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
In those cases, caregivers say concerns about germs are outweighed by the need to ease fears and provide comfort.
—
Laura Ungar, Los Angeles Times, 26 May 2026
But a visually unappealing toilet seat could make an otherwise tidy bathroom look unexpectedly filthy—and there may really be more dirt and germs there than meet the eye, too.
—Louise Parks, Martha Stewart, 25 May 2026
Sepsis can be triggered by any type of infection, even a minor one, and occurs when germs enter a person’s body and multiply, causing illness and damage to organs and tissues.
—Kyle Feldscher, CNN Money, 24 May 2026
In those cases, caregivers say concerns about germs are outweighed by the need to ease fears and provide comfort.
—Laura Ungar, Fortune, 23 May 2026
As the tissue breaks down, your mouth loses its protective barrier against germs, acidic foods, and irritation.
—Brandi Jones, Health, 19 May 2026
While daily cleaning isn't necessary, weekly cleaning to remove germs is recommended.
—Mary Marlowe Leverette, The Spruce, 18 May 2026
Zinc and vitamin D also work together to strengthen physical barriers, such as the skin and the membranes of the respiratory tract, preventing germs from entering the body.
—Megan Nunn, Verywell Health, 12 May 2026
Travel The truth about germs on cruises Have a cruise booked later this year?
—Nicole Fallert, USA Today, 12 May 2026
Laura Ungar, Los Angeles Times, 26 May 2026
But a visually unappealing toilet seat could make an otherwise tidy bathroom look unexpectedly filthy—and there may really be more dirt and germs there than meet the eye, too.
—Louise Parks, Martha Stewart, 25 May 2026
Sepsis can be triggered by any type of infection, even a minor one, and occurs when germs enter a person’s body and multiply, causing illness and damage to organs and tissues.
—Kyle Feldscher, CNN Money, 24 May 2026
In those cases, caregivers say concerns about germs are outweighed by the need to ease fears and provide comfort.
—Laura Ungar, Fortune, 23 May 2026
As the tissue breaks down, your mouth loses its protective barrier against germs, acidic foods, and irritation.
—Brandi Jones, Health, 19 May 2026
While daily cleaning isn't necessary, weekly cleaning to remove germs is recommended.
—Mary Marlowe Leverette, The Spruce, 18 May 2026
Zinc and vitamin D also work together to strengthen physical barriers, such as the skin and the membranes of the respiratory tract, preventing germs from entering the body.
—Megan Nunn, Verywell Health, 12 May 2026
Travel The truth about germs on cruises Have a cruise booked later this year?
—Nicole Fallert, USA Today, 12 May 2026
Recent Examples of Synonyms for germs
Noun
-
Palo Alto may be home to today’s masters of the universe, but its community pool in Rinconada Park retains the old-school charm of its origins.—
Martha Ross,
Mercury News,
28 May 2026
-
The team began sorting through possible origins for this high-energy neutrino particle by acting like cosmic forensic detectives, classifying the detection of the particle as a crime scene and hunting for potential clues that point toward a culprit.—
Robert Lea,
Space.com,
28 May 2026
Noun
-
Once roots are established, reduce watering to a few times a week, depending on rainfall.—
Kim Toscano,
Southern Living,
29 May 2026
-
A lot of times these roots would be steeped in water to make herbal teas, and so they were used to those flavors, and used to using those ingredients.—
Christopher Edwards,
PEOPLE,
28 May 2026
Noun
-
Grown-ups bring a ladder to climb into the enormous fruit, kids gather up their inflatable toys, someone makes a waterslide out of a piece of rind, and the whole community spends the day splashing in the juice and pulp (being careful to remove the seeds first).—
Literary Hub,
Literary Hub,
1 June 2026
-
On the heels of becoming the first top seed to lose its regional opener, UCLA leaned into its late-game heroics to avoid ignominious history.—
Josh Gross,
Daily News,
31 May 2026
Noun
-
This is a year of new beginnings, adventures and major changes in your life.—
Georgia Nicols,
Denver Post,
31 May 2026
-
That’s mastering the art of new beginnings—one attempt at a time.—
Tamar Gakharia,
Forbes.com,
28 May 2026
Cite this Entry
“Germs.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/germs. Accessed 3 Jun. 2026.
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