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
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Recent Examples of germ
And this minimal processing is what distinguishes whole grain pasta from traditional white or refined pasta, which is typically made from refined wheat flour that has been stripped of the bran and germ.
—
Daryl Austin, USA Today, 24 May 2026
Sepsis can be triggered by any type of infection, even a minor one, and occurs when germs enter a person’s body and multiply, causing illness and damage to organs and tissues.
—Kyle Feldscher, CNN Money, 24 May 2026
In those cases, caregivers say concerns about germs are outweighed by the need to ease fears and provide comfort.
—Laura Ungar, Fortune, 23 May 2026
As the tissue breaks down, your mouth loses its protective barrier against germs, acidic foods, and irritation.
—Brandi Jones, Health, 19 May 2026
See All Example Sentences for germ
Daryl Austin, USA Today, 24 May 2026
Sepsis can be triggered by any type of infection, even a minor one, and occurs when germs enter a person’s body and multiply, causing illness and damage to organs and tissues.
—Kyle Feldscher, CNN Money, 24 May 2026
In those cases, caregivers say concerns about germs are outweighed by the need to ease fears and provide comfort.
—Laura Ungar, Fortune, 23 May 2026
As the tissue breaks down, your mouth loses its protective barrier against germs, acidic foods, and irritation.
—Brandi Jones, Health, 19 May 2026
See All Example Sentences for germ
Recent Examples of Synonyms for germ
Noun
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The series serves as an origin story for how Norrin Radd (voiced by Paul Essiembre) becomes the herald of Galactus (James Blendick), then breaks free from the clutches of the Devourer of Worlds to surf around the galaxy and help others.—
Sergio Pereira,
Space.com,
3 June 2026
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But the origin of Wheeler’s second statement remained mysterious; in their models, matter didn’t tell space how to curve.—
Quanta Magazine,
Quanta Magazine,
3 June 2026
Noun
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The nonalcoholic Racine is designed entirely around roots—ginger, vetiver, turmeric, liquorice—while the Feuille cocktail focuses solely on leaves, blending mint, blue spirulina, blackcurrant bud, aloe vera, and patchouli.—
Lane Nieset,
Condé Nast Traveler,
4 June 2026
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Although some of the grass blades grow back, the turf rejuvenates itself after every mowing thanks to tillers or new leaves that arise from root crowns.—
Joshua Siskin,
Oc Register,
4 June 2026
Noun
-
Some great players didn’t make it to Paris because of injuries; other top seeds lost in early-round upsets; still others lost in later-round upsets.—
Corey Seymour,
Vogue,
7 June 2026
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Harry's Labs also invested in the seed round of Hims, but has since sold its minority stake.—
Amelia Lucas,Melissa Repko,
CNBC,
7 June 2026
Noun
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City Councilors Ed Flynn and Erin Murphy began raising the issue at the beginning of this month, and saw their resolution calling on the mayor to restore the cut backed, by an 11-0 vote, by the City Council.—
Gayla Cawley,
Boston Herald,
29 May 2026
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Lewis will be eligible to return to the major league roster for the beginning of a three-game series against the White Sox that starts Monday at Target Field.—
John Shipley,
Twin Cities,
29 May 2026
Cite this Entry
“Germ.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/germ. Accessed 10 Jun. 2026.
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