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germs

noun

plural of germ
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

Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Recent Examples of germs What separates countries is not the germs themselves but the resources available to tackle them, Deng added. — Laura Sharman, CNN Money, 9 Sep. 2026 From accidental spills to germs on packaging containers, a lot of unwanted food particles linger on fridge shelves. — Nafeesah Allen, Better Homes & Gardens, 5 Sep. 2026 In August 2025, Health and Human Services also scaled down the Foodborne Diseases Active Surveillance Network, known as FoodNet, which tracks food poisoning cases, slashing mandatory surveillance of six major germs, including cyclospora. — Sasha Rogelberg, Fortune, 4 Sep. 2026 Key Takeaways Clean your bathroom weekly to prevent germs and make the process more manageable. — Mary Catherine McAnnally Scott, Southern Living, 2 Sep. 2026 Wastewater tracking is the testing of community sewage for viruses and other germs to help health officials monitor disease spread and trends, often before cases show up in clinical testing data. — Mary Walrath-Holdridge, USA Today, 31 Aug. 2026 Xenex LightStrike Infections acquired inside hospitals remain a serious problem, especially when harmful germs survive on surfaces after a patient leaves a room. — Atharva Gosavi, Interesting Engineering, 30 Aug. 2026 Climate change is spreading dangerous germs Our globalized food supply chain has a lot to do with our food safety — and that isn’t going to change any time soon. — Dylan Scott, Vox, 27 Aug. 2026 As horrifying as this might sound, remember that the Romans didn’t know about germs. — Andrew Coletti, Popular Science, 27 Aug. 2026
Recent Examples of Synonyms for germs
  1. origins
  2. roots
  3. seed
  4. beginnings
Noun
  • This double theft was central to the origins, growth, and eventual success of the English colonies and the United States—not just initially but throughout all of American history.
    — Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 11 Sep. 2026
  • Although the war in Europe and the Pacific dominates debates about Allied misconduct, the colonial character of World War II may tell us more about the origins of our present moment.
    — Faisal Devji, Time, 11 Sep. 2026
Definition of origins
Noun
  • Those children need to know their roots, need to know that there is always a place where they are loved and welcomed.
    — Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 11 Sep. 2026
  • Interventions can include removing trees and vegetation or constructing barriers to isolate their roots from the house’s foundations and, at the more extreme and expensive end, underpinning the house by pumping concrete beneath the foundations.
    — Laura Paddison, CNN Money, 11 Sep. 2026
Definition of roots
Noun
  • Other passengers included wine flies, mealworms, plants and seeds.
    — Tariq Malik, Space.com, 15 Sep. 2026
  • The seed, Esfand, is rendered as ovoid lamps and incense holders.
    — Sean Santiago, Architectural Digest, 15 Sep. 2026
Definition of seed
Noun
  • The museum will also look back at NBC milestones ranging from the network’s beginnings in radio to color television and the development of the modern late-night talk show.
    — Bryan Alexander, USA Today, 10 Sep. 2026
  • Many other companies have similar, unlikely stories of their beginnings.
    — Aidan Stretch, CBS News, 8 Sep. 2026
Definition of beginnings

Browse Nearby Words

germproof
germs
germy
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Cite this Entry

“Germs.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/germs. Accessed 16 Sep. 2026.

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