inception

noun

in·​cep·​tion in-ˈsep-shən 

: an act, process, or instance of beginning : commencement

a project kept secret since its inception

Synonyms of inception

• beginning
• commencement
• start
• onset
• launch
• alpha

Choose the Right Synonym for inception

origin, source, inception, root mean the point at which something begins its course or existence.

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

source applies more often to the point where something springs into being.

the source of the Nile

the source of recurrent trouble

inception stresses the beginning of something without implying causes.

the business has been a success since its inception

root suggests a first, ultimate, or fundamental source often not easily discerned.

the real root of the violence

Examples of inception in a Sentence

The project has been shrouded in controversy from its inception.

Since its inception, the business has expanded to become a national retail chain.

We'll assist you at every stage from inception to completion.

Recent Examples on the Web

The city has issued roughly 60,000 zero-fine warnings since the program’s inception, in addition to warnings issued during grace periods at the start of the program, according to the data. — A.d. Quig, Chicago Tribune, 19 July 2026

Missouri farmers have implemented more than 295,000 conservation practices since its inception in 1984, which the Department of Natural Resources says stopped more than 194 million tons of soil from erosion. — Jack Harvel, Kansas City Star, 18 July 2026

The shark safety program has tagged 380 great whites since its inception, and about 250 sharks have active transmitters. — Kori McNair, Los Angeles Times, 16 July 2026

Gucci will once again serve as the presenting sponsor, maintaining a vital partnership that has supported the gala since its inception in 2011. — Robert Lang, Deadline, 15 July 2026

Word History

Etymology

Middle English incepcion, from Latin inception-, inceptio, from incipere to begin, from in- + capere to take

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for inception

• conception
• deception
• exception
• perception
• reception
• apperception
• contraception
• interception
• misconception
• misperception
• preconception
• intussusception

Kids Definition

inception

noun

in·​cep·​tion in-ˈsep-shən 

: an act or instance of beginning