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
Slip into these for an overnight flight to keep your feet warm, cozy, and protected from nasty plane bathroom germs.
—
Sophie Dodd, Travel + Leisure, 16 Feb. 2026
Breast milk also provides antibodies that respond to germs in their environment, supporting the toddler’s immune system.
—Hannah Silverman, Parents, 16 Feb. 2026
Cleaning with steam can kill dust mites, bacteria, and germs, reduces allergens, and deodorizes by breaking down odor-causing bacteria.
—Madeline Buiano, Martha Stewart, 15 Feb. 2026
Bryan Griffin, the founder of Patriot Maids Cleaning Services, agrees and says regular replacement will help prevent the spread of germs and maintain better kitchen hygiene.
—Jane Kim, The Spruce, 15 Feb. 2026
See All Example Sentences for germ
Sophie Dodd, Travel + Leisure, 16 Feb. 2026
Breast milk also provides antibodies that respond to germs in their environment, supporting the toddler’s immune system.
—Hannah Silverman, Parents, 16 Feb. 2026
Cleaning with steam can kill dust mites, bacteria, and germs, reduces allergens, and deodorizes by breaking down odor-causing bacteria.
—Madeline Buiano, Martha Stewart, 15 Feb. 2026
Bryan Griffin, the founder of Patriot Maids Cleaning Services, agrees and says regular replacement will help prevent the spread of germs and maintain better kitchen hygiene.
—Jane Kim, The Spruce, 15 Feb. 2026
See All Example Sentences for germ
Recent Examples of Synonyms for germ
Noun
-
Military and dual-use AI capabilities, many with commercial origins, are being tested and deployed.—
Jared Cohen,
Time,
18 Feb. 2026
-
Soma, a young woman who is searching for her own origins.—
Ed Meza,
Variety,
18 Feb. 2026
Noun
-
Babcock, 76, has come a long way from early 1970s Philadelphia Inquirer scribe to renowned Dallas attorney, but his extensive sports roots uniquely qualify him as the Mavericks’ lead counsel in their legal squabble with the Stars.—
Brad Townsend,
Dallas Morning News,
19 Feb. 2026
-
The safest strategy is to incorporate turmeric root and spice into more of your meals.—
Jenna Anderson,
Health,
19 Feb. 2026
Noun
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The individual beads are large hollow spheres containing okra seeds.—
TRAVIS LOLLER,
Arkansas Online,
16 Feb. 2026
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This minimizes the chance of birds or pests removing the seeds or wind or rain blowing or washing them away.—
Lee Wallender,
The Spruce,
15 Feb. 2026
Noun
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In the picture, baby Elvis is wearing a battered but jaunty felt hat, the sunshine center of a family that also, at the beginning, had nothing.—
Stephanie Zacharek,
Time,
20 Feb. 2026
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The opening run of tracks is everything that critics have thrown at them from the beginning.—
Hannah Jocelyn,
Pitchfork,
20 Feb. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Germ.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/germ. Accessed 21 Feb. 2026.
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