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
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Recent Examples of germs
Chicken and turkey carried the highest-risk strains of bacteria, but pork and beef also carried the illness-causing germs.
—
Cara Lynn Shultz, PEOPLE, 24 Oct. 2025
Hot water should be used to kill germs, bacteria, and pests, and thankfully, those aren’t everyday situations.
—Karen Brewer Grossman, Southern Living, 23 Oct. 2025
Dirt and germs breed bad odors.
—Nafeesah Allen, Better Homes & Gardens, 21 Oct. 2025
Exposure to any germs could've killed her.
—Christian Orozco, NBC news, 16 Oct. 2025
Everything that might harbor germs was dangerous.
—New Atlas, 16 Oct. 2025
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
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
Cara Lynn Shultz, PEOPLE, 24 Oct. 2025
Hot water should be used to kill germs, bacteria, and pests, and thankfully, those aren’t everyday situations.
—Karen Brewer Grossman, Southern Living, 23 Oct. 2025
Dirt and germs breed bad odors.
—Nafeesah Allen, Better Homes & Gardens, 21 Oct. 2025
Exposure to any germs could've killed her.
—Christian Orozco, NBC news, 16 Oct. 2025
Everything that might harbor germs was dangerous.
—New Atlas, 16 Oct. 2025
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
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
Recent Examples of Synonyms for germs
Noun
-
Uruguay origins The conference dates back to 2016 and is usually held in Punta del Este in the North American fall.—
Miami Herald,
Miami Herald,
24 Oct. 2025
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But with inflation replacing the earliest moments of that stage, all of a sudden the story of our ultimate origins was thrown into doubt.—
Big Think,
Big Think,
24 Oct. 2025
Noun
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Evolito itself traces its roots to YASA’s early axial flux technology.—
Aamir Khollam,
Interesting Engineering,
24 Oct. 2025
-
For better or for worse, the Halo franchise seems to be done with wacky campaign experiments and is returning to its roots.—
Alyssa Mercante,
Rolling Stone,
24 Oct. 2025
Noun
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For this region specifically, Avalo aims to develop seeds that address its water and climate issues.—
Angela Velasquez,
Sourcing Journal,
3 Nov. 2025
-
The first team to win two games (either in regulation or penalties; there are no draws) will go through to the conference semifinals, and if there’s a need for a third game, it will be hosted by the team with the better seed.—
Avi Creditor,
New York Times,
3 Nov. 2025
Noun
-
Esther isn’t using their beginnings as a weapon, but as a lesson.—
Kate Erbland,
IndieWire,
24 Oct. 2025
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During the interview, the singer discussed success and her career beginnings and shared that her dream was to become a movie director.—
Karla Rodriguez,
Footwear News,
22 Oct. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Germs.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/germs. Accessed 5 Nov. 2025.
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