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
That is, a non-central process that allows the immune system to strike a delicate balance between being appropriately responsive and aggressive toward intruding germs or foreign dangers while also not running amok.
—
Beth Mole, ArsTechnica, 6 Oct. 2025
Turn plastic shower caddies into shopping cart organizers to keep your belongings tidy and germ-free.
—Claire Hoppe Norgaard, Better Homes & Gardens, 5 Oct. 2025
With so many opportunities for germs to spread, contracting a foodborne illness from eating at a restaurant is not unheard of.
—Camila Pedrosa, Sacbee.com, 5 Oct. 2025
Drink milk or juice only if it’s pasteurized (heat-treated to kill germs).
—Brandi Jones, Health, 5 Oct. 2025
See All Example Sentences for germ
Beth Mole, ArsTechnica, 6 Oct. 2025
Turn plastic shower caddies into shopping cart organizers to keep your belongings tidy and germ-free.
—Claire Hoppe Norgaard, Better Homes & Gardens, 5 Oct. 2025
With so many opportunities for germs to spread, contracting a foodborne illness from eating at a restaurant is not unheard of.
—Camila Pedrosa, Sacbee.com, 5 Oct. 2025
Drink milk or juice only if it’s pasteurized (heat-treated to kill germs).
—Brandi Jones, Health, 5 Oct. 2025
See All Example Sentences for germ
Recent Examples of Synonyms for germ
Noun
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The third phase materialized over the last year and a half, and delves deeper into origin.—
Okla Jones,
Essence,
10 Oct. 2025
-
Working on these inward-looking songs has allowed Teasdale and Chambers to feel less hemmed in by their origin story, one that was drawn early on by the press and then chiseled in stone.—
Sophie Williams,
Billboard,
10 Oct. 2025
Noun
-
Although his own roots are Baptist, the North Little Rock native is no stranger to the Methodist hymnal.—
Arkansas Online,
Arkansas Online,
11 Oct. 2025
-
That legacy hasn’t faded, but the region feels freshly alive these days as chefs, artists, and creative entrepreneurs put down roots.—
Lauren Dana Ellman,
Travel + Leisure,
11 Oct. 2025
Noun
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Even if not at their maximum crop yield, protein-rich beans, pumpkin flesh, and pumpkin seeds yield additional protein that compensates for the slightly diminished crop yields.—
JSTOR Daily,
JSTOR Daily,
14 Oct. 2025
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One is the use of psyllium, which comes from the seeds of the herb Plantago ovata, is a popular fiber supplement used to treat constipation.—
Lucy Notarantonio,
MSNBC Newsweek,
13 Oct. 2025
Noun
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Fields would find the end zone a third time at the beginning of the second quarter, giving the Eagles a commanding 19-0 advantage over Southwest.—
Raul Avila,
Fort Worth Star-Telegram,
10 Oct. 2025
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As format developers from around the world continue to seek inspiration from The Traitors, the show that signaled the beginning of a new generation looks set to stay in the thick of conversation on the Croisette.—
Max Goldbart,
Deadline,
9 Oct. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Germ.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/germ. Accessed 17 Oct. 2025.
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