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 Artemis program branding from NASA itself has included gender as a factor since its inception, with its goal of putting the first woman on the Moon. —Margaret Landis, The Conversation, 18 June 2026

Hess’ brother, Peter Hess, is a professor emeritus of economics at Davidson College and served as the president of Nepal Orphans Home’s board of directors from its inception to its closing. —Diamy Wang, Charlotte Observer, 18 June 2026

Simmons has been at the helm of Evanston’s reparations effort since its inception in 2019 and its subsequent approval by City Council in 2021. —Claire Murphy, Chicago Tribune, 18 June 2026

Since its inception, Only Murders in the Building has been about loneliness, says John Hoffman, who created the series with its co-lead, Steve Martin. —Trey Williams, HollywoodReporter, 18 June 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