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

In the 13 years since the division’s inception, no Francis Parker program, boys or girls, has hung an Open Division title. —Don Norcross, San Diego Union-Tribune, 24 Jan. 2026

Smith correctly pinpoints the inception of consumer-grade technology and the rise of punk rock in New York as reasons for public access’ cult-like success. —Vikram Murthi, IndieWire, 24 Jan. 2026

This portfolio has consistently outperformed its benchmark, which is a mix of the S&P 500, Russell, and S&P MidCap indexes, achieving returns of over 105% since its inception. —Trefis Team, Forbes.com, 22 Jan. 2026

The conviction is part of a broader effort by the Justice Department's Health Care Fraud Strike Force, which has charged more than 5,800 defendants and uncovered over $30 billion in fraudulent billings since its inception in 2007. —Zachary Bynum, CBS News, 22 Jan. 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