Synonyms of germ

germ

noun

ˈjərm 

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

• origin
• root
• seed
• beginning
• genesis
• start
• fountainhead
• seedbed
• origination
• spring
• fountain
• font
• inception
• birth
• commencement
• onset
• creation
• well
• dawn
• launch
• wellspring
• outset
• threshold
• morning
• incipiency
• wellhead
• inauguration

Example Sentences

Recent Examples of germ

This gives germs ample time to multiply, making contaminated food harder to locate and recall. — Lisa Cuchara, The Conversation, 29 July 2026

Of course, as anyone with a baby (or who’s spent time anywhere near a baby) can tell you, a kid doesn’t have to shoot spit into your milk ducts to expose you to their germs. — Popular Science Team, Popular Science, 29 July 2026

Running water washes germs away instead of moving them from one piece of produce to another. — Angela Haupt, Time, 27 July 2026

Antibacterial wipes can also be beneficial for eradicating dirt and germs from both handles and zippers. — Louise Parks, Martha Stewart, 27 July 2026