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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Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of germ
The machine draws water from the lagoon, it is purified naturally then treated with reverse osmosis and UV light to kill germs.
—
Kissa Castaneda, Forbes.com, 30 May 2025
Instead the story became the germ for another novel.
—Alex Vernon
may 27, Literary Hub, 27 May 2025
Read More: When to Go to the Emergency Room vs. Urgent Care
Keeping your head above water can help reduce the likelihood of gulping down germs.
—Angela Haupt, Time, 23 May 2025
After all, the more diverse the microbiome, the better we’re protected from germs, as a Stanford study shows.
—Desireé Oostland, Vogue, 22 May 2025
See All Example Sentences for germ
Kissa Castaneda, Forbes.com, 30 May 2025
Instead the story became the germ for another novel.
—Alex Vernon
may 27, Literary Hub, 27 May 2025
Read More: When to Go to the Emergency Room vs. Urgent Care
Keeping your head above water can help reduce the likelihood of gulping down germs.
—Angela Haupt, Time, 23 May 2025
After all, the more diverse the microbiome, the better we’re protected from germs, as a Stanford study shows.
—Desireé Oostland, Vogue, 22 May 2025
See All Example Sentences for germ
Recent Examples of Synonyms for germ
Noun
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The act’s origin dates to 1994 in Little Rock, Ark.—
Kevin Rutherford,
Billboard,
27 June 2025
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Enthralling and sleekly devious, this book is also a lyrical reflection on both the origin and the fate of our species.—
Gabrielle Bellot,
Literary Hub,
27 June 2025
Noun
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The billion-dollar tourist attraction with south Texas roots has been inching north into other states and is on track to start building a new location off Village West Parkway in KCK this year.—
Sofi Zeman,
Kansas City Star,
26 June 2025
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With restaurants and humanitarian missions around the world, Chef José Andrés is globally renowned but always returns to his birthplace, Asturias, to reconnect with his roots.—
Rana Good,
Forbes.com,
26 June 2025
Noun
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Following successful capital raises, the company has recently secured a further £1.5 million ($2 million) in seed funding from SFC Capital and Founders Capital in a round led by Coterie Holdings, who own fine wine merchants such as Lay & Wheeler and Hallgarten & Novum wines.—
Paul Caputo,
Forbes.com,
17 June 2025
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The Kings won 48 games under former coach Mike Brown to secure the No. 3 seed in the Western Conference, ending the longest playoff drought in NBA history after 16 consecutive losing seasons.—
Jason Anderson,
Sacbee.com,
16 June 2025
Noun
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Where To Spend, Who To Support From its humble beginnings to becoming a worldwide celebration, Pride has always been political.—
Brett F. Braley-Palko,
Forbes.com,
23 June 2025
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After missing four games due to a concussion and an illness at the beginning of June, Bueckers has been on a tear.—
Emily Adams,
Hartford Courant,
23 June 2025
Cite this Entry
“Germ.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/germ. Accessed 30 Jun. 2025.
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