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

Since her company’s inception, Galligan has worked with only one French player. — Eden Laase, New York Times, 4 Sep. 2026

McKenna took over the role in 2025 from Charles Mesure, who played the former World Security Bureau boss and intelligence operative since the character's 2023 inception. — Taijuan Moorman, USA Today, 2 Sep. 2026

After exhibiting at Frieze Seoul for three years since its 2022 inception, Paula Cooper Gallery has opted for a different approach to Seoul this year. — Vivienne Chow, ARTnews.com, 2 Sep. 2026

Eco effort From its inception, Turtle Inn has aimed to sit lightly on the land. — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 1 Sep. 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