as in origins
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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Recent Examples of germs
Public health officials focus on vaccination rates among kindergartners because elementary schools can be hot spots for germs and the source of community spread.
—
Cindy Krischer Goodman, The Orlando Sentinel, 16 Apr. 2026
Shigella germs spread easily through an infected person's stool.
—Melissa Rudy, FOXNews.com, 14 Apr. 2026
Vaccines can train your immune system to recognize and fight harmful germs.
—Sukhman Rekhi, Verywell Health, 13 Apr. 2026
She was diagnosed with retinitis pigmentosa — an eye disease that causes vision loss — and lupus, a disease where the immune system mistakenly attacks the body’s healthy tissues and organs instead of fighting germs, according to court records.
—Chase Jordan
april 10, Charlotte Observer, 10 Apr. 2026
Fill It Up Properly Knowing how to fill up your bottle properly is essential for reducing your exposure to germs.
—Laura Schober, Health, 10 Apr. 2026
Door Handles, Light Switches and Remote Controls These high-touch surfaces collect germs daily but are rarely disinfected.
—Lauren Jarvis-Gibson, Kansas City Star, 9 Apr. 2026
And even after a deep cleaning, a sponge will still contain germs that can thrive because of the perpetually moist environment.
—Bestreviews, Chicago Tribune, 1 Apr. 2026
The crew has been in medical quarantine since March 18 to protect their voyage from hitchhiking germs.
—Meghan Bartels, Scientific American, 27 Mar. 2026
Cindy Krischer Goodman, The Orlando Sentinel, 16 Apr. 2026
Shigella germs spread easily through an infected person's stool.
—Melissa Rudy, FOXNews.com, 14 Apr. 2026
Vaccines can train your immune system to recognize and fight harmful germs.
—Sukhman Rekhi, Verywell Health, 13 Apr. 2026
She was diagnosed with retinitis pigmentosa — an eye disease that causes vision loss — and lupus, a disease where the immune system mistakenly attacks the body’s healthy tissues and organs instead of fighting germs, according to court records.
—Chase Jordan
april 10, Charlotte Observer, 10 Apr. 2026
Fill It Up Properly Knowing how to fill up your bottle properly is essential for reducing your exposure to germs.
—Laura Schober, Health, 10 Apr. 2026
Door Handles, Light Switches and Remote Controls These high-touch surfaces collect germs daily but are rarely disinfected.
—Lauren Jarvis-Gibson, Kansas City Star, 9 Apr. 2026
And even after a deep cleaning, a sponge will still contain germs that can thrive because of the perpetually moist environment.
—Bestreviews, Chicago Tribune, 1 Apr. 2026
The crew has been in medical quarantine since March 18 to protect their voyage from hitchhiking germs.
—Meghan Bartels, Scientific American, 27 Mar. 2026
Recent Examples of Synonyms for germs
Noun
-
Clayton Seigle, a senior fellow in the Energy Security and Climate Change Program at the Center for Strategic and International Studies, told ABC News that spoofing or manipulating the tracking system can obscure a vessel's origins, destination and cargo.—
Bill Hutchinson,
ABC News,
16 Apr. 2026
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Fans made an on-screen rivalry a real thing Garth's memoir covers her origins, growing up in Illinois and Arizona before taking the leap at 17 and moving to Hollywood with her mother to chase her dreams.—
Ralphie Aversa,
USA Today,
16 Apr. 2026
Noun
-
Ideally, the correct pot size provides room for roots to grow, and enough soil moisture to avoid twice-daily waterings, but still dries down adequately.—
Andy Wilcox,
Better Homes & Gardens,
16 Apr. 2026
-
But his family's roots run deep.—
ABC News,
ABC News,
16 Apr. 2026
Noun
-
Doncic surged for a 60-point performance against the Miami Heat during the Lakers’ nine-game winning streak that ultimately put them in position for a top-half seed in the West despite Doncic’s and Austin Reaves’ injuries.—
Benjamin Royer,
Oc Register,
20 Apr. 2026
-
And this is where things get uncomfortable for the top seed.—
Mike Bianchi,
The Orlando Sentinel,
20 Apr. 2026
Noun
-
With beginnings such as those, the Red Sox needed a miracle to take the second game of the long-weekend quartet.—
Gabrielle Starr,
Boston Herald,
18 Apr. 2026
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New beginnings surround your home, family, and emotional foundation during the Aries new moon.—
USA TODAY,
USA Today,
17 Apr. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Germs.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/germs. Accessed 22 Apr. 2026.
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