inception

noun

in·​cep·​tion in-ˈsep-shən 

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

Synonyms

• 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

In less than half a year since its inception, the company secured $2 billion in seed funding in July, reaching a valuation of approximately $12 billion. —CNBC, 11 Aug. 2025

The Cheval Noir represents the political fight that pushed Montreal to become one of Canada’s most progressive cities — an ideology that’s been at the core of the festival since its inception. —Alison Foreman, IndieWire, 9 Aug. 2025

Wyle shared that several storylines on the show will also address age-old issues that have plagued the medical industry since its inception. —Mekishana Pierre Published, EW.com, 8 Aug. 2025

Notably, there was no agreement with the Florida Division of Emergency Management, which has overseen the construction and operation of the site since its inception. —Ana Ceballos, Miami Herald, 8 Aug. 2025

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