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
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
Example Sentences
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to
show current usage.
Read More
Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors.
Send us feedback.
Recent Examples of germ
Chicken and turkey carried the highest-risk strains of bacteria, but pork and beef also carried the illness-causing germs.
—
Cara Lynn Shultz, PEOPLE, 24 Oct. 2025
Dirt and germs breed bad odors.
—Nafeesah Allen, Better Homes & Gardens, 21 Oct. 2025
Everything that might harbor germs was dangerous.
—New Atlas, 16 Oct. 2025
Lifeway Foods Probiotic Smoothie + Collagen Keep your mouth fresh and clean and kill bad-breath germs with Listerine On-The-Go Cool Mint Alcohol Free Mouthwash.
—Adam Mills, MSNBC Newsweek, 15 Oct. 2025
See All Example Sentences for germ
Cara Lynn Shultz, PEOPLE, 24 Oct. 2025
Dirt and germs breed bad odors.
—Nafeesah Allen, Better Homes & Gardens, 21 Oct. 2025
Everything that might harbor germs was dangerous.
—New Atlas, 16 Oct. 2025
Lifeway Foods Probiotic Smoothie + Collagen Keep your mouth fresh and clean and kill bad-breath germs with Listerine On-The-Go Cool Mint Alcohol Free Mouthwash.
—Adam Mills, MSNBC Newsweek, 15 Oct. 2025
See All Example Sentences for germ
Recent Examples of Synonyms for germ
Noun
-
What’s more, the Fila Museum’s exhibition features a time tunnel that aims to immerse visitors in the brand’s history, retracing its path from origin to the latest developments in sportswear and fashion through iconic garments and multimedia content.—
Stephen Garner,
Footwear News,
7 Nov. 2025
-
Each box of pods follows the same format as their whole bean deliveries, single origin from a range of different coffee-producing countries and ready to drop right into a Keurig machine.—
Noah Kaufman,
Bon Appetit Magazine,
7 Nov. 2025
Noun
-
The roots anchor in the soil, providing a firm foundation for stems, branches, and leaves.—
Megan Hughes,
Better Homes & Gardens,
8 Nov. 2025
-
Mulch provides insulation from extreme temperatures (cold and hot) by protecting the root system.—
Mary Marlowe Leverette,
Southern Living,
8 Nov. 2025
Noun
-
For this region specifically, Avalo aims to develop seeds that address its water and climate issues.—
Angela Velasquez,
Sourcing Journal,
3 Nov. 2025
-
The first team to win two games (either in regulation or penalties; there are no draws) will go through to the conference semifinals, and if there’s a need for a third game, it will be hosted by the team with the better seed.—
Avi Creditor,
New York Times,
3 Nov. 2025
Noun
-
From its beginning, the leaders of the rebellion well understood the global reach and resonance of their great struggle.—
Literary Hub,
Literary Hub,
7 Nov. 2025
-
But that was the beginning of everything for both of us.—
Karen Taylor Bass,
Billboard,
6 Nov. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Germ.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/germ. Accessed 9 Nov. 2025.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share