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 Since its inception, CAMP has helped tens of thousands of migrant students, including Sofia Mireles-Gonzalez, a recent graduate of Michigan State University. Jordan Owens, NPR, 22 Sep. 2025 Since its inception in 1981, La Bottega has been billed as a hospitality curator, enriching the hospitality industry with fragrances and toiletry products from Italian brands like Culti and Ortigia, as well as Etro and Diptyque. Sofia Celeste, Footwear News, 22 Sep. 2025 Notably not returning is Camille Razat, who portrayed Gabriel’s on-again, off-again girlfriend since the inception of the series. Natalie Oganesyan, Deadline, 20 Sep. 2025 However, the company has recently made a huge change that is the impetus for a plan that should drive tremendous shareholder value — after being led by co-founder Aneel Bhusri since inception, Carl Eschenbach became its full-time CEO in February 2024. Kenneth Squire, CNBC, 20 Sep. 2025 See All Example Sentences for inception
Recent Examples of Synonyms for inception
Noun
  • However, there are no such hints for players in Season 3, who are sorted into teams at the beginning of their time in Borderland and told where to go for the next match.
    Kayti Burt, Time, 26 Sep. 2025
  • Indiana can expect dry temperatures around the state at the beginning of October.
    Jade Jackson, IndyStar, 25 Sep. 2025
Noun
  • The festival continues through Sunday, with online and in-person events and writing workshops, including a performance by Kim Addonizio on Friday night and the Santa Clara County Youth Poet Laureate commencement ceremony Saturday night, hosted by Santa Clara County Poet Laureate Yosimar Reyes.
    Sal Pizarro, Mercury News, 23 Sep. 2025
  • Conservative activist Charlie Kirk's memorial service at the State Farm Stadium in Glendale, Arizona, has drawn big crowds and bigger names from the music industry, who have performed in the runup to the commencement of service and speeches.
    Peter Aitken, MSNBC Newsweek, 21 Sep. 2025
Noun
  • Right here, maybe, is the residue of coming back from rough starts the last two years.
    Jim Alexander, Oc Register, 23 Sep. 2025
  • After a rough 0-2 start to the season, Andy Reid and company badly need to figure out how to get in the win column.
    Evan Massey, MSNBC Newsweek, 22 Sep. 2025
Noun
  • The disease typically lasts around 20 years from the onset of neurological problems to death.
    Jenna Prestininzi, Freep.com, 25 Sep. 2025
  • His mother, Lucia Ayala, visited him weekly and noticed the onset of a cough, the outlet said.
    Billal Rahman, MSNBC Newsweek, 24 Sep. 2025
Noun
  • The flight was SpaceX's 124th Falcon 9 mission this year out of a total 542 launches since 2010.
    Robert Z. Pearlman, Space.com, 29 Sep. 2025
  • The new launch comes just a few months after The Dispatch acquired SCOTUSBlog, the legal analysis website.
    Max Tani, semafor.com, 28 Sep. 2025
Noun
  • There’s been a shift from the alpha bro to a more chill, nice guy.
    Ashleigh N. DeLuca, Parents, 24 Sep. 2025
  • There are also stronger alpha-type Pokémon that are much more dangerous.
    Christopher Cruz, Rolling Stone, 24 Sep. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Inception.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/inception. Accessed 29 Sep. 2025.

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