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
Pet dander can trigger allergies, and animals can carry harmful germs.
—
Maria Azzurra Volpe, MSNBC Newsweek, 25 Sep. 2025
The best holders or cups keep your brush away from countertop germs while allowing the bristles to dry thoroughly between cleanings.
—Kate McGregor, Architectural Digest, 24 Sep. 2025
The cause for the germs is two-fold; one is from potential bacteria of the water used to fill them, and two is due to not being washed often enough.
—Mary Cornetta, Better Homes & Gardens, 24 Sep. 2025
The group Enterobacterales encompasses a wide number of common germs, including Escherichia coli and Klebsiella pneumoniae.
—Lauren J. Young, Scientific American, 24 Sep. 2025
Children's immune systems are exposed to many new bacteria and germs every day.
—Sony Salzman, ABC News, 23 Sep. 2025
Use high heat or the sanitation cycle to kill germs.
—Brandee Gruener, Southern Living, 22 Sep. 2025
They filter lymph fluid, which drains from tissues, trapping and destroying germs, cancer cells, and other harmful material.
—New Atlas, 20 Sep. 2025
These co-workers are not heroes for coming in to work with their germs, but selfish and inconsiderate.
—Abigail Van Buren, Boston Herald, 16 Sep. 2025
Maria Azzurra Volpe, MSNBC Newsweek, 25 Sep. 2025
The best holders or cups keep your brush away from countertop germs while allowing the bristles to dry thoroughly between cleanings.
—Kate McGregor, Architectural Digest, 24 Sep. 2025
The cause for the germs is two-fold; one is from potential bacteria of the water used to fill them, and two is due to not being washed often enough.
—Mary Cornetta, Better Homes & Gardens, 24 Sep. 2025
The group Enterobacterales encompasses a wide number of common germs, including Escherichia coli and Klebsiella pneumoniae.
—Lauren J. Young, Scientific American, 24 Sep. 2025
Children's immune systems are exposed to many new bacteria and germs every day.
—Sony Salzman, ABC News, 23 Sep. 2025
Use high heat or the sanitation cycle to kill germs.
—Brandee Gruener, Southern Living, 22 Sep. 2025
They filter lymph fluid, which drains from tissues, trapping and destroying germs, cancer cells, and other harmful material.
—New Atlas, 20 Sep. 2025
These co-workers are not heroes for coming in to work with their germs, but selfish and inconsiderate.
—Abigail Van Buren, Boston Herald, 16 Sep. 2025
Recent Examples of Synonyms for germs
Noun
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The origins of Betty White's Chicken Pacific recipe aren't well-documented, but it's thought to have started with whole chicken breasts baked in a sweet, sticky sauce.—
Sarah Martens,
Better Homes & Gardens,
4 Oct. 2025
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Entertainment Weekly looks back on the acclaimed singer's discography, from her country origins to her latest pop anthems.—
Lauren Huff,
Entertainment Weekly,
4 Oct. 2025
Noun
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Her perky protagonist notably navigated a romantic relationship with vampire Bill Compton and explored the roots of her own fairy ancestry.—
Matt Cabral,
Entertainment Weekly,
4 Oct. 2025
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The brand, which began as a music label in 2002 before adding a ready-to-wear line in 2005, will retain Maison Kitsuné’s youth culture roots while targeting a more mature audience.—
Rhonda Richford,
Footwear News,
4 Oct. 2025
Noun
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Chia Seeds Chia seeds offer a balanced mix of protein, carbohydrates, and fat, which supports a sustained cascade of energy throughout the day.—
Cristina Mutchler,
Verywell Health,
29 Sep. 2025
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Pests, disease, and weather can all play a part in unsightly stretches of brown grass, and tossing some grass seed over the area may not be the answer.—
Karen Brewer Grossman,
Southern Living,
29 Sep. 2025
Noun
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But in the end, her chilling ode to the beginnings of her romance with Joe Alwyn won out.—
Lauren Huff,
Entertainment Weekly,
4 Oct. 2025
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Opal symbolizes clarity, new beginnings, healing, and emotional equilibrium.—
Lian Brooks,
Glamour,
3 Oct. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Germs.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/germs. Accessed 6 Oct. 2025.
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