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
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Recent Examples of germ
This bar delivered thanks to its rich lather and moisturizing texture, a result of the lauric acid (which is a fatty acid that helps fight germs and emulsify the hard bar into a big, fluffy lather) baked in the soap.
—
Olivia Rose Rushing, InStyle, 7 Jan. 2026
Key Takeaways Vitamin C can boost your immune system by stimulating white blood cells, enabling them to fight germs more effectively.
—Sarah Bence, Verywell Health, 5 Jan. 2026
Plaque is the sticky film of germs that can cause cavities and make your breath smell bad.
—Linda Bartoshuk, The Conversation, 5 Jan. 2026
Even one-on-one, this is likely going to be a tough sell for some people, but if you’re unbothered by sharing food and germs, then potential social awkwardness should be a breeze.
—R. Eric Thomas, Chicago Tribune, 3 Jan. 2026
See All Example Sentences for germ
Olivia Rose Rushing, InStyle, 7 Jan. 2026
Key Takeaways Vitamin C can boost your immune system by stimulating white blood cells, enabling them to fight germs more effectively.
—Sarah Bence, Verywell Health, 5 Jan. 2026
Plaque is the sticky film of germs that can cause cavities and make your breath smell bad.
—Linda Bartoshuk, The Conversation, 5 Jan. 2026
Even one-on-one, this is likely going to be a tough sell for some people, but if you’re unbothered by sharing food and germs, then potential social awkwardness should be a breeze.
—R. Eric Thomas, Chicago Tribune, 3 Jan. 2026
See All Example Sentences for germ
Recent Examples of Synonyms for germ
Noun
-
The work triangle has origins dating back to the 19th century, but in a space that now serves diverse purposes and is filled with technology and appliances that didn’t exist when it was created, is the kitchen work triangle still relevant?—
Kristina McGuirk,
Better Homes & Gardens,
10 Jan. 2026
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Now, new research has shed light on their origin story – and opened the door to innovative ways of harnessing these compounds for human medicine.—
New Atlas,
New Atlas,
10 Jan. 2026
Noun
-
No one could trace the secret roots of Skinny Pedro’s devotion to the world of machines.—
Literary Hub,
Literary Hub,
12 Jan. 2026
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Short-term fixes alone are unlikely to address the root causes of affordability and, if misguided, could even prove counterproductive.—
Gene Ludwig,
Fortune,
11 Jan. 2026
Noun
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Slice each pepper in half lengthwise; remove and discard seeds.—
Holly Riordan,
Better Homes & Gardens,
7 Jan. 2026
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Some fruit pits and seeds, like those in apples and pears, contain traces of cyanide, which is harmful to birds.—
Madeline Buiano,
Martha Stewart,
6 Jan. 2026
Noun
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Indiana went on a 14-1 run in the third to take the lead from Nebraska (14-2, 3-2) for the first time since the beginning of the game, leading briefly at 51-49.—
Arkansas Online,
Arkansas Online,
9 Jan. 2026
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As for the Lady Kate, Furrer said the 110-foot boat stopped cruising at the beginning of the pandemic.—
Pamela McLoughlin,
Hartford Courant,
9 Jan. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Germ.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/germ. Accessed 12 Jan. 2026.
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