in the fundraising race among the eight leading candidates.—
Grace Hase,
Mercury News,
25 Apr. 2026
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Meanwhile, today is the beginning of a six-year window that will impact your private world.—
Georgia Nicols,
Denver Post,
25 Apr. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Germ.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/germ. Accessed 30 Apr. 2026.
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