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 machine draws water from the lagoon, it is purified naturally then treated with reverse osmosis and UV light to kill germs.
—
Kissa Castaneda, Forbes.com, 30 May 2025
Instead the story became the germ for another novel.
—Alex Vernon
may 27, Literary Hub, 27 May 2025
Read More: When to Go to the Emergency Room vs. Urgent Care
Keeping your head above water can help reduce the likelihood of gulping down germs.
—Angela Haupt, Time, 23 May 2025
After all, the more diverse the microbiome, the better we’re protected from germs, as a Stanford study shows.
—Desireé Oostland, Vogue, 22 May 2025
See All Example Sentences for germ
Kissa Castaneda, Forbes.com, 30 May 2025
Instead the story became the germ for another novel.
—Alex Vernon
may 27, Literary Hub, 27 May 2025
Read More: When to Go to the Emergency Room vs. Urgent Care
Keeping your head above water can help reduce the likelihood of gulping down germs.
—Angela Haupt, Time, 23 May 2025
After all, the more diverse the microbiome, the better we’re protected from germs, as a Stanford study shows.
—Desireé Oostland, Vogue, 22 May 2025
See All Example Sentences for germ
Recent Examples of Synonyms for germ
Noun
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Meanwhile, Claire and Owen are raising Maisie, keeping her as under-the-radar as possible, lest she be found and experimented on by scientists enthralled by her unique origin.—
Will Harris,
EW.com,
27 June 2025
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The act’s origin dates to 1994 in Little Rock, Ark.—
Kevin Rutherford,
Billboard,
27 June 2025
Noun
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The billion-dollar tourist attraction with south Texas roots has been inching north into other states and is on track to start building a new location off Village West Parkway in KCK this year.—
Sofi Zeman,
Kansas City Star,
26 June 2025
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With restaurants and humanitarian missions around the world, Chef José Andrés is globally renowned but always returns to his birthplace, Asturias, to reconnect with his roots.—
Rana Good,
Forbes.com,
26 June 2025
Noun
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Pelinka also engineered the splendid undrafted free agent signing that was Austin Reaves, which led to the Lakers finishing this season as the third seed in the West.—
Bill Plaschke,
Los Angeles Times,
29 June 2025
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The Packers failed to build on their terrific finish to the 2023 campaign, settled for the No. 7 seed in the NFC playoffs, and lost a Wild Card game to eventual Super Bowl champion Philadelphia.—
Rob Reischel,
Forbes.com,
29 June 2025
Noun
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Bulls will point to yesterday’s event as just the beginning of an exciting path of growth.—
Alex Harring,
CNBC,
23 June 2025
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He’s been trying really from the beginning to bring the 10 Black mob families together.—
Aramide Tinubu,
Variety,
23 June 2025
Cite this Entry
“Germ.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/germ. Accessed 4 Jul. 2025.
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