as in origin
the source from which something grows or develops
this hastily scribbled equation on a cocktail napkin became the germ of a new scientific theory
Synonyms & Similar Words
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Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of germ
The problem: Keeping people safe from outbreaks requires high vaccination rates across a broad region, and germs don’t stop at county borders.
—
Laura Ungar, Los Angeles Times, 13 Apr. 2025
Skin culture: This swab or biopsy test helps detect bacteria, fungi, and other germs.
—Casey Gallagher, Health, 12 Apr. 2025
This best-selling air purifier promises to capture up to 99.97 percent of airborne allergens, in addition to unwanted odors, smoke, and germs.
—Clara McMahon, People.com, 25 Mar. 2025
Hoppus' fear of germs intensified amid his fallout with Tom DeLonge and after Travis Barker's plane crash in 2008, which also killed his friend.
—Ilana Kaplan, People.com, 16 Apr. 2025
See All Example Sentences for germ
Laura Ungar, Los Angeles Times, 13 Apr. 2025
Skin culture: This swab or biopsy test helps detect bacteria, fungi, and other germs.
—Casey Gallagher, Health, 12 Apr. 2025
This best-selling air purifier promises to capture up to 99.97 percent of airborne allergens, in addition to unwanted odors, smoke, and germs.
—Clara McMahon, People.com, 25 Mar. 2025
Hoppus' fear of germs intensified amid his fallout with Tom DeLonge and after Travis Barker's plane crash in 2008, which also killed his friend.
—Ilana Kaplan, People.com, 16 Apr. 2025
See All Example Sentences for germ
Recent Examples of Synonyms for germ
Noun
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Columbus was a stand-in for the nation’s hagiographic origin story, much like the Mayflower or its Western pioneers.—
Philip Elliott,
Time,
28 Apr. 2025
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Typically, the first film in a Marvel franchise establishes the protagonist’s origins, and the sequels present that character with challenges from increasingly formidable opponents.—
Jelani Cobb,
New Yorker,
28 Apr. 2025
Noun
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Medications and lifestyle changes that address the root cause may help ease a dry cough, including: GERD and acid reflux: Medications like proton pump inhibitors (PPIs) and H2 blockers help reduce the amount of acid your stomach produces.—
Lindsay Curtis,
Health,
27 Apr. 2025
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But a personal encounter with veganism pulled her back to her culinary roots — this time with a mission.—
Sierra Knoch,
San Diego Union-Tribune,
27 Apr. 2025
Noun
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Raspberry seed oil and vitamin E provide nourishment and protection overnight.—
Daniella Gray,
MSNBC Newsweek,
30 Apr. 2025
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After all, their 2023 run to the NBA Finals – dethroning the No. 1 overall seed in the first round – was one of the most appealing storylines of the last decade.—
Shane Young,
Forbes.com,
29 Apr. 2025
Noun
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Type 1: The Starting Goal The first type of financial goal is the one set at the beginning of a financial journey.—
Andrew Rosen,
Forbes.com,
24 Apr. 2025
-
There were language gaps, especially at the beginning.—
Essence,
Essence,
24 Apr. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Germ.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/germ. Accessed 9 May. 2025.
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