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 in 1992, the program has helped consumers save energy and money on utility bills, per the Energy Star website. Kate Nalepinski, MSNBC Newsweek, 6 May 2025 Since its inception, 114 BHIPP interns have graduated from the program, Crosby Budinger said. Katelynn Winebrenner, Baltimore Sun, 5 May 2025 At its inception, DOGE was largely supported by Republican lawmakers, who remain thankful Musk brought a spotlight on government reduction, even as some have frustrations over his approach. Julia Shapero, The Hill, 2 May 2025 To the extent that such neat inception points exist in real life, an afternoon at an aging movie palace on the corner of Lake Park and Grand Avenues, in central Oakland, California, provided one for the filmmaker Ryan Coogler. Jelani Cobb, New Yorker, 28 Apr. 2025 See All Example Sentences for inception
Recent Examples of Synonyms for inception
Noun
  • The inaugural Mass marked the official beginning of Leo’s pontificate.
    Molly Bohannon, Forbes.com, 18 May 2025
  • Coming back as a judge 20 years later is such a special full-circle moment for me and it’s meant a lot to share that journey with the people that have been there from the beginning, as well as a whole new generation of Idol fans.
    Michelle Lee, People.com, 18 May 2025
Noun
  • Sheridan’s first stop was in San Marcos on May 8 for Texas State University’s spring commencement, where he was awarded an honorary doctorate of letters.
    Brayden Garcia, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 13 May 2025
  • Bentley University's commencement is set to take place on Friday.
    Nadine El-Bawab, ABC News, 13 May 2025
Noun
  • Now Sánchez is elated to attend Pope Leo XIV’s inaugural Mass in St. Peter’s Square on Sunday, marking the official start of his papacy.
    Angie Leventis Lourgos, Chicago Tribune, 17 May 2025
  • Collecting just one out during last Saturday’s start against the Cincinnati Reds provoked threats on the lives of McCullers and his children.
    Chandler Rome, New York Times, 17 May 2025
Noun
  • At the onset, $50 million in seed money was allocated statewide, but the law stated an additional unspecified amount would be needed in the future.
    Howard Blume, Los Angeles Times, 13 May 2025
  • Former Grey’s Anatomy star Patrick Dempsey is returning to broadcast TV as the lead in Memory of a Killer, Fox’s straight-to-series thriller about a hitman who develops early onset Alzheimer’s.
    Nellie Andreeva, Deadline, 12 May 2025
Noun
  • While working in South America, the Neapolitan engineer oversaw the launch of a plant in Brazil that made Jeep the country’s top-selling SUV brand.
    Mark Phelan, USA Today, 20 May 2025
  • The Taiyuan Satellite Launch Center coordinated the launch, which sent four Tianqi satellites into low Earth orbit (LEO).
    Josh Dinner, Space.com, 19 May 2025
Noun
  • The ratings, which are a forward-looking analysis of investment strategies, indicate that analysts expect the funds to produce positive alpha relative to peers.
    Michelle Fox, CNBC, 14 Apr. 2025
  • 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

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Cite this Entry

“Inception.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/inception. Accessed 22 May. 2025.

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