Synonym Chooser

How is the word inception distinct from other similar nouns?

Some common synonyms of inception are origin, root, and source. While all these words mean "the point at which something begins its course or existence," inception stresses the beginning of something without implying causes.

the business has been a success since its inception

When could origin be used to replace inception?

The words origin and inception are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, 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

When is root a more appropriate choice than inception?

The synonyms root and inception are sometimes interchangeable, but root suggests a first, ultimate, or fundamental source often not easily discerned.

the real root of the violence

When can source be used instead of inception?

While the synonyms source and inception are close in meaning, source applies more often to the point where something springs into being.

the source of the Nile
the source of recurrent trouble

Examples of inception in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web Since its inception almost a decade ago, the organization has transformed countless lives and raised over $1 million dollars that go directly back into the community. Eva Reign, Them, 24 Oct. 2024 Labor battles have marked the WNBA’s ups and downs since its inception in 1996, with players periodically threatening to spend their time in other leagues and owners countering with the possibility of canceling seasons or even folding teams. Jacob Feldman, Sportico.com, 22 Oct. 2024 From its inception in 2018, Artists 360 has awarded $1.3 million to seven cohorts of 157 artists in Northwest Arkansas and the River Valley. Deb Harvell, arkansasonline.com, 20 Oct. 2024 Chief Keef, a pioneer in the inception and rise of drill music, is getting his own documentary, Variety can exclusively report. Steven J. Horowitz, Variety, 15 Oct. 2024 See all Example Sentences for inception 

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'inception.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Thesaurus Entries Near inception

Cite this Entry

“Inception.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/inception. Accessed 31 Oct. 2024.

More from Merriam-Webster on inception

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