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 Always assume items have unseen germs or pests and clean them accordingly before bringing them into your home. — Brandee Gruener, Southern Living, 1 Aug. 2026 Cofounded by Juliette Lailler and Marie Belile, Krème touts clean, creamy formulations and focuses on nourishing the skin’s microbiome, which shields against germs, pathogens and inflammation. — Samantha Conti, Footwear News, 31 July 2026 She has been diagnosed with retinitis pigmentosa, an eye disease that causes vision loss, and lupus, a disease where the immune system mistakenly attacks healthy tissues and organs instead of fighting germs, according to court records. — Chase Jordan july 30, Charlotte Observer, 30 July 2026 Anyone can pick up germs from swimming in a pool, hot tub, lake, ocean, or river. — Amanda MacMillan, Health, 30 July 2026 This gives germs ample time to multiply, making contaminated food harder to locate and recall. — Lisa Cuchara, The Conversation, 29 July 2026 Of course, as anyone with a baby (or who’s spent time anywhere near a baby) can tell you, a kid doesn’t have to shoot spit into your milk ducts to expose you to their germs. — Popular Science Team, Popular Science, 29 July 2026 Running water washes germs away instead of moving them from one piece of produce to another. — Angela Haupt, Time, 27 July 2026 Antibacterial wipes can also be beneficial for eradicating dirt and germs from both handles and zippers. — Louise Parks, Martha Stewart, 27 July 2026
Recent Examples of Synonyms for germs
  1. origins
  2. roots
  3. seed
  4. beginnings
Noun
  • The first women’s pro league in 72 years will honor the game’s origins and its pioneers.
    — James Raia, Mercury News, 31 July 2026
  • The origins of the potluck One of the first references to large communal meals where every attendee contributed is in the Bible.
    — Shoshi Parks, Popular Science, 30 July 2026
Definition of origins
Noun
  • The Buffalo Rose Saloon (Golden) Located in the heart of downtown Golden, the buildings that house The Buffalo Rose events complex have roots that are as old as the city itself.
    — Tiney Ricciardi, Denver Post, 31 July 2026
  • In keeping with its sister business, Trophy Club will dig deep into its golf roots.
    — Sean Timberlake, Sacbee.com, 31 July 2026
Definition of roots
Noun
  • That group and its partners propogated about 5,000 spider lily seeds in the Great Falls area last year.
    — John Marks, Charlotte Observer, 31 July 2026
  • The magic is the schug (a vibrant blend of spicy Italian long peppers, garlic and herbs) and tomato seeds that add an acidic kick.
    — Connie Ogle July 31, Miami Herald, 31 July 2026
Definition of seed
Noun
  • The evening ritual is a sweet hat tip to the property’s beginnings—more on that below.
    — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 30 July 2026
  • Astrologically, solar eclipses are equivalent to a super potent new moon, and are often associated with new beginnings, redirections and chapters that continue developing over time.
    — Valerie Mesa, PEOPLE, 28 July 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 5 Aug. 2026.

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