Thesaurus results for GERM

germ

noun

ˈjərm

Definition of germ

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

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Example Sentences

Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

Recent Examples of germ In August 2025, Health and Human Services also scaled down the Foodborne Diseases Active Surveillance Network, known as FoodNet, which tracks food poisoning cases, slashing mandatory surveillance of six major germs, including cyclospora. — Sasha Rogelberg, Fortune, 4 Sep. 2026 Compared with refined grains, whole grains retain the bran, germ, and endosperm, providing more fiber, vitamins, minerals, and beneficial plant compounds. — Amy Brownstein, Verywell Health, 4 Sep. 2026 The germ of Miquel’s story came in a particular glimpse of local history. — Literary Hub, 3 Sep. 2026 Wastewater tracking is the testing of community sewage for viruses and other germs to help health officials monitor disease spread and trends, often before cases show up in clinical testing data. — Mary Walrath-Holdridge, USA Today, 31 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for germ

Recent Examples of Synonyms for germ

Noun

Authorities didn't comment on the drone's origin or purpose, saying further investigation was needed, but two senior officials said the device was likely carrying explosives.

— Arkansas Online, Arkansas Online, 16 Sep. 2026
To be separated from your family of origin means intimacy without proximity.

— Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 15 Sep. 2026

Definition of origin

Noun

Those children need to know their roots, need to know that there is always a place where they are loved and welcomed.

— Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 11 Sep. 2026
Interventions can include removing trees and vegetation or constructing barriers to isolate their roots from the house’s foundations and, at the more extreme and expensive end, underpinning the house by pumping concrete beneath the foundations.

— Laura Paddison, CNN Money, 11 Sep. 2026

Definition of root

Noun

The industry remains near the beginning of its cycle, and the same principles—control over keys, and the routing of decisions—apply well beyond custody, including the issuance of tokenized instruments.

— Sergey Stopnevich, Forbes.com, 15 Sep. 2026
The timing of such decisions has cast a cloud of uncertainty over the sport just seven weeks out from the beginning of the regular season, and coaches involved are either fuming or biting their lips until there’s more clarity.

— CJ Moore, New York Times, 15 Sep. 2026

Definition of beginning

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geriatrics

germ

germane

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“Germ.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/germ. Accessed 17 Sep. 2026.

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Synonyms of germ

noun

Example Sentences

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