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 Oxford shoes are a style that has been a part of the brand since its inception. — Karla Rodriguez, Footwear News, 13 July 2026

Since the event’s inception, the club had six players participate with Witt being the closest to winning in 2024. — Jaylon Thompson, Kansas City Star, 13 July 2026

But unlike the aforementioned EMO energy fund, abrdn’s CEF has largely existed in a healthcare bull market since inception in 2015—yet has failed to really stand out. — Brett Owens, Forbes.com, 11 July 2026

The production of this variant has progressed rapidly since its inception. — Aman Tripathi, Interesting Engineering, 10 July 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