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
Also, steer clear of hand dryers, which Exum said can disperse germs.
—
The Washington Post, San Diego Union-Tribune, 8 Oct. 2025
Each one-liter bottle helps kill 99% of bad breath germs, strengthen enamel and fight cavities.
—Nora Colomer
May Earn A Commission If You Buy Through Our Referral Links. This Content Was Created By A Team That Works Independently From The Fox Newsroom., FOXNews.com, 7 Oct. 2025
Sanitize Your Pet Supplies Everyday germs from the outside world and even pet food can contaminate your dog’s bowls, toys, and habitats.
—Lauren Wicks, Southern Living, 7 Oct. 2025
The pandemic may have played a role, too, with widespread masking and limited exposure to germs from 2021 to 2023, fewer people built up short-term immunity.
—Evan Moore, Charlotte Observer, 7 Oct. 2025
That is, a non-central process that allows the immune system to strike a delicate balance between being appropriately responsive and aggressive toward intruding germs or foreign dangers while also not running amok.
—Beth Mole, ArsTechnica, 6 Oct. 2025
With so many opportunities for germs to spread, contracting a foodborne illness from eating at a restaurant is not unheard of.
—Camila Pedrosa, Sacbee.com, 5 Oct. 2025
Drink milk or juice only if it’s pasteurized (heat-treated to kill germs).
—Brandi Jones, Health, 5 Oct. 2025
Pet dander can trigger allergies, and animals can carry harmful germs.
—Maria Azzurra Volpe, MSNBC Newsweek, 25 Sep. 2025
The Washington Post, San Diego Union-Tribune, 8 Oct. 2025
Each one-liter bottle helps kill 99% of bad breath germs, strengthen enamel and fight cavities.
—Nora Colomer
May Earn A Commission If You Buy Through Our Referral Links. This Content Was Created By A Team That Works Independently From The Fox Newsroom., FOXNews.com, 7 Oct. 2025
Sanitize Your Pet Supplies Everyday germs from the outside world and even pet food can contaminate your dog’s bowls, toys, and habitats.
—Lauren Wicks, Southern Living, 7 Oct. 2025
The pandemic may have played a role, too, with widespread masking and limited exposure to germs from 2021 to 2023, fewer people built up short-term immunity.
—Evan Moore, Charlotte Observer, 7 Oct. 2025
That is, a non-central process that allows the immune system to strike a delicate balance between being appropriately responsive and aggressive toward intruding germs or foreign dangers while also not running amok.
—Beth Mole, ArsTechnica, 6 Oct. 2025
With so many opportunities for germs to spread, contracting a foodborne illness from eating at a restaurant is not unheard of.
—Camila Pedrosa, Sacbee.com, 5 Oct. 2025
Drink milk or juice only if it’s pasteurized (heat-treated to kill germs).
—Brandi Jones, Health, 5 Oct. 2025
Pet dander can trigger allergies, and animals can carry harmful germs.
—Maria Azzurra Volpe, MSNBC Newsweek, 25 Sep. 2025
Recent Examples of Synonyms for germs
Noun
-
The series will essentially explore the origins of Pennywise, using the book’s five interludes as a blueprint.—
Abbey White,
HollywoodReporter,
11 Oct. 2025
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According to Vogue, it's believed that Monroe was wearing a different ring during her courthouse wedding, but its origins and whereabouts are unknown.—
Janine Henni,
PEOPLE,
11 Oct. 2025
Noun
-
Although his own roots are Baptist, the North Little Rock native is no stranger to the Methodist hymnal.—
Arkansas Online,
Arkansas Online,
11 Oct. 2025
-
That legacy hasn’t faded, but the region feels freshly alive these days as chefs, artists, and creative entrepreneurs put down roots.—
Lauren Dana Ellman,
Travel + Leisure,
11 Oct. 2025
Noun
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Even if not at their maximum crop yield, protein-rich beans, pumpkin flesh, and pumpkin seeds yield additional protein that compensates for the slightly diminished crop yields.—
JSTOR Daily,
JSTOR Daily,
14 Oct. 2025
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One is the use of psyllium, which comes from the seeds of the herb Plantago ovata, is a popular fiber supplement used to treat constipation.—
Lucy Notarantonio,
MSNBC Newsweek,
13 Oct. 2025
Noun
-
Hammon may have come from humble beginnings, but there is nothing ordinary or overlooked about her story now.—
Sabreena Merchant,
New York Times,
11 Oct. 2025
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Childhood, in Gibbs’s hands, is a universal American archive that invites viewers to locate their own beginnings.—
Okla Jones,
Essence,
10 Oct. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Germs.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/germs. Accessed 15 Oct. 2025.
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