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 In August 2025, Health and Human Services also scaled down the Foodborne Diseases Active Surveillance Network, known as FoodNet, which tracks food poisoning cases, slashing mandatory surveillance of six major germs, including cyclospora. — Sasha Rogelberg, Fortune, 4 Sep. 2026 Key Takeaways Clean your bathroom weekly to prevent germs and make the process more manageable. — Mary Catherine McAnnally Scott, Southern Living, 2 Sep. 2026 Wastewater tracking is the testing of community sewage for viruses and other germs to help health officials monitor disease spread and trends, often before cases show up in clinical testing data. — Mary Walrath-Holdridge, USA Today, 31 Aug. 2026 Xenex LightStrike Infections acquired inside hospitals remain a serious problem, especially when harmful germs survive on surfaces after a patient leaves a room. — Atharva Gosavi, Interesting Engineering, 30 Aug. 2026 They’re born before antibodies – protective proteins that recognize incoming germs – can be transferred from mother to baby during the later stages of pregnancy. — Brenda Goodman, CNN Money, 28 Aug. 2026 Climate change is spreading dangerous germs Our globalized food supply chain has a lot to do with our food safety — and that isn’t going to change any time soon. — Dylan Scott, Vox, 27 Aug. 2026 As horrifying as this might sound, remember that the Romans didn’t know about germs. — Andrew Coletti, Popular Science, 27 Aug. 2026 For many kids, the best part of school is being with friends — sharing space, playing on the playground and trading germs. — CBS News, 24 Aug. 2026
Recent Examples of Synonyms for germs
  1. origins
  2. roots
  3. seed
  4. beginnings
Noun
  • The actor opened up about the origins of his steely exterior in a 2023 interview with USA TODAY.
    — Edward Segarra, USA Today, 3 Sep. 2026
  • Arte Distribution has Origins, A Tale of Light, a science doc that uses images created by artist Roman Hill, about the origins of the Universe.
    — Stewart Clarke, Deadline, 3 Sep. 2026
Definition of origins
Noun
  • The gel texture lightly clarifies the scalp and volumizes the roots with the help of salicylic and glutamic acids.
    — Madison San Miguel, Allure, 5 Sep. 2026
  • Having a healthy lawn means managing soil conditions for the roots, mowing properly, and strengthening the density of the grass by overseeding.
    — Mary Marlowe Leverette, The Spruce, 4 Sep. 2026
Definition of roots
Noun
  • Maintaining an even level of soil moisture as the seeds are germinating is also a key component to overseeding success.
    — Mary Marlowe Leverette, The Spruce, 4 Sep. 2026
  • Coming in 20 shades, the skin tint is priced at $38 and features a 73 percent skin care formula with ingredients including daikon radish seed and açaí extracts.
    — Noor Lobad, Footwear News, 3 Sep. 2026
Definition of seed
Noun
  • Her life right now is big on both reflection and new beginnings.
    — Marissa R. Moss, Rolling Stone, 3 Sep. 2026
  • One thing that has remained constant since True Religion’s Y2K beginnings has been celebrity fans.
    — Sarah Jones, Footwear News, 2 Sep. 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 9 Sep. 2026.

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