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

For Lovesac, the overhaul in its supply chain over the past decade presented growing pains, but the tariffs were really an opportunity to develop American manufacturing, a goal CEO Nelson had from the company’s inception. —Sasha Rogelberg, Fortune, 23 Oct. 2025

Since its inception, the show has explored several jaw-dropping storylines regarding the staff at Gaffney Chicago Medical Center. —Emily Weaver, PEOPLE, 22 Oct. 2025

Van Zandt’s organization, TeachRock, has reached more than one million students through 80,000 educators in all 50 states, since its inception in 2002. —Brandon Shaw, HollywoodReporter, 22 Oct. 2025

In fact, a total of 26 Charlotte area chefs and restaurants have been in the running for the prestigious honor since the inception of the annual awards. —Chyna Blackmon, Charlotte Observer, 22 Oct. 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