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
While millions of soccer fans cheer or groan over World Cup matches spanning North America, health officials will be on high alert for germs.
—
Lauren Neergaard, Chicago Tribune, 10 June 2026
Regardless of the type, warm or hot water is best, although Shields advises using hot water for dish towels to really tackle the grease, germs, and food stains.
—Cori Sears, The Spruce, 8 June 2026
The pros recommend keeping it in a drawer where it’s safely kept away from bathroom germs, and a simple drawer organizer can store it easily within reach.
—Caley Sturgill, Southern Living, 7 June 2026
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
Try to use a sanitizer in places where others may have left their germs, Nahass adds.
—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
Lauren Neergaard, Chicago Tribune, 10 June 2026
Regardless of the type, warm or hot water is best, although Shields advises using hot water for dish towels to really tackle the grease, germs, and food stains.
—Cori Sears, The Spruce, 8 June 2026
The pros recommend keeping it in a drawer where it’s safely kept away from bathroom germs, and a simple drawer organizer can store it easily within reach.
—Caley Sturgill, Southern Living, 7 June 2026
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
Try to use a sanitizer in places where others may have left their germs, Nahass adds.
—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
Recent Examples of Synonyms for germs
Noun
-
Young Washington, a narrative look at the American president’s origins starring Ben Kingsley, Mary-Louise Parker, Kelsey Grammer and Andy Serkis, will debut Saturday at the Tribeca Festival in New York.—
Dade Hayes,
Deadline,
11 June 2026
-
As expected, many of the other genes came from either the Asgard archaea or Alphaproteobacteria, consistent with the big-picture model of our origins.—
ArsTechnica,
ArsTechnica,
11 June 2026
Noun
-
The 36-year-old entrepreneur from Stanford, Connecticut, moved to Mexico City last year to reconnect with the roots of his late grandparents.—
Andrew Greif,
NBC news,
12 June 2026
-
Jason Momoa, who was born in Hawaii, was photographed helping Lola arrange traditional colorful Hawaiian garlands, the leis, a tribute to her roots.—
Monica Coviello,
Vanity Fair,
11 June 2026
Noun
-
Millennials certainly planted some seeds in this garden in their day, but Gen Alpha waters it more so than any previous generation.—
Sarah Scott,
Parents,
14 June 2026
-
Graying Larry Johnson, who hit a legendary four-point shot in the 1999 playoffs, leading an eight-seed to the Finals for the first and only time, is often in the house, as is Patrick Ewing, the franchise’s all-time leading scorer, in his working-class cap.—
Sean Gregory,
Time,
14 June 2026
Noun
-
Say yes to beginnings that fit your true pace beautifully.—
Tarot.com,
Sun Sentinel,
14 June 2026
-
Hockney came from humble beginnings.—
Gina Kalsi,
PEOPLE,
12 June 2026
Cite this Entry
“Germs.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/germs. Accessed 17 Jun. 2026.
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