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
Suitcases come in contact with many dirty surfaces and are handled by multiple people during travel, making handles, in particular, a breeding ground for germs, bacteria, and viruses.
—
Jolie Kerr, Better Homes & Gardens, 26 June 2025
Check out this one that kills germs and is great for use in hospitals, and this one formulated with living cyanobacteria to produce oxygen and capture carbon dioxide.
—Abhimanyu Ghoshal, New Atlas, 23 June 2025
Always assume items have unseen germs or pests and clean them accordingly before bringing them into your home.
—Brandee Gruener, Southern Living, 29 June 2025
Scrub your way across the surface to dislodge any final particles and help remove germs and bacteria, then rinse the grill grates well with fresh water.
—Karla Walsh, Better Homes & Gardens, 28 June 2025
See All Example Sentences for germ
Jolie Kerr, Better Homes & Gardens, 26 June 2025
Check out this one that kills germs and is great for use in hospitals, and this one formulated with living cyanobacteria to produce oxygen and capture carbon dioxide.
—Abhimanyu Ghoshal, New Atlas, 23 June 2025
Always assume items have unseen germs or pests and clean them accordingly before bringing them into your home.
—Brandee Gruener, Southern Living, 29 June 2025
Scrub your way across the surface to dislodge any final particles and help remove germs and bacteria, then rinse the grill grates well with fresh water.
—Karla Walsh, Better Homes & Gardens, 28 June 2025
See All Example Sentences for germ
Recent Examples of Synonyms for germ
Noun
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As is the case for many classic cocktails, the origin of the mojito is uncertain and disputed.—
Claudia Alarcón,
Forbes.com,
9 July 2025
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Gunn has no interest in easing you into this new world with an origin story or exposition dump.—
Brian Truitt,
USA Today,
9 July 2025
Noun
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The roots of stargazing date back centuries to ancient civilizations like the Babylonians and Egyptians who practiced stargazing for navigation, agriculture and religious purposes.—
Roger Sands,
Forbes.com,
8 July 2025
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Inside, the design stays true to its minimalist roots.—
Abby Montanez,
Robb Report,
8 July 2025
Noun
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Deadheading helps remove dead flowers and seed pods to delay seed production.—
Karen Brewer Grossman,
Southern Living,
11 July 2025
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American 13th seed Amanda Anisimova will face five-time major champion Iga Swiatek in the final, as both players aim for their maiden Wimbledon title.—
Manasi Pathak,
Forbes.com,
11 July 2025
Noun
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Bayern Munich have won the Champions League on six separate occasions while PSG finally got over the line this season with a stunning 5-0 win over Inter Milan that could mark the beginning of an era of dominance for the French giants.—
Darren Richman,
New York Times,
5 July 2025
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There are few in Spain who know more about the race’s humble beginnings than the drag queen known as Chumina Power.—
CNN Money,
CNN Money,
5 July 2025
Cite this Entry
“Germ.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/germ. Accessed 18 Jul. 2025.
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