1
as in source
a point or place at which something is invented or provided
the origins of human language remain a matter of considerable debate
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
2
as in root
the source from which something grows or develops
the origin of the tradition of giving presents at Christmastime
Synonyms & Similar Words
3
as in ancestry
the line of ancestors from whom a person is descended
they could trace their origins back 15 generations
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to
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Recent Examples of origin
The origins of the phrase can be traced back to a song and a basketball player.
—
Jack Beresford, MSNBC Newsweek, 3 Oct. 2025
That hit him on that trip to Getaria, the small fishing village of Cristóbal’s origin.
—Sarah Mower, Vogue, 3 Oct. 2025
For scientists, that discrepancy keeps open — but does not confirm — the possibility of a biological origin.
—Sharmila Kuthunur, Space.com, 3 Oct. 2025
The scientists, who published their findings in The Astrophysical Journal Letters, believe their research could help answer a mystery related to the origins of rogue planets.
—Chris Young, Interesting Engineering, 2 Oct. 2025
See All Example Sentences for origin
Jack Beresford, MSNBC Newsweek, 3 Oct. 2025
That hit him on that trip to Getaria, the small fishing village of Cristóbal’s origin.
—Sarah Mower, Vogue, 3 Oct. 2025
For scientists, that discrepancy keeps open — but does not confirm — the possibility of a biological origin.
—Sharmila Kuthunur, Space.com, 3 Oct. 2025
The scientists, who published their findings in The Astrophysical Journal Letters, believe their research could help answer a mystery related to the origins of rogue planets.
—Chris Young, Interesting Engineering, 2 Oct. 2025
See All Example Sentences for origin
Recent Examples of Synonyms for origin
Noun
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Some workers, whose programs have alternative funding sources, continue to be paid on time.—
Miranda Jeyaretnam,
Time,
8 Oct. 2025
-
Add PCMag as a preferred source on Google.—
PC Magazine,
PC Magazine,
8 Oct. 2025
Noun
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When shopping, look for ginger root that is firm and smooth.—
Susan Selasky,
Freep.com,
4 Oct. 2025
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Used a mulch, leaves keep soil cooler in the summer and warmer in the winter, protecting plant roots from extreme temperatures.—
Mary Marlowe Leverette,
Southern Living,
4 Oct. 2025
Noun
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Mamdani discusses Mazrui in his book, because Transition, the magazine that published him, was founded by Rajat Neogy, who, like Mamdani, was a Ugandan of Indian ancestry, eventually forced into exile.—
Kelefa Sanneh,
New Yorker,
6 Oct. 2025
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Her perky protagonist notably navigated a romantic relationship with vampire Bill Compton and explored the roots of her own fairy ancestry.—
Matt Cabral,
Entertainment Weekly,
4 Oct. 2025
Noun
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In the photos, Travis can be seen down on one knee as Swift cradles his face in the sweet moment.—
Natalia Senanayake,
PEOPLE,
3 Oct. 2025
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During the negotiations between Obama and Raúl, there was still the idea that somehow parts of the revolution—its socialist project—could be saved, and that Cuba could somehow transmogrify into a fairer, more modern place with a social cradle.—
Caroline Mimbs Nyce,
New Yorker,
29 Sep. 2025
Noun
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There are few better ways to commemorate the beginning of autumn than by curling up on the couch to enjoy a movie night or start your annual Gilmore Girls rewatch.—
Maggie Horton,
PEOPLE,
2 Oct. 2025
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If Orlando pairs fierce defense with just enough scoring to get by, this could be the beginning of a special group.—
Fred Katz,
New York Times,
2 Oct. 2025
Noun
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In other words, humility — more than lineage or fortune — may be the true secret to survival.—
Big Think,
Big Think,
2 Oct. 2025
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Outside his parish, a mosaic of Augustinian saints — including Saint Monica, Clare of Montefalco, and Saint Rita of Cascia — reflects that spiritual lineage.—
Jason DeRose,
NPR,
2 Oct. 2025
Noun
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What’s the genesis of DopeyCon?—
Shirley Halperin,
Rolling Stone,
1 Oct. 2025
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That was the real genesis of this film.—
Scott Roxborough,
HollywoodReporter,
28 Sep. 2025
Noun
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It’s embossed with a distinctive tire-tread pattern that echoes Lamborghini’s track pedigree.—
Carol Besler,
Robb Report,
3 Oct. 2025
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The Aces have a championship pedigree and enter as slight favorites.—
Ben Verbrugge,
MSNBC Newsweek,
3 Oct. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Origin.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/origin. Accessed 9 Oct. 2025.
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