germs

noun

plural of germ
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

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Example Sentences

Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Recent Examples of germs Nutritious meals, adequate sleep, regular exercise, and frequent handwashing can help keep germs away and immune systems strong. — Katie Lockwood, STAT, 28 Oct. 2026 More people are also being kept alive by invasive medical devices, such as heart-lung machines and ventilators, which can create pathways for germs including fungi to enter the body. — Dominique Mosbergen, Time, 27 Oct. 2026 This does away with any germs that might remain, as well as cleaning up the matte film that the bleach leaves behind on my floors. — The Spruce, 27 Oct. 2026 Disinfect high-touch surfaces like door handles and remotes to reduce germs before the weekend. — Sarah Lyon, Southern Living, 22 Oct. 2026 These germs can make people sick with an illness called salmonellosis. — Sacbee.com, 21 Oct. 2026 Researchers First Looked to Animal Models for Clues Your gut is home to a community of microbes called the microbiome, and these helpful germs play an important role in digestion. — Emily Kay Votruba, EverydayHealth.com, 7 Oct. 2026 PhoneSoap Basic kills up to 99% of germs in 10-minute sessions. — ABC News, 3 Oct. 2026 Turn up the heat only when grease, germs or heavy soil give you a specific reason. — Ryan Brennan, Charlotte Observer, 28 Sep. 2026
Recent Examples of Synonyms for germs
  1. origins
  2. roots
  3. seed
  4. beginnings
Noun
  • Its industry origins remain crucial to building and maintaining the cross-continental ties.
    — Carole Horst, Variety, 4 Nov. 2026
  • But the meteoric takeoff of karaoke has soared far past its humble—and slightly murky—origins.
    — Skyli Alvarez, Condé Nast Traveler, 4 Nov. 2026
Definition of origins
Noun
  • Becoming the first Latino directly elected to California’s highest office is a distinction Becerra was reluctant to promote on the campaign trail, preferring instead to focus on his humble roots.
    — Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Times, 4 Nov. 2026
  • Mulching too early in fall can trap warmth that tricks the plants into sending out new growth, but mulching after the ground has frozen won’t properly insulate roots.
    — Karen Brewer Grossman, Southern Living, 4 Nov. 2026
Definition of roots
Noun
  • An unclaimed account that received Dell’s $250 holds that deposit; one that got neither the federal seed nor Dell money is an empty shell opened automatically.
    — Ashok Paudel, Fortune, 10 Nov. 2026
  • Five of the eight OCPS independent teams qualified for the Independent League playoffs, and Windermere, Innovation and University are the top three seeds in the Pool A North Division bracket.
    — Chris Hays, The Orlando Sentinel, 10 Nov. 2026
Definition of seed
Noun
  • Amin Joseph is 46, playing Sonny Liston, who was in his early-to-mid 30s, but Liston was an old 33, having spent years in prison after his rough and impoverished beginnings.
    — Daniel Fienberg, HollywoodReporter, 3 Nov. 2026
  • The women to Vermont State-Castleton in overtime, the men to Johnson & Wales, but this was a night about beginnings, everything that happened a first.
    — Dom Amore, Hartford Courant, 1 Nov. 2026
Definition of beginnings

Browse Nearby Words

germproof
germs
germy
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Cite this Entry

“Germs.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/germs. Accessed 12 Nov. 2026.

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