Synonym Chooser

How is the word inception distinct from other similar nouns?

Some common synonyms of inception are origin, root, and source. While all these words mean "the point at which something begins its course or existence," inception stresses the beginning of something without implying causes.

the business has been a success since its inception

When could origin be used to replace inception?

The words origin and inception are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, origin applies to the things or persons from which something is ultimately derived and often to the causes operating before the thing itself comes into being.

an investigation into the origin of baseball

When is root a more appropriate choice than inception?

The synonyms root and inception are sometimes interchangeable, but root suggests a first, ultimate, or fundamental source often not easily discerned.

the real root of the violence

When can source be used instead of inception?

While the synonyms source and inception are close in meaning, source applies more often to the point where something springs into being.

the source of the Nile
the source of recurrent trouble

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 inception This has not been lawful in the United States from its very inception, or in many other countries where the rule of law and respect for individual civil rights are paramount. Andrea Seielstad, The Conversation, 22 Apr. 2025 Fairphone: The first name that sprang to mind (and the only company Bryson and Ethical Consumer recommended), Fairphone has been talking about conflict minerals and striving to reduce their use since its inception. Simon Hill, Wired News, 22 Apr. 2025 Scientists are concerned with how abiogenesis — the inception of life from non-living matter — could have occurred in the first place; some theories state that certain environments on Earth, like hydrothermal vents deep in the ocean or terrestrial hot springs, drove prebiotic processes. Jack Knudson, Discover Magazine, 22 Apr. 2025 Advertisement Advertisement The promise that Earth Day held at its 1970 inception, when climate change was a nascent concept and environmentalism was a bipartisan concern, looks very different than today’s promise. Jerel Ezell, Time, 22 Apr. 2025 See All Example Sentences for inception
Recent Examples of Synonyms for inception
Noun
  • There were language gaps, especially at the beginning.
    Essence, Essence, 24 Apr. 2025
  • Type 1: The Starting Goal The first type of financial goal is the one set at the beginning of a financial journey.
    Andrew Rosen, Forbes.com, 24 Apr. 2025
Noun
  • Today’s college students are thinking about careers long before commencement rolls around.
    Christine Y. Cruzvergara, Forbes.com, 10 Apr. 2025
  • The commencement announcement comes about two months after Texas State University announced plans to award Sheridan an honorary doctorate.
    Brayden Garcia, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 8 Apr. 2025
Noun
  • That was Monday, the day Blewett joined his third major-league team in a two-week span, and one day before the 6-foot-6 right-hander was thrust into the first start of his MLB career.
    David O'Brien, New York Times, 23 Apr. 2025
  • To this point, this is the worst start to a presidential term for the S & P 500 since 1928.
    Jason Gewirtz, CNBC, 23 Apr. 2025
Noun
  • What To Know The onset of the COVID-19 pandemic led to the cancellation of National Social Security Month in 2020 and it was not reinstated during the Biden administration.
    Ross Rosenfeld, MSNBC Newsweek, 23 Apr. 2025
  • Barker says the league has embraced the two different viewing perspectives of seeing players live on site or with their families elsewhere after conducting a fully virtual draft during the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020.
    Eric Jackson, Sportico.com, 23 Apr. 2025
Noun
  • In her launch video, Stratton wasted no time outlining the stakes.
    Melissa Noel, Essence, 25 Apr. 2025
  • While posing for photos at the New York City book launch event, Knowles was joined by Holmes.
    Julia Teti, Footwear News, 25 Apr. 2025
Noun
  • Senior quants or portfolio managers directly generating alpha can earn $1 million to $10 million in exceptional years.
    Jack Kelly, Forbes.com, 27 Apr. 2025
  • Jensen Huang is tech’s new alpha dog Huang’s greatest strength as a CEO has been his willingness to make big, risky bets when opportunities present themselves.
    James Surowiecki, The Atlantic, 8 Apr. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Inception.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/inception. Accessed 2 May. 2025.

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