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 And don’t be afraid to protect yourself and your skin from all those sneaky germs lurking around you, hemlines aside. — Kara Nesvig, Allure, 10 Aug. 2026 Scientists say climate change is helping the germs proliferate and spread northward. — ABC News, 9 Aug. 2026 Manufacturers advertise that these chemicals kill 99% of germs. — Sandee Lamotte, CNN Money, 7 Aug. 2026 This protects you from bacteria in the tank and the tank from any bacteria or germs on your hands. — Bestreviews, Mercury News, 6 Aug. 2026 In those situations, additional washing is unnecessary and may even introduce new germs into your food. — Sarah Garone, HEALTH, 6 Aug. 2026 But while washing can remove dirt and lower the amount of some germs, cyclospora can attach tightly to uneven surfaces and may remain after routine washing. — Emily Kay Votruba, EverydayHealth.com, 3 Aug. 2026 Always assume items have unseen germs or pests and clean them accordingly before bringing them into your home. — Brandee Gruener, Southern Living, 1 Aug. 2026 Cofounded by Juliette Lailler and Marie Belile, Krème touts clean, creamy formulations and focuses on nourishing the skin’s microbiome, which shields against germs, pathogens and inflammation. — Samantha Conti, Footwear News, 31 July 2026
Recent Examples of Synonyms for germs
  1. origins
  2. roots
  3. seed
  4. beginnings
Noun
  • The church’s origins date to the arrival of Christian missionaries in Mombasa in 1844, and its membership has long represented a diverse cross section of Kenyan society, with members of various ethnicities and social strata.
    — Stephanie TriplettAll, Encyclopedia Britannica, 7 Aug. 2026
  • Like Amazon, Airbnb, and many other startup breakthrough stories, Whatnot traces its origins back to a small rental home.
    — Sarah Glodek, Fortune, 7 Aug. 2026
Definition of origins
Noun
  • Matt Wood is 5’7, five inches shorter than Jackman, but that would be good enough to satisfy most fans hoping Logan goes back to his comic roots.
    — Paul Tassi, Forbes.com, 7 Aug. 2026
  • However, a large number of larvae can significantly damage plants’ roots, particularly if the plant is young or already not at its healthiest.
    — Leah Chester-Davis, Better Homes & Gardens, 7 Aug. 2026
Definition of roots
Noun
  • Success, no matter how stupendous, harbors within it the seed of potential failure if taken for granted and not built upon.
    — Naazneen Karmali, Forbes.com, 7 Aug. 2026
  • Save time on cooking prep by picking up this cut of Angus beef that’s marinating in a sesame-teriyaki sauce, which includes soy sauce, honey, and sesame seeds.
    — Michele Laufik, Martha Stewart, 6 Aug. 2026
Definition of seed
Noun
  • Our brains hold onto beginnings and endings and lose the middle.
    — James Glover, Forbes.com, 6 Aug. 2026
  • San Jose native Roberto Mendoza parlayed humble beginnings as a dishwasher into a culinary career at Michelin star restaurants.
    — Laura Ness, Mercury News, 2 Aug. 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 12 Aug. 2026.

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Nglish: Translation of germs for Spanish Speakers

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