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
While millions of soccer fans cheer or groan over World Cup matches spanning North America, health officials are on high alert for germs.
—
Lauran Neergaard, Los Angeles Times, 15 June 2026
Dishwashers really do need the occasional cleaning, though, because over time grease, soap scum, and food debris can build up, reducing efficiency and providing a breeding ground for germs.
—Daley Quinn, Southern Living, 14 June 2026
While millions of soccer fans cheer or groan over World Cup matches spanning North America, health officials will be on high alert for germs.
—Lauren Neergaard, Chicago Tribune, 10 June 2026
Regardless of the type, warm or hot water is best, although Shields advises using hot water for dish towels to really tackle the grease, germs, and food stains.
—Cori Sears, The Spruce, 8 June 2026
In addition to limiting the spread of germs, keeping the toilet lid closed at all times is a good idea.
—Abby Wolner, Better Homes & Gardens, 2 June 2026
Surfaces that dry quickly tend to harbor fewer germs, which is why drying after cleaning is a surprisingly important hygiene step.
—Caroline Lubinsky, Martha Stewart, 1 June 2026
Try to use a sanitizer in places where others may have left their germs, Nahass adds.
—Cnn.com Wire Service, Mercury News, 29 May 2026
Washing chicken before cooking does not kill germs.
—Amy Brownstein, Verywell Health, 29 May 2026
Lauran Neergaard, Los Angeles Times, 15 June 2026
Dishwashers really do need the occasional cleaning, though, because over time grease, soap scum, and food debris can build up, reducing efficiency and providing a breeding ground for germs.
—Daley Quinn, Southern Living, 14 June 2026
While millions of soccer fans cheer or groan over World Cup matches spanning North America, health officials will be on high alert for germs.
—Lauren Neergaard, Chicago Tribune, 10 June 2026
Regardless of the type, warm or hot water is best, although Shields advises using hot water for dish towels to really tackle the grease, germs, and food stains.
—Cori Sears, The Spruce, 8 June 2026
In addition to limiting the spread of germs, keeping the toilet lid closed at all times is a good idea.
—Abby Wolner, Better Homes & Gardens, 2 June 2026
Surfaces that dry quickly tend to harbor fewer germs, which is why drying after cleaning is a surprisingly important hygiene step.
—Caroline Lubinsky, Martha Stewart, 1 June 2026
Try to use a sanitizer in places where others may have left their germs, Nahass adds.
—Cnn.com Wire Service, Mercury News, 29 May 2026
Washing chicken before cooking does not kill germs.
—Amy Brownstein, Verywell Health, 29 May 2026
Recent Examples of Synonyms for germs
Noun
-
Allegiant Air, which has origins in Las Vegas, has dropped three routes to the Southern Nevada city as part of the 61 routes and seven airports the company cut this year, according to Simple Flying.—
C. A. Bridges,
USA Today,
18 June 2026
-
The project, written by Oliver Draiv, explores the origins of Sherlock Holmes’ greatest adversary against the backdrop of modern-day Turin.—
Leo Barraclough,
Variety,
18 June 2026
Noun
-
Larger roots mean larger iris blooms and better plant vitality the following year.—
SJ McShane,
Martha Stewart,
18 June 2026
-
During a scene in the show toward the end, Hargitay's character roots through several boxes around her.—
Rachel Raposas,
PEOPLE,
18 June 2026
Noun
-
But the seeds of a forthcoming technology paradigm shift have already begun to germinate.—
Rob Toews,
Forbes.com,
22 June 2026
-
Scoop out the seeds with a spoon.—
Alexandra Frost,
USA Today,
22 June 2026
Noun
-
The 22-year-old said his mind drifted back to his own beginnings, in Stockton, on that concept of general generational trauma.—
Luca Evans,
Denver Post,
21 June 2026
-
From their beginnings in the early 1990s, Failure have attracted admirers to their muscular, celestial sound, including Tool’s Maynard James Keenan and Paramore’s Hayley Williams.—
Steve Appleford,
SPIN,
16 June 2026
Cite this Entry
“Germs.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/germs. Accessed 24 Jun. 2026.
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