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
In addition to limiting the spread of germs, keeping the toilet lid closed at all times is a good idea.
—
Abby Wolner, Better Homes & Gardens, 2 June 2026
Surfaces that dry quickly tend to harbor fewer germs, which is why drying after cleaning is a surprisingly important hygiene step.
—Caroline Lubinsky, Martha Stewart, 1 June 2026
Along with sending any bad odors out, the fresh air is also a great way to circulate any mustiness and help clear out any lingering germs that may be in the air.
—Ashley Chalmers, The Spruce, 31 May 2026
The World Cup is coming to the US, Mexico and Canada in June, bringing millions of soccer fans to scream germs into the air of overly crowded stadiums.
—Cnn.com Wire Service, Mercury News, 29 May 2026
Your wife has an irrational aversion to rubber band germs.
—John Hodgman, New York Times, 29 May 2026
Washing chicken before cooking does not kill germs.
—Amy Brownstein, Verywell Health, 29 May 2026
In those cases, caregivers say concerns about germs are outweighed by the need to ease fears and provide comfort.
—Laura Ungar, Los Angeles Times, 26 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
Abby Wolner, Better Homes & Gardens, 2 June 2026
Surfaces that dry quickly tend to harbor fewer germs, which is why drying after cleaning is a surprisingly important hygiene step.
—Caroline Lubinsky, Martha Stewart, 1 June 2026
Along with sending any bad odors out, the fresh air is also a great way to circulate any mustiness and help clear out any lingering germs that may be in the air.
—Ashley Chalmers, The Spruce, 31 May 2026
The World Cup is coming to the US, Mexico and Canada in June, bringing millions of soccer fans to scream germs into the air of overly crowded stadiums.
—Cnn.com Wire Service, Mercury News, 29 May 2026
Your wife has an irrational aversion to rubber band germs.
—John Hodgman, New York Times, 29 May 2026
Washing chicken before cooking does not kill germs.
—Amy Brownstein, Verywell Health, 29 May 2026
In those cases, caregivers say concerns about germs are outweighed by the need to ease fears and provide comfort.
—Laura Ungar, Los Angeles Times, 26 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
Recent Examples of Synonyms for germs
Noun
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While season 1 unveils the cult's origins and delves into the involvement of major key players (including Smallville actress Allison Mack, who, in July 2023, was released a year early from her three-year sentencing), season 2 shifts its focus to Raniere's court trial.—
James Mercadante,
Entertainment Weekly,
4 June 2026
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The group brought together different professions, generations, styles, and geographic origins.—
Elsa Keslassy,
Variety,
4 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
-
Evergreen is again hosting this student-run fest with some celebrity shine on its headliner, and a bevy of performers that reinforce Colorado’s identity as a roots-music haven.—
John Wenzel,
Denver Post,
4 June 2026
Noun
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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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But its prediction-market bet shows how these platforms are beginning to outgrow their YOLO beginnings and could one day underpin big parts of traditional finance.—
Liz Hoffman,
semafor.com,
4 June 2026
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Even the set for Simon’s modest apartment on Lexington Avenue evoked Cretton’s humble beginnings.—
Brian Davids,
HollywoodReporter,
4 June 2026
Cite this Entry
“Germs.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/germs. Accessed 10 Jun. 2026.
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