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
The aluminum lining also makes cleanup easy—just wipe it down—and helps guard against bacteria and germs.
—
Sarah Han, Allure, 15 Mar. 2026
Since many pregnant and postpartum women either struggle with or are recovering from a weak immune system, even germs from sources as innocuous as a bidet can prove irritating.
—Ethan Stone, USA Today, 15 Mar. 2026
When cleaning protocols break down, those germs can spread rapidly in close quarters.
—Jessica Mekles, FOXNews.com, 14 Mar. 2026
To go the extra mile, Gagliardi recommends adding a laundry sanitizer to your machine’s fabric softener compartment to kill germs that may have transferred from the dirty laundry.
—Mary Cornetta, Better Homes & Gardens, 11 Mar. 2026
Cleaning expert Lily Cameron suggests storing towels outside the bathroom to get rid of a location for germs.
—Sarah Lyon, The Spruce, 11 Mar. 2026
Travelers must remove their shoes at security checkpoints, and many public areas can expose people to germs.
—Marley Malenfant, Austin American Statesman, 9 Mar. 2026
But some backpacks are better for travel than others, perhaps designed with isolated shoe compartments, holes to feed your phone charging cable through, jewelry pouches, and special materials that simply wipe clean after picking up germs from public floors.
—Olivia Young, Travel + Leisure, 8 Mar. 2026
Be sure to pack an easy-to-carry water bottle, wipes to keep the germs away, and a portable battery to keep your phone camera going.
—Terri Peters, Parents, 6 Mar. 2026
Sarah Han, Allure, 15 Mar. 2026
Since many pregnant and postpartum women either struggle with or are recovering from a weak immune system, even germs from sources as innocuous as a bidet can prove irritating.
—Ethan Stone, USA Today, 15 Mar. 2026
When cleaning protocols break down, those germs can spread rapidly in close quarters.
—Jessica Mekles, FOXNews.com, 14 Mar. 2026
To go the extra mile, Gagliardi recommends adding a laundry sanitizer to your machine’s fabric softener compartment to kill germs that may have transferred from the dirty laundry.
—Mary Cornetta, Better Homes & Gardens, 11 Mar. 2026
Cleaning expert Lily Cameron suggests storing towels outside the bathroom to get rid of a location for germs.
—Sarah Lyon, The Spruce, 11 Mar. 2026
Travelers must remove their shoes at security checkpoints, and many public areas can expose people to germs.
—Marley Malenfant, Austin American Statesman, 9 Mar. 2026
But some backpacks are better for travel than others, perhaps designed with isolated shoe compartments, holes to feed your phone charging cable through, jewelry pouches, and special materials that simply wipe clean after picking up germs from public floors.
—Olivia Young, Travel + Leisure, 8 Mar. 2026
Be sure to pack an easy-to-carry water bottle, wipes to keep the germs away, and a portable battery to keep your phone camera going.
—Terri Peters, Parents, 6 Mar. 2026
Recent Examples of Synonyms for germs
Noun
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But the origins of vasectomies becoming linked to March Madness appear to trace back to a marketing campaign by an Oregon urology clinic, which took out a radio advertisement in the late 2000s.—
Miriam Fauzia,
Dallas Morning News,
20 Mar. 2026
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Many current biofuel mandates trace their origins to the 1970s energy shock, while the US Energy Independence and Security Act followed a 2007-08 price spike, said Dr Timothy Deehan, a senior oil analyst at LSEG.—
Natasha Bracken,
semafor.com,
19 Mar. 2026
Noun
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See latest conditions Rainfall during the critical germination months from September through November was well below normal, and the winter rain needed to support deep roots and healthy growth also fell short.—
Marley Malenfant,
Austin American Statesman,
20 Mar. 2026
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The roots of the quaint hotel—once home to a cardinal—are reflected in the guest rooms’ tapestries, oak floors, and Carrara-marble bathrooms.—
Condé Nast,
Condé Nast Traveler,
19 Mar. 2026
Noun
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Idaho was a 13-seed in its last tournament appearance in 1990, losing to Louisville 78-59 in Salt Lake City.—
Rachel Roberts,
Idaho Statesman,
16 Mar. 2026
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In the mix is a possible rematch of last year's national final against Florida, which would essentially be a road team with a better seed.—
Arkansas Online,
Arkansas Online,
16 Mar. 2026
Noun
-
Expect new beginnings, adventures and major changes.—
Georgia Nicols,
Denver Post,
15 Mar. 2026
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From the humblest beginnings, Grant and Naylor formed a science fiction legacy that has lasted over 30 years, with characters and settings more persistent than a 3-million-year-old vindaloo stain.—
Robert Lea,
Space.com,
14 Mar. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Germs.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/germs. Accessed 22 Mar. 2026.
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