Synonym Chooser

How is the word origin distinct from other similar nouns?

Some common synonyms of origin are inception, root, and source. While all these words mean "the point at which something begins its course or existence," 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

In what contexts can inception take the place of origin?

Although the words inception and origin have much in common, inception stresses the beginning of something without implying causes.

the business has been a success since its inception

When might root be a better fit than origin?

While in some cases nearly identical to origin, root suggests a first, ultimate, or fundamental source often not easily discerned.

the real root of the violence

When is source a more appropriate choice than origin?

The meanings of source and origin largely overlap; however, 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 origin The origins of the phrase can be traced back to a song and a basketball player. Jack Beresford, MSNBC Newsweek, 3 Oct. 2025 That hit him on that trip to Getaria, the small fishing village of Cristóbal’s origin. Sarah Mower, Vogue, 3 Oct. 2025 For scientists, that discrepancy keeps open — but does not confirm — the possibility of a biological origin. Sharmila Kuthunur, Space.com, 3 Oct. 2025 The scientists, who published their findings in The Astrophysical Journal Letters, believe their research could help answer a mystery related to the origins of rogue planets. Chris Young, Interesting Engineering, 2 Oct. 2025 See All Example Sentences for origin
Recent Examples of Synonyms for origin
Noun
  • What's Next Chinese research ship operations in neighboring maritime zones are likely to remain a source of controversy as the country continues to strengthen its posture in the region.
    Micah McCartney, MSNBC Newsweek, 1 Oct. 2025
  • A lot of the information being funneled to him and his peers from news sources wasn't clear.
    David Ferrara, Cincinnati Enquirer, 30 Sep. 2025
Noun
  • When shopping, look for ginger root that is firm and smooth.
    Susan Selasky, Freep.com, 4 Oct. 2025
  • Used a mulch, leaves keep soil cooler in the summer and warmer in the winter, protecting plant roots from extreme temperatures.
    Mary Marlowe Leverette, Southern Living, 4 Oct. 2025
Noun
  • It’s estimated to affect up to 7 in 100,000 people, most often of European ancestry, and appears to be less common among other groups.
    Jacqueline Howard, CNN Money, 24 Sep. 2025
  • Marcie was given a DNA test to find out more about her ancestry, and the results blew Landerman away.
    Alyce Collins, MSNBC Newsweek, 24 Sep. 2025
Noun
  • The university known as the cradle of astronauts will soon send a few more folks to the final frontier.
    Mike Wall, Space.com, 23 Sep. 2025
  • Finally, one of the tall cranes lifted the boat out of the water, high into the air, and carefully swung it over and down onto the team’s boat cradle, on shore.
    Jan Wagner, San Diego Union-Tribune, 19 Sep. 2025
Noun
  • There are few better ways to commemorate the beginning of autumn than by curling up on the couch to enjoy a movie night or start your annual Gilmore Girls rewatch.
    Maggie Horton, PEOPLE, 2 Oct. 2025
  • If Orlando pairs fierce defense with just enough scoring to get by, this could be the beginning of a special group.
    Fred Katz, New York Times, 2 Oct. 2025
Noun
  • In other words, humility — more than lineage or fortune — may be the true secret to survival.
    Big Think, Big Think, 2 Oct. 2025
  • Outside his parish, a mosaic of Augustinian saints — including Saint Monica, Clare of Montefalco, and Saint Rita of Cascia — reflects that spiritual lineage.
    Jason DeRose, NPR, 2 Oct. 2025
Noun
  • What’s the genesis of DopeyCon?
    Shirley Halperin, Rolling Stone, 1 Oct. 2025
  • That was the real genesis of this film.
    Scott Roxborough, HollywoodReporter, 28 Sep. 2025
Noun
  • It’s embossed with a distinctive tire-tread pattern that echoes Lamborghini’s track pedigree.
    Carol Besler, Robb Report, 3 Oct. 2025
  • The Aces have a championship pedigree and enter as slight favorites.
    Ben Verbrugge, MSNBC Newsweek, 3 Oct. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Origin.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/origin. Accessed 6 Oct. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on origin

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