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

Synonyms & Similar Words

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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 Ventilation makes a big difference in clearing germs out and is one of the most underrated tools for prevention. — Hannah Nwoko, Parents, 28 June 2026 The commonality suggests there must be some evolutionary reason and the mouse experiment hints at a little germ protection — but still not a reason to scratch. — ABC News, 27 June 2026 The germ has been passed to him. — Saman Shafiq, USA Today, 27 June 2026 According to the health department, people who breathe in those airborne germs can become infected. — Cbs News Atlanta Digital Team, CBS News, 25 June 2026 See All Example Sentences for germ

Recent Examples of Synonyms for germ

Noun

Available documents indicate the warrant was related to the traffic case involving his driver’s license, although the extradition file does not specify its exact origin.

— Susana Erazo, CNN Money, 17 July 2026
Athena Bitzis, now 54, of Stone Mountain, performed in the opening ceremony, portraying one of the muses in a segment honoring the ancient origins of the Olympic movement.

— Andrea Clement, AJC.com, 17 July 2026

Definition of origin

Noun

While its roots go back to Don the Beachcomber in Hollywood in the 1930s, tiki culture blossomed after World War II, when American soldiers came back from the Pacific theater with stories of tropical islands.

— Sean Timberlake, Sacbee.com, 18 July 2026
Unlike a razor, which simply cuts hair at the surface, an epilator removes it from the root by mechanically plucking multiple hairs at once.

— Iman Balagam, Vogue, 17 July 2026

Definition of root

Noun

Pop crossovers, polished ballads and the young seeds of bro-country were what populated the radio, but Church loved harder rock influences, outlaw heroes, and even the Muscle Shoals soul.

— Marissa R. Moss, Rolling Stone, 16 July 2026
Robotics data startup Microagi closed a $55 million seed funding round, the largest ever in Germany, the company said Thursday.

— J.D. Capelouto, semafor.com, 16 July 2026

Definition of seed

Noun

Michelle Branch is going back to her electric blue beginnings.

— Maya Georgi, Rolling Stone, 15 July 2026
So the players have to lose every contest once to get to Room 8 and discover how to claim ultimate victory, then win every contest to get back to the beginning and correctly count some rice.

— Tasha Robinson, Vulture, 14 July 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 19 Jul. 2026.

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Synonyms of germ

noun

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