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
The aluminum lining also makes cleanup easy—just wipe it down—and helps guard against bacteria and germs.
—
Sarah Han, Allure, 15 Mar. 2026
Since many pregnant and postpartum women either struggle with or are recovering from a weak immune system, even germs from sources as innocuous as a bidet can prove irritating.
—Ethan Stone, USA Today, 15 Mar. 2026
When cleaning protocols break down, those germs can spread rapidly in close quarters.
—Jessica Mekles, FOXNews.com, 14 Mar. 2026
To go the extra mile, Gagliardi recommends adding a laundry sanitizer to your machine’s fabric softener compartment to kill germs that may have transferred from the dirty laundry.
—Mary Cornetta, Better Homes & Gardens, 11 Mar. 2026
See All Example Sentences for germ
Sarah Han, Allure, 15 Mar. 2026
Since many pregnant and postpartum women either struggle with or are recovering from a weak immune system, even germs from sources as innocuous as a bidet can prove irritating.
—Ethan Stone, USA Today, 15 Mar. 2026
When cleaning protocols break down, those germs can spread rapidly in close quarters.
—Jessica Mekles, FOXNews.com, 14 Mar. 2026
To go the extra mile, Gagliardi recommends adding a laundry sanitizer to your machine’s fabric softener compartment to kill germs that may have transferred from the dirty laundry.
—Mary Cornetta, Better Homes & Gardens, 11 Mar. 2026
See All Example Sentences for germ
Recent Examples of Synonyms for germ
Noun
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Depending on the origin and destination of the cargo, price increases have seen substantial accelerations as planes have either remained grounded or taken out of service.—
Glenn Taylor,
Footwear News,
1 Apr. 2026
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Dozens of amateur and professional photographers were invited to find beauty in the invisible world of force fields and subatomic particles, which blip into existence for fractions of a second and hold secrets about the origin and fate of the universe.—
Zack Savitsky,
Quanta Magazine,
1 Apr. 2026
Noun
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But the film also sees the roots of toxic nativism elsewhere, especially in the wars being waged in Ukraine and Gaza, both of which become passing points of conversation.—
Justin Chang,
New Yorker,
27 Mar. 2026
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Gatewood had been tasked with overseeing the Johnson administration's efforts to address the root causes of crime and violence in Chicago and coming up with a plan for public safety.—
Lauren Victory,
CBS News,
26 Mar. 2026
Noun
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When Michigan coach Kim Barnes Arico had each of her players bring in a quote that resonates with them, sophomore guard Olivia Olson provided one that truly encapsulates the Wolverines heading into the only women's NCAA Tournament regional final matching the top two seeds.—
CBS News,
CBS News,
30 Mar. 2026
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The Heat essentially needed to sweep the league’s tankers this season because of its poor 22-29 record against teams with top 10 seeds.—
Barry Jackson,
Miami Herald,
30 Mar. 2026
Noun
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The changes will take effect April 3, marking the beginning of Teel’s third stint as CEO of Raley’s.—
Sacbee.com,
Sacbee.com,
28 Mar. 2026
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At the beginning of their time on the stand at the trial in which Evans pleaded guilty to intoxication manslaughter of a peace officer and elected to have a jury assess her punishment, the witnesses answered prosecutors’ introductory questions with flat speech.—
Emerson Clarridge
Updated March 27,
Fort Worth Star-Telegram,
28 Mar. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Germ.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/germ. Accessed 3 Apr. 2026.
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